Laundry

L.

Manual

RAY BALDERSTON

DIRECTOR OF THE DEPARTMENT OF DOMESTIC SCIENCE IN BOARDMAN MANUAL TRAINING HIGH SCHOOL, NEW HAVEN, CONN.

M.

C LIMERICK

INSTRUCTOR OF DOMESTIC- SCIENCE IN DREXEL

INSTITUTE, PHILADELPHIA, PA.

Third Edition
Revised and Enlarged

Philadelphia

AVIL PRINTING COMPANY

Market and Fortieth
Z903.
Sts.

CONTENTS.
PAOB

CHAPTER

Introductory
Equipment
for

Home Laundry ....

Work

Outline of Laundry

General Rules

9
16
17

CHAPTER

II.;Stains

Removal
Recipes

24
26 29
. .

CHAPTER

III.

-Table Linen

Bed Linen

CHAPTER CHAPTER CHAPTER

IV. -Body Linen

V.

35

-Flannels

42
45
.

VI. -Shirts
Collars and Cuffs
.

49
49
51

Shirt Waists

....
...
.
. .

CHAPTER-

VII.

-Colored Clothes

Stockings

51

CHAPTER

VIII.

-Embroideries

-53
54 54 56
59

Laces
Clear Starching

CHAPTER CHAPTER

IX.

-Cleansing

X.

Soap

Making

Recipes for Soap

60

CHAPTER

XI.-

Outline of Course for Instructors

....

6i

(5)

LAUNDRY MANUAL.
CHAPTER
I.

Introductory.

Mquipment for a Home Lanndry.

Set tubs, three or four.

Clothes wringer. Clothes stick. Clothes boiler (tin or copper).

Clothes line.

Wash

board.

Clothes pins.

Clothes basket or

pail.

Water pail.
Scrubbing brushes. Saucepan for starch.

Spoon

for starch.

Strainer for starch.

Agate pan

for starching.

Heavy

cloth for tubs

and

boiler.

Clothes horse.

Duster for

lines.

Bosom

board.

Skirt board.

Sleeve board. Small pointed irons.

Heavy

irons.
(7)

8
Iron holders.
Flannel.

Laundry Manual.

Iron

rest.

Wax.
Polishing iron.

Heavy

paper.

Small pieces of muslin and cheese cloth. Ironing table, covered with canton flannel, or coarse
blanket and fine cotton cloth.

Reagents.
Salt.

Vinegar.

Borax. Naphtha. Hydrochloric

acid.

Alum. Ammonia.
Oxalic acid.

French chalk.
Javelle water.

Bran

in cheese cloth bags,

9x9

inches.

Other agents:
Soda,

Washing powders,
Turpentine,

Kerosene,
Starch,

Bluing,
Paraffine.

Introductory.

I.

Preparation of the
Sorting,

Outline of haundry Work. Wash:

Removing stains, Water used,
Soap,
Blue.

II.

Method of Washing
Soaking,

Washing,
Rinsing,
Boiling,

Rinsing,

Bluing,
Starching,

Hanging,
Drying,
Sprinkling,
Stretching,

Folding.
III.

Ironing.

IV.

Folding.

General Rules.

Washing

is

the mechanical cleansing of clothes to

all

remove

impurities and dirt.

This

is

necessary

for health

and

cleanliness.

All clothes should be

;

two weeks once a week more cleanly and sanitary. If clothes are only washed every two weeks, they should be put away with care and should be thoroughly dry.

washed
being

at least once in

still

Sorting

is

the separating of clothes, before washing,

into the divisions in

which they are

to

be washed.

lo

Laundry Manual.
Table linen, Bed and body linen,
Flannels,
j

Stockings,
Prints.

There are several equally good methods for sorting. The flannels may be washed ^rsti_bii|.tio' matter when they are washed, thev must be washed alone and with great care. /Embroideries have not been
classified with tht regular laundry, as they are seldom washed- at the same time; and also because they require s-iich care in quick drying and ironing while daijip, that the laundress has not the time to care for them properly. They should be collected and washed when there is time to care for them. Removing stains. In sorting the linen, care should be used to find all stains, and the garments should be laid aside, so that each stain may have its individual

treatment.

Table linen

may have

tea

and

coffee

stains,

grease spots, chocolate or fruit stains.

Aprons and dresses may have ink or grass stains, and rust or grease spots. Sheets and clothing may have grease or rust
spots.

Each

stain should be carefully

examined and

removed, if possible, before any washing, as the hot water and soap are likely to set stains. Clothes which are damp, and allowed to lay This is a vegfetable folded, are likely to mildew. growth and hard to remove, as it attacks the fibres
of the cloth.

Introductory.

should be clear and soft for washing. If it is when the soap is used, there will be a scuin on the water. Hard water may be softened by using alkalies, as soda or ammonia; by boiling, and thus depositing the minerals which make it hard, or by a slower method of exposing to the air. Soaps are manufactured by mixing a fat and an alkali
hard,
(like soda or potash). The value of the soap depends upon the alkalies present, and upon the kind of fat; many varieties have coloring matters and perfumes in addition. Some are kneaded like bread dough, therefore they contain air, and in that way they are made to float. It is more economical to buy soap in large quantities, so that it may be put in a moderately warm room to dry and harden. Other agents are generally used, either to soften the water, whiten the clothes, or to make the rubbing easier. These are agents whereby the laundress hopes to make laundry work less of a drudgery. Soda is used to soften the water. Alnxn is used to clear the water. One tablespoon of alum dissolved in water and added to the water If added to a tub of will precipitate the mud.

^ater

soiled water,

it

will precipitate the dirt, so that the

water can be used again, if water is very scarce. (For the sake of thorough cleanliness not advisable.)

