Manual

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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.

Copyright, 1900, by
h.

Kay Baldbrston and M.

C. Limerick.

PREraCE

ADVANTAGE

THIRD EDITION.

has been taken of the opportunity afforded by

the increasing
to

TO

demand

for another edition of this

improve and enlarge

purposes of the book.

The

it

manual

in accordance with the original

chapters on stains and cleansing have

been enlarged, and a chapter on the methods of soap making has

been introduced.
to

Other additions have been made,

add to the usefulness of the book.

August,

1902.

(