Ammonia

is

used in softening the water and remov-

ing dirt from the clothing. Borax is valuable in removing dirt, whitening the One-half lb. clothes, and giving gloss to them.
to lo gal. water is a

good proportion when

it

takes

12

Laundry Manual.
the place of a washing powder.
sisting of
It is

salt,

con-

an acid and soda. It is not so violent in action as soda but has a powerful effect in softening the water. It is a good cleansing agent as it does not harm the material or color hence it
;

is

the safest agent to use for delicate fabrics or colored material.

is

Kerosene
I/ye

used to loosen the

is

dirt,

and may be added

i

in the proportion of 3 tablespoons to

lb.

of soap.

made from wood ashes

water.

used for softening the

Paraffine

Wax
is

may

be used instead of kerosene or

if

turpentine.

used carefully, It has a very strong alkali present, and so should be used with care, as should all prepared washing powders. Turpentine will whiten the clothes. Blue or Indigo. Indigo is made from a plant which comes from Calcutta, Egypt and Guatemala. Prussian Blue is a chemical compound containing iron. Ultramarine is insoluble in water and gives
is

Pearline

a substitute for borax, and,

not harmful to the hands or clothes.

the cloth.

a tint by means of a very fine powder which enters Any of the blues are used to counteract

Garments should be thoroughly shaken out before going into the blue water. If Prussian Blue is used, the clothes must
the yellow from the soap.

be very thoroughly rinsed before putting into the blue water, as the alkali of the soap decomposes
the iron
rust,

compound and the

result is seen in iron

and sometimes

in a yellowish tint over the

clothes.

Introductory.

Process of Washing all Clothes in General.

JVasbing
as to

is

a mechanical means of removing

is

dirt.

clothes board

used and the clothes are rubbed so

dirt.

remove the

If

some of the

clothes are

very coarse and dirty, they may be cleaned with a short, small scrubbing brush. This is good for

hand towels and overalls. The clothes are washed first on the right side and then are turned and washed on the wrong side. Rinsing. After the two washings, the clothes should be rinsed in clear water so as to remove any loose dirt before putting them into the boiler. Boiling. The clothes, after being rinsed, are wrung and soaped all over, and placed in the boiler with

few pieces of soap may be After coming to a boil the clothes should boil briskly for five minutes; briskly, so as to keep the scum from setIf they are not clean they may boil tling on them.
clear, cold water.

thrown into the

boiler for suds.

Use a clothes-stick to open the clothes and to take them from the boiler.
longer.

Miusimf

The water is again necessary after boiling. should be cold and clear. Two waters for rinsing will whiten the clothes and will remove all soap. Clothes should always be rinsed well before bluing, as the soap and blue combine and cause iron

rust.

BluiMf.

made by adding indigo to clear, lumps of indigo are used, they should be tied in a cloth and then rubbed in the water until the water is the required color. Test
is

Blue water

cold water.

If

14

Laundry Manual.
by holding
in the

palm of the hand, or by bluing

opened well before going

a small garment.

The

clothes should be

into the bluing, so that they will not be streaked

with blue. The clothes, if quite yellow, may remain in the blue water a little while. The water should be well stirred every time the clothes are added, as the indigo settles to the bottom. In making the bluing, the water should be well stirred each time before more blue is added. After bluing, the clothes are wrung and are then starched, or not, as is necessary, and then hung. Starching. Thickness of starch depends upon the

articles to

Hanging

be starched. should be in the open air. The line should be perfectly clean and the pins clean. The line should not be left out to get soiled, and the pins should be scrubbed well when soiled. Always

shake the garments well, hang straight, and with the wind. Polding. When dry, the clothes should be stretched and folded carefully; then they will have fewer creases and will iron more easily. Sprinkling. They are sprinkled, rolled, and allowed to stand an hour or so, sometimes over night, If they stand some time they will before ironing. be more evenly dampened and will iron more

Irons. Irons
table

rolls to distribute the moisture. should be of various sizes: small ones with points for small clothing; heavy ones for
easily.

Pound the

and bed
collars;

linen;

polishing

irons
for

for cuffs

and

Mrs.

Potts' irons

convenience.

Introductory.

15

Irons which are rusty should be rubbed while

warm with beeswax, and

a cloth.

then rubbed quickly with

Irons are improved by washing frequently

with soap and water, then rubbing with sand soap. Rinse with boiling water and wipe dry. Place on the stove and when hot rub with beeswax. Wipe with a cloth before using. Irons not in use will be kept from rusting if covered with wax. They should always be kept in a dry place.

CHAPTER
Stains.
Character of Stain.

II.

Reagent.

Blood,

Cold water,
Fels

Naptha soap and warm

water.

Cold raw starch

Brass
I^ard

Olive
Chocolate Tea,
Coffee

oil,

Borax and cold water,

Boiling water,

Fruit

Boiling water
Javelle water

Glue
Grass,

Vinegar,
Fels Naptha soap and water,

Ammonia and
Alcohol
Molasses,

water

Paste of
soda,
(i6)

soap and cooking

CHAPTER
Stains.

II.

Method of Removing.

Wash

in cold water until stain turns brown, then rub with

Pels

Naptha soap and soak

in

warm

water.

If thick goods,

make
oil-

a paste of
is

raw starch and apply

removed.

several times until the stain

Rub

either lard or

on

stain,

then wash in

warm

water

and soap.
Sprinkling the stain with the borax and soaking in cold
water" first, will aid the action of the boiling water.

Spread stained part over a bowl, pour boiling water on from a height so as to strike the stain with force.

it

Use same as for coffee stains. Use Javelle solution and boiling water in equal quantities and immerse stained portion, allowing it to soak a
few minutes, then
water.
rinse

thoroughly with boiling

Apply vinegar with a

cloth until stain is removed.

Wash in Fels Naptha Ammonia and water

colors.

soap and warm water. applied at once if not on delicate

Wash

in alcohol.
;

If color

may be affected, use molasses or the paste on and allow to stand for several hours.
(17)

spread

18

Laundry Manuals
Boiling water,

Indigo,

Ink,

Milk
Oxalic acid,
.

Salt

and lemon

juice,

Javelle water,
Collins'

Ink Kradicator,

Iodine,

Bther
Chloroform,
Fels

Naptha soap and warm

water

Iron rust,

Hydrochloric acid,

Lemon juice and

salt,

Stains.

19

Wash

in boiling water.

Sometimes boiling the

article

will

draw out the

spots of indigo formed from im-

perfect bluing.
If stain
is

fresh, place stained, portion in

milk and allow

to stand.

If

milk

is

discolored use more.

Wet with
let
is

cold water, pour

oxalic acid

on the

stain,

stand a few- minutes and then rinse. removed, wash in water to which

When

stain

ammonia has

been added. is dry and well set, cover with salt and lemon juice, or use Javelle water as for other stains. Use as directed on the box. Note. Either of the last three methods is likely to extract color. If the kind of ink is known, it is best to try the different reagents on a small piece of the goods before attempting to remove stain. Some ink, owing to its chemical composition, is more easily removed by one method than by another.
If stain

I<et

stand in ether or chloroform until iodine

is

dissolved

and disappears.

Wash

while fresh in Fels Naptha soap and

warm

water.

Spread stained portion over a bowl containing one quart of water and one teaspoon borax. Apply acid, drop by drop, until stain brightens, then dip stain at once If not removed, use same method until into water. stain disappears. Care should be taken to use either borax or ammonia in rinsing water. Sprinkle stain with salt and moisten with lemon juice lay in the sun. This method is slower and less likely
.

to affect material.

Either method will extract color.

20
Kerosene,

Laundry Manual.
Fuller's earth,

I/amp black,

Kerosene,
Fels

Naptha

soap,

Machine

oil,

Cold water and Ivory Soap, Turpentine

Meat

juice,

Cold water and soap,

Alcohol,

Medicine

Mildew

Lemon juice and

Paste
I
I
:

sunshine,

soft soap,

tablespoon powd. starch,

lemon

(juice),

salt.

Milk Cream,

Cold water,

Mucus,

Ammonia
Soap,

Mucus mixed with blood,

Salt

and cold water,

....

Paint,

Benzine
Turpentine,

Perspiration,

Soap solution and sunshine,

Javelle water

Stains.

Cover the stain with thick layer of hot Fuller's earth and let it remain twenty-four hours, then brush off.

Wet

with kerosene, then wash with Pels Naptha soap

and warm water.

Wash
Rub

in soap

and cold water.

stain with turpentine.

Wash
Soak

in cold water, then follow with soap.

in alcohol.

Put on lemon juice and let stand in direct sunlight. Cover the spot with the paste and allow to stand
eight hours.

forty-

A second application may be necessary.

Wash
Soak

in cold water, then

fcUow with soap.

in

ammonia water, then wash in cold water and soap.

Two

tablespoons
several hours.

salt,

one quart cold water.

Soak

for

Use double quantity of salt

if articles

are of thick material or badly stained.

Rub

with benzine or turpentine.

chloroform or naphtha
is best.

For

delicate

colors,

Place in sunshine, having been previously washed with

soap suds.
Javelle water

may

be used on white goods.

22

Laundry Manual.
Sunlight,
Fels

Scorch
Stove polish

Naptha soap and cold

water,

Varnish

Alcohol,

Turpentine,

Vaseline

Turpentine,

Wagon
Wax,

grease,

Lard,
Olive
oil.

Absorbent
,

paper

and warm

iron

Wine,

Salt

and boiling water,

Stains.

23

Hang
If

in sunlight,

and

slight scorch will be removed.

washed while

fresh, the stain is easily

removed.
it

Wet

the stain with alcohol or turpentine and allow

to
ofE

stand a few minutes, then wet again and sponge

with a clean cloth. Continue this until stain is removed. In case the color is afifected by alcohol,

sponge with chloroform

dilute viiiegar.

but for blue inaterial use

Wash a fresh vaseline stain with turpentine. Soaking may aid the removal. Stain cannot be removed after
it

has been boiled.

Rub

either oil or lard

on

stain,

then wash with

warm

water and soap.

Scrape off all that is possible, then place blotting paper over spot and press with warm iron. This will soften wax and cause it to be absorbed by the paper.
If

there is color as from colored candle wax, use

wax. Put thick layer of salt on stain as soon as made, then Boiling milk treat with boiling water as fruit stains. may be used in the same way.
alcohol to extract color after removing

24

Laundry Manual.

Recipes.

Bran Water.
}4

cup wheat bran,

pt.

cold water.
Boil one-half hour,

Mix

the cold water with the bran.

then strain and add another pint of warm water. If articles are greasy or very dirty, add melted soap to the bran preparation. Wash by squeezing and shaking in water, Bran water will as rubbing causes the color to run. If stiffness is not desired, stiffen articles washed in it. -rinse articles in salt and water.

Gum Water.
I

oz. best

gum

arabic,

pt. boiling

water.

Pour the water over the gum and let stand. Stir occaStrain through fine muslin, then bottle. This will keep a long time and may be used
sionally until dissolved.

according to the stiffness required.

Javelle Water.
I

lb.

washing soda,
boiling water,

j4 lb. chloride of lime,

2 qts.

I qt.

cold water.

Put the soda into an agate pan and add the boiling
water.

Dissolve the lime in the cold water.

settle

I,et

the

mixture
soda.

Bottle,

and pour the clear liquid into the dissolved and keep in a dark place.

Javelle water forms a very efficient bleaching liquid for

unbleached fabrics, as well as for cotton goods that have become yellow with dirt and age. To remove stains from
white goods, soak the
article in equal quantities of Javelle
;

Water and hot water until the stain disappears

then rinse

Recipes.

25
finally in dilute

thorouglily in several waters,

and

ammo-

nia water.

Javelle removes all stains and all colors, and

therefore should not be used

injured.

on colored goods.

If articles

remain too long in the Javelle water, the

fibre will

be

Detergent.
I 1

J^ oz.

white

castile soap,

oz. ether,

oz. alcohol,

4 oz. ammonia.
in
i

Cut soap
solved.

fine

and heat

pint of soft water until dis-

Then add
i

ingredients.

3 quarts of cold water and the other For cleaning black goods, use i wine glass
pint

of this liquid in
article too
stifi",

warm

water.

If this

makes

the

add more water. For removing spots from woolen goods, as men's clothing, apply (only slightly diluted) with a sponge. It is always safer to test any cleansing solution with a piece of the material before
attempting to remcg^e stain, as the ether
color.

may

affect

the

Ai,uM Water.
2 oz. alum,
I

gal. water.

This

is

children's dresses, rendering

used for rinsing curtains, muslin hangings and them non-inflammable.

Cold Starch.
2

tablespoons laundry starch,

yi,

teaspoon borax,

cups cold water.

little

Dissolve the borax in a

the dissolved borax.

boiling water
;

cold water gradually to the starch

mix

well, then

add the add

Stir before using.

CHAPTER
Stains

III.

Table Linen.
:

Fruit,
Tea and
Grease,
coffee,

Chocolate,

Iron rust.

Washing.

Table linen does not need so much rubbing

is soft

The clothes it is rarely very dirty. wringer should be loosened for all table linen as
because
the material

and creases

easily.

Hanging.

All table linen should be well stretched and hung very Sprinkling. Table linen should be well sprinkled
straight.

and then, when ironed dry, the gloss will be more perfect and the pattern will shine prettily. Fold evenly and wrap in a heavy cloth. Ironing. Use heavy irons and iron both sides. Iron on the right side last so as to bring out the pattern.

The

doth or napkin should be ironed partly dry and then, when it is turned on the right side, ironed dry. Fold table cloths by folding selvages together. They may be folded with either four or three lengthwise folds. Napkins should be folded with selvages together. Fold all edges very
evenly, except

when folding the lengthwise

folds in

Here the upper half should be drawn back about one-half inch, otherwise, in making the last
half.
(26)

Laundry Manual.

27

Plate No. I.

THE FOLDING OF TABLE LINEN.

Bed Linen.
fold this part will be

29

pushed out about that disThis applies as well to table cloths, sheets and handkerchiefs. Doylies may have the fringe brushed with a strong whisk broom, rather than combing which tears the Tray cloths should be folded in three folds fringe.
tance,

making the edges uneven.

if it is

necessary to fold them.

or
roll

It is better to lay
roll.

them

flat,

around a paper

Bed Linen.

Stains

^Vaseline,

Medicine,
Iron rust.
Blood.

Soaking.

Soak

half an hour with

soap

in

cold

or

Washing. Sheets

lukewarm

water.

should be washed on

both

sides

and, in order that every part receive

attention,

they should be washed systematically from one side Pillow cases should be turned to the other. wrong side out in the washing, and then left in that condition until folded for ironing. In washing

bed linen the hems require the most care. They should be well soaped and rubbed. Hanging. Sheets may be hung out full, as a tablecloth; if a pole is not used, they must be folded in half over the line. Pillow cases are hung by the seam

opposite the hems.

are
liable

If opened to the wind, they

torn,

to

be

as there

is

no opening

opposite.

Folding. Fold hems until

selvages
even,

^nra pillow

of sheets together and pull cases right side out.

30

Laundry Manual,

Ironing.

Care

should be exercised in ironing hems.

The sheets may be folded with the ordinary fold, or may be folded the same as tablecloths. (See
chart under table linen.)

Pillow cases should be

If the

ironed very smooth, especially the hems.

is

embroidery on the cases

it

should be ironed y?^

and on the wrong side. Always iron the case its by beginning in the corner where the side and e seams meet; iron from the side seam across the cai

The cases should be folded in thirds, that only two creases.

is,

wiiu

Laundry Manual.

31

t
TH:e

3.

Plate No.

2.

FOLDING OF NIGHT DRESSES.

Laundry Manual.

33

'M'lii"i>'iii"iit"i'ii|'^

Plate No. 3.

THE FOLDING OF DRAWERS.

CHAPTER

IV.

Body Linen.
Drawers,
Handkerchiefs,

Aprons,

Night dresses, Corset covers, Skirts. Stains. Grease, blood, iron rust, vaseline, medicine. Soaking. Soak one-half hour with soap in cold or lukewarm water. Washing. Wash in warm water and soap. Wash drawers and nightdress in the first water on the right side, in the second water wash on the wrong side. If two waters are not used, the clothes are turned and both sides washed in the same water. Soap the bottom hems, seams and bands well and rub thoroughly. In wringing, turn the buttons inside, and be sure to turn them flat so as not to force them off. Boiling. Soap oands, seams and hems well before boilBoil briskly for five minutes and then rinse ing.

in cold water.

Starching.
than

For trimming, the starch should be thinner

%
i

body of the garments. For trimming use:

for the

^
J^

tablespoon starch,

teaspoon lard,

cup cold water,

I

teaspoon borax,

qt. boiling water.

For body ofgarments use:

ij^

tablespoons

(instead J^ tablespoon)

starch.

Add

the cold water to the starch, lard and borax,

(35)

36
stirring to

Laundry Manual.
remove lumps; then slowly add the
stirring

boiling water,

constantly.

The

starch

should be cooked slowly one-half hour and strained.

Borax

stiffens

and the

fat

smooths

it.

Add

little

blue water to the starch.

Wring
fingers.

as dry as possible

Use starch very hot. and rub in with the

Starch:

Cufis and yoke of nightdress.

Hems and

tucks of drawers.

All oi corset cover with thin starch.

RufEle of skirt, or sometimes the lower half.

Hanging.

Hang wrong side out and with the wind.

Nightdress,
Skirt,

by one side of lower hem. by one side of lower hem. Drawers, by the band. Corset cover, by one of fronts, or thrown over the line and pinned by middle seam of back.
the body
of the underclothes

Sprinkling.

Sprinkle

well, but not too heavily.

the lace and trimming between the fingers, which have been dipped in water. Both hems and trimming should be well sprinkled; the hems, because they are thick and the

Rub

trimming, because
quickly.

it

is

thin and likely to dry

Folding.

Lay trimming
Iron

all inside

and

fold in the

hems

before folding the garment.

tightly.

Roll smoothly and

Ironing.

Iron

side.

a space at

embroidery on flannel and on wrong all garments quickly, ironing as large one time as is possible. Iron buttons on

Laundry Manual.

37

Plate No. /.

THE FOLDING OF CORSET COVERS.

Laundry Manual.

39

Plate No. s-

th:e foi/Ding

of chemises.

Body Linen.
the
for

41

wrong

side.

If clothes are too dry,

use a cloth

dampening.
first.

In ironing nightdress, iron the embroidery and

tucks on the sleeve

Then

iron the yoke, the

fold.

body of the nightdress, and then

iron well into the gathers.

Run

the

In ironing drawers, iron the trimming, tucks, and then the body and the band.
Corset covers should be ironed with smaller iron,

and between the seams.

In ironing then
the
skirt,

the rufiQe

is

ironed

first,

and

may be laid back without wrinkling hem of the skirt is ironed. Then iron the

while body.

Do

not fold the skirt at once but hang to dry, as

the folds are usually damp.

"1

Handkef chiefs are ironed the same as napkins.

Towels, with the exception of those with colored
borders,

are

washed and boiled

as

body

linen.

They
Note.

are ironed on both sides and folded in three

folds.

Do not use alkaline substances, as soapine,

ine,

lengthwise

pearl-

washing soda,
as
it

for diapers, as they

irritate.

remain in

the fabric after drying, and

Ammonia

and so will leave the fabric. Fels Naptha soap and warm water may be used in place of the washing powders.
is

may be used

volatile

CHAPTER
Flannels.

V.

Washing.

Four short rules may be

observed in wash-

ing flannels:

Wash one piece at a time. Do not soak, boil or rub. Do not wash in dirty water. Wash in waters of same temperature.
Flannels should be washed either
that they
first

or last so
to

may have

the attention they require.

They should be passed quickly from one water

another, until ready for the line.

Wash in lukewarm water to which melted soap has been added one-fourth pound of Ivory or Wool soap in one quart of water. This is necessary as soap should not be rubbed on flannel. Wash up and down in the water without rubbing, if possible. It is a mistaken idea to wear flannels as long as possible, thinking they will shrink when first

washed.

If

this

idea

is

followed, the flannels

become so

rubbing is necessary. Any mechanical treatment, as rubbing or wringing,

soiled that

causes the fibres of which flannels are

shorten; hence the garment shrinks.
If very soiled,

made

to

use

tablespoon

ammonia

to 2

gallons of water.

In

many

cases, better results

may

be obtained

by using a second

suds.
(42)

Flannels.

43

Rinsing.

Rinse

in

temperature as the

two or three waters, all of the same first wash water. Adding one

tablespoon of glycerine to the last water helps to

keep the wool

well, pull in

soft.

Hanging. Blue and

squeeze as dry as possible. Shake shape and hang to dry in a moderately warm place. Flannels often shrink from being hung too near a fire and dried quicklj'.

Hang wrong
turn.

side

out and

when

nearly dry,

Blankets

may

be stretched in curtain stretchers

to dry, instead of being hung.

Stockings or socks may be dried on wooden forms. This is frequently done for children's socks. Knitted shawls or squares 0/ flannel sh.0VL\6. be dried on a sheet placed on the floor. Unless held by stretchers, all flannels should be pulled and stretched into shape while drying. Ironing. Underwear and stockings are pressed ofi" after

drying.

Flannel
slightly

shirts, shirt waists, skirts

and

blankets,

not dried in stretchers,

may

be ironed by laying a In removing

dampened cheese cloth over the flannel and

pressing with a moderately hot iron.

the cheese cloth, the fibres will be drawn up giving

the flannel the fluffy appearance of

new

material.

Soap for Washing Blankets.

I

large bar Ivory Soap,

2 tablespoons borax,

cup wood alcohol. 3 quarts cold water, Shave the soap into the cold water and heat to
boiling point.

When

cold,

add borax and alcohol.

44

Laundry Manual.
Put one quart of this solution into the first tub, one pint into the second tub and then rinse in clear All three waters should be of the same water. temperature. Follow the rules above for washing. This solution will wash four pairs of blankets.

CHAPTER
Stains :

VI.

Shirts, Shirt Waists, Collars

and Cuffs.

Rust,
Grease,

Ink,
Fruit.

Washing. In washing, color may fade. It

by using
salt

care should be used as the

is well to guard against this and water, i tablespoon to i gallon of water, or vinegar and water, J^ cup to i gallon water. Sometimes one, and sometimes the other

is better.

If

it

seems faded before putting

in

it

into

water, rinse in vinegar and water.

Rinsing,

and water, using proportions above. Boiling. Do not bail colored clothes.
shirt

Rinse quickly in clear water; then vinegar waist may be starched with Starching. The whole
starch

made

as follows:

ij^ tablespoons starch,

J^ cup cold water,
5^ teaspoon borax,
I

qt.

boiling water.

Prepare and cook as described on page 35. Use one-half at first, and, as it thins and
use the
rest.

cools,

For black waists, the starch may be darkened with one-half cup of coffee solution reducing the boiling water that much. Blue waists may have blue water added to the
starch before starching.
(45)

46

Laundry Manual.

Do not add blue water to the starch for pink, green or lavender shirt waists. If desired, the starch may be colored with corresponding dye. Drying. Hang by the neck band so that it will dry

well; if of delicate colors,

Starching.

Shirt bosoms,

cuffs, collars

hang out of the sun. txA front plaits

of shirt waists

be starched according to Use Jive tablespoo7is of staxch for this instead of one and a half as used for the body.
the laundry method.

may now

A
will

cloth should be stretched

it

tacked to keep

be like

on the table and smooth and tight. The starch a jelly and should be rubbed in with

the fingers.

The rubbing

is

not complete until

sides

the various thicknesses of material are as one.

Then the starch must be wiped from both In finishing the rubbing, a damp cloth.
the goods are free from wrinkles and,
that the stripes are perfectly straight.

by

see that

if striped,

Sprinkling.

After drying the second time, the shirt or

may
be sprinkled.

shirt waist

Dampen

the bosom

of the shirt, the cuffs, the front plait and the collar
(if

attached)

by rubbing on both

sides with a

damp

cloth.

Sprinkle the rest of the waist or shirt evenly

roll,

and then
a

folding the heavily starched parts in

damp

cloth.

Collars

and

cuffs

are

dampened the same

as

those attached to shirt waists and rolled in a

cloth.

damp

Ironing.

board.

bosoms on a bosomsame width as the shirt bosom, consequently the bosom may be ironed without the body of the shirt
First iron the

Shirts.

This

is

a small board of about the

Laundry Manual.

47

Plate No.

6.

THE FOLDING OF

SHIRTS.

Shirts, Shirt Waists, Collars

interfering.

and

Cuffs.

49

board of the same shape may be fastened permanently to the end of a laundry table.
should be covered, as any ironing-board, with and muslin, but not made too soft. After the bosom is ironed, remove the board; iron the neck-band and wrist-bands, then the
It

flannel

and the body of the shirt. Skirt waists. Iron the cufiFs and collars (if attached) by first partially drying each side with a plain, heavy iron, and then rubbing with a polishing iron until thoroughly dry. If the starching
sleeves

has been carefully done, there will be little or no as they will have been stroked out. Next iron yoke, then front plait and the rest of the waist. Iron as quickly as possible, so that the waist will not need a second dampening. Pique or embroidered shirt waists should be ironed on wrong side excepting the sleeves and on well-padded ironing table, so that the cord or
trouble with wrinkles,

figure

may

stand out.

Collars

and cuffs.

Whether the collars and cuffs

by the

are attached or adjustable they are ironed

above method. Turned-down collars should be ironed flat and when finished, should be rubbed with a damp cloth just on the folding line. This will soften the fold so that the turning may be accomplished without blistering or cracking. Collars and cuffs are rolled in the last stage of their ironing. This is accomplished by passing the
iron over the

wrong

side, at

the same time curving

the collar or cuff over after the iron.

The

iron

should be started at the extreme end of the collar This should be repeated two or three or cuff.

50

Lazmdry Manual.
times from each end.
rolled after being folded.

Turned-down

collars are

For a dull finish, collars ajid cufis and shirt bosoms, after they are ironed, may be carefully rubbed with a slightly moistened cheese cloth.
Flannel shirt waists are washed as flannels.
chapter on flannels.
Silk Shirt Waists.
as colored waists.
iron

See

Wash-silk waists are washed

Before they are entirely dry,

on

the wrong side.

,

little

gum

water

(described on page 24)

if

will give a slight stiffness

desired.

Note. The

this chapter, is the

method of starching and same as used

and
collars

ironing, given in
in laundries.
It
will,

requires the extra time for the drying, but

give

stiffer cuffs

than

if

done in the

ordinary
If the

home method. home method

at first

is

preferred, starch the

cuffs extra rub-

whole waist
bing.

and give the

is

When

the waist
roll

dry, starch the cuffs

in a

with cold starch;

them

damp

cloth,

and

lay inside the sprinkled waist.

In this method

more

care

is

necessary in ironing the cuffs and

collar, as there is

not such an opportunity to stroke

out the wrinkles.

CHAPTER
Stains.

VII.

Colored Clothes.

Stains in colored clothes must be removed with

Often the original stain
"

great care, as the reagents themselves are likely to

leave a stain.
to

is

less

noticeable than that produced by the chemical used

remove

it.

Washing. Colored clothes must not be soaked. They may be rinsed in water containing salt or vinegar. This may set the color before the washing. Wash
as quickly as possible in clear water, with
little

soap.

Very hot water

will dull the color.

Salt or vinegar may be added to the rinsing waters (there should be two) to brighten the colors.

For proportions see page 45. Avoid using strong yellow soaps, ammonia, and all washing powders. Starching. For dark goods, the starch should be colored as for shirt waists. The starch will show less if the garment is wrong side out when starched.

If desired very
in the case

stiff,

starch after they are dry, as

shirt waists.

with the
in the

Hanging.

Hang

shade and dry quickly.

Sprinkling.

Do not

sprinkle until a short time before

ironing, being careful to

wrap each piece separately

while damp.

Stockings.

Washing.

Stockings are first washed on the right side and then turned and washed on the wrong side.
(51)

52

Lajindry Manual.

The

feet

should have special care.

lint,

Rinse in clear

water, as the rinse water used for other clothes

contains

which

will cling^ to the stockings.

salt

New stockings
the color.
not boiled.

should be rinsed in

water to set

Stockings, as well as colored clothes, are

are rinsed, blued

Hanging. Stockings
side out.

and hung wrong

They should be

pulled into shape

when

hung and pinned to the line by the top. Ironing. Stockings are not sprinkled, but on the wrong side.

are ironed

Silk stockings are washed in same

silks,

manner

as

pages 56, 57. Woolen stockings same as flannels, page 42.

CHAPTER

Vin.

Embroideries.

Washing. Make a suds of Ivory Soap and warm water. Wash the embroidery up and down in the
Rinse thorDo not allow to stand in water. If several pieces are to be washed, wash one at a time and hang out straight, so that the colors will not touch each other. By the time the last piece is washed, the first one may be
suds, without rubbing, until clean.

oughly as soap

will

make them

yellow.

ironed.

They may be
boil.

ironed at once

if

preferred,

as they should not be sprinkled, rolled, or folded.

Do
Ironing.

In ironing, lay several thicknesses of

not blue or

flannel

on the table or board; over this place a clean, soft cloth. Iron on the wrong side until dry. If a large piece and much plain linen, turn and iron lightly on the right side, where there is no embroidery, to give a gloss to the linen.
If a circular piece, iron straight across the grain of the

goods, instead of around the embroidery and then

in the center.

This will prevent the center from

puffing
straight

up.

Always have the goods

perfectly

and iron with the grain. If inclined to pucker, have some one hold it and iron straight
across, holding the iron until the cloth is dry.

Do

not fold but lay away

paper.

flat

or roll on a heavy roll of

(53)

54

Laundry Manual.
Laces.

Washing, Baste
cloth,

the lace, first, on strips of cheese being careful to baste all points down. Then put the lace into warm soapy water and let stand for some time. After standing, wring out and put
into fresh, soapy water.

Squeeze, shake out, and

squeeze again, taking care to work gently as the

Do this until the lace is Rinse in clear water. If yellow, lace may be bleached by laying in sun or by soakfinal ing for a few minutes in Javelle water. rinsing in borax water (4 teaspoons i pint) will
threads are very tender.
perfectly clean.

new lace. Gum arable may be used in place of borax. Clear Starching, ^Laces may be clear starched and in that way given a little of a new appearance. Judgment should be used in starching lace curtains. The
give a slight stiffness like

thinner the material, the less likely to hold starch.

Clear Starch.
I

teaspoon starch,
I

cup cold water,

quart boiling water.

Cook
Dip the
very dry.

yi hour, strain,

and use

hot.

lace into the starch solution

and squeeze
until almost

Then

clap in the

hands

Laces.

55

Ironing.

should be laid on a piece of Iron on the wrong side, being careful to iron out all the points. much better way, however, is to fasten the lace to a pillow or stretched sheet, by pinning every
flannel covered with a soft cloth.

If ironed, lace

point down.

No

pins should be inserted in any

other places besides the points, as the scallop will

be out of shape and irregular. Lace handkerchiefs should be washed and partly dried, then put in the hot starch and wrung out, then clapped and ironed. Retiaissance lace may be ironed by placing over it a piece of muslin which has been wrung out Iron in cold starch; over this lay a dry cloth. slightly with a hot iron; remove the starched muslin and complete the ironing by using the top cloth. Lace curtains are not ironed, but are stretched
in curtain stretchers

and

dried.

Here great care

should be used in pinning the points. If curtain stretchers cannot be procured, the curtains may be pinned to the carpet which has been covered with Curtains may be stiffa tightly stretched sheet.

ened by using bran water, page

24.

CHAPTER

IX.

Cleansing.
Before putting garments away for the summer, see that This is necessary to the soiled spots are removed.

all

prevent moths.

Woolens.
it

In washing black or
better to first rip

colored woolen goods,

is

the garments and then

remove the linings. Take out all the threads. brush well. Wash in soap bark or Shake and Do not allow to become dry, but iron detergent. while quite damp. Iron on the wrong side until If only one or two spots, cleanse perfectly dry. with detergent or any good cleansing solution.
In using cleansing solutions,
small piece of the material
the
colors
will
it

is

well to test a

present.

as sometimes change by the ether which is Clear water and a little white soap is
first,

often all that is needed.

Undyed Silks may

cold water.

be soaked for a few hours in Squeeze or lightly rub in soaking

water.

borax
is

Wash in soap lather. A little dissolved may be added to the wash water if the silk much soiled or greasy. Wash by squeezing
soil is

more than rubbing, unless the

nate.

If pure white, let the last rinsing

very obstibe slightly

blued, but not for cream white.

In

last rinsing

water, whether blue or clear, put into every pint of

water one teaspoon prepared gum arable, which will give a slight firmness. Wrap the silk in soft cloth
(56)

Cleansing.

57

and press very dry with the hands.

rolled

Leave

it

until ready for ironing.

It

requires no

drying.

For ironing, lay the silk on the table right side up and very smooth. Cover with a thin, smooth
cloth.

Run

the iron lightly over

iron until dry.

it at first, then Colored silks and stockings must

be done in the same way, but without soaking or being laid aside while dampened. They should be A little vinegar in the last finished ofE quickly. rinsing water will help brighten and set the color.
All silks, except the stockings, will have a better

appearance
water.

if

little

gum

is

added to the

last

For large
diluted,

articles a little boiled starch,

much

may

be used and will be cheaper.

full

Bangings of any kinds,

If dust
is

which are

of dust, should be

gently but thoroughly shaken before being wet.

not removed, it becomes a kind of mud, wet, is not only difficult to remove, but discolors the fabric permanently. which,

when

Miderdown may be washed in the same way as flannels. When nearly dry, press on the wrong side. It is
with a
a great improvement to the garment to brush it Brush with stift' clothes-brush after ironing.

the nap.

I/igbt Colored Velvets may be cleaned by brushing All with corn-meal until the soil is removed. folds taken out by velvets may be freshened or
steaming.

To Steam

the bottom of

Velvets, stand a hot iron on end and cover Over this pass it with a wet cloth.

58

Laundry Manual.
the velvet, holding the

wrong

side

next to the

damp

cloth.

Altar l/inen.
washing

No starch or
altar linen
.

bluing should be used in

ironing board and irons

The

should be thoroughly cleaned before ironing.

Surplices and Cottas,

if yellow, may be whitened by using a little bluing in the rinsing water. No starch should be used. AIL the embroidery should

be ironed on the wrong side, and on a board covered with heavy flannel.

CHAPTER

X.

5oap Making.
Generai, Directions.

Preparation of Fat.
for

Fresh

fat

or

oil

may

be used

making soap; but fat left from frying is equally good and more economical for ordinary soap. If
cooking fat is used, it should be clarified by boiling iu it several pieces of raw potato. The scum which rises should be taken off and the fat strained through cheese cloth. It is then ready for soap. For toilet soaps, fresh oil and fat should be used. Mixing of Soap. Dissolve lye in cold water and set aside to cool. The lye mixture should be stirred with a stick. Lye irritates the hands hence it is better to protect them by putting paper bags over them. If borax and ammonia are used, add them to the Perfumery is lye mixture before adding the fat. added just as the soap thickens. All soap mixtures should stand until of the consistency of hone)^ and then be moulded. Moulding of Soap. A small quantity of soap may be moulded in an agate pan, which should be wet I^arger before pouring in the soap mixture. quantities are cared for more easily by pouring In this case, line the mixture into a wooden box. the box with several thicknesses of yellow paper, greasing the top layer on the side next the soap.

(59)

6o

Laundry Manual.
Individual round cakes

may

be formed by using

agate

gem pans

for

moulds.
utensils should be used in

Agate ware or wooden

eat the tin

the mixing and moulding of soap, as the lye will

and so ruin a good pan.

a moderately warm temperature until hard, and then may be cut into All soap should stand in
cakes.
It is

ing

it

more economical to dry the soap by spreadon paper in a warm room.

Soap No.
5 lbs. clarified fat,
i

I.

can best

lye,

ij^ qts. cold water,

Yz

i^
II.

tablespoons borax,

cup ammonia.

Soap No.
5>^
lbs. clarified fat,
I

3j^ pts. cold water,

lye.
i

can

Toilet Soap.
I lb.

cotton seed

oil,

lo tablespoons lye,

|4 lb. white lard,

5 drops of lavender

\%
and
oil

cup cold water,

of geranium.

CHAPTER

XI.

Outline of Laundry Course.

This outline is given as an aid to instructors. It is used by the authors in instructing their classes in laundry work. The classes average eight students. Two

and a half hours are required

for

each of these lessons.

I/esson

J.

General notes to be given.

Making Soap, Detergent,

J^esson II.
Wash. Table
I/inen.
I I I

Javelle Water.

table cloth for every four students.

dinner napkin for each student.

doylie for each student.

I/esson III.
Wash.

Bed Linen.
I
I

sheet for every four students.

pillow case for each student.

Iron.

Table cloth, napkins and doylies.

I/CSSon IV.
Wash.
I I

nightdress for every two students.

pair of drawers for each student.

Iron.

Sheets and pillow cases.

(6i)

62

Laundry Manual.

Lesson
Wash.

Body Linen.
I

short,

white skirt for every stu-

dent, or
I I

long skirt for every two students.

corset cover for each student.

Iron.

Nightdress and drawers.

I/esson

VL
Wash.
I I

Shirt waist for two students.

Collar

and

one pair of cuffs for

each student.
Iron.

Skirts and corset covers.

Lesson VIL
Wash.
Stockings and towels.
Starch.

Shirt waist, collars

and

cuffs.

Lesson VIIL
Iron.

Shirt waist.
Collars

and

cuffs.

Lesson IX.
Wash.
Flannels.
I

piece for each student.

Outline of Laundry Course.

63

Wash.
Colored clothes.
I

piece for each student.

Iron.

Stockings and towels.

Lesson X.
Iron.

Flannels.
Iron.

Colored clothes.

l/csson XI. Wash.

Handkerchiefs, embroideries.
Laces.

Clear starching.
Iron.

Embroideries.

Handkerchiefs.

Lesson XII.
Clean and wash black or woolen goods.

Wash.
I

piece of woolen goods for each student.

clear starch sash curtains. }i curtain for each student.

Wash and
Iron.

Goods and

curtain.

INDEX.
Altar linen

Alum
water

58
II

Folding table lineu Gum water recipe

(PI.

i)

.27 24
14

25
. .

Hanging
corset covers

Ammonia
Aprons Bed linen
Blankets Bleaching Blue Bluing
.
.

11

35 29 42, 43 24
12

drawers napkins
nightdresses pillow cases sheets shirt waists
skirts

36 36
26

36 29
29 45

13
. .

Body

linen Boiling
. . .

-35
13,

36
52

Borax Bran water recipe

Cleansing
Collars
.
. .

35, 45 11

stockings
tablecloths

.... ....
....

29
41, 55

Colored goods
Corset covers Cottas
Cuffs
.

24 56 46 51 36 58 46

Handkerchiefs
Irons

kinds of
care of Ironing.
collars

14 14
15

49
41

corset covers
cuffs

Detergent
recipe

56
25 41 29 35. 36. 4i 57 35, 36. 53

49
41
.

Diapers Doylies

drawers embroideries
flannels

36,

53 43
41 53 26 41

Drawers Eiderdown
.
.

handkerchiefs
laces

Embroideries Flannels 42, 43, 50 Folding 14 chemises (PI. 5) ... 39 corset covers (PI. 4) .37 drawers (PI. 3) 33 handkerchiefs 29 26 napkins nightdresses (PI. 2) .31 pillow cases 29, 30
. .

napkins
nightdresses pillow cases sheets
shirts shirt waists silks skirts

30 30 46 49 57
41 26

sheets
shirts (PI. 6) shirt waists skirts

29

tablecloths Javelle water recipe

54 24
12

47 45
, ,

36, 41

Kerosene Laces Lace curtains

(6S)

54
5$

66

Index.
PAOB

PAGE
Starching.
collars corset covers cufls

Laundry

rules

9
7

Laundry. equipment of
outline of

8
12
. .

Lye
Napkins
Nightdress Outline for teachers of laundry
ParaflSne

drawers
laces

....

-36
53
.
.

46 36 46

....

26 35, 36, 41
61

nightdresses
shirts shirt waists skirts
.
.

8
12 12

36 46 45, 46 36
51, 52
. .

Pearline Pillow cases Recipes

29,

30
24
25

Stockings Stretching
lace curtains

Alum water
Bran water
Detergent Gum water Javelle water
.

....
....

14 55

24
25

Surplices Table linen Table cloths

.58

24 24
35

Starch. boiled clear

Towels Tray cloths Turpentine

Velvets

...
.
.
.

26 26 41 29
12

cold

....
.
. .

54
25

Washing

........
.

57
13

Rinsing
colored clothes
flannels
silks

13 45, 51

colored embroideries corset covers diapers

doylies

Sheets
Shirts .... Shirt waists Silks Skirts

....

42 56 29, 30 45, 46 45, 49i 5

50, 56, 57

53 35 41 26 35 42 54 26 35

drawers
flannels laces

napkins
nightdresses pillow cases sheets
shirts shirt waists
silks.

Soaking

Soap
Recipes Toilet soap Soap for blankets
. .

35. 37, 41 29, 35 II

...

-29
29 45 45 56
35 51

...
.
.

60 60 43
II

skirts

Soda
Sprinkling
collars cuffs
. .

....
.

14

muslin embroideries
table linen Stains

46 46 36
26
14

stockings table cloths tray cloths

woolen goods

26 26 56
12 12 11

Washing powder
Pearline

...

16-23

Water

Starching aprons

Woolen goods

56

.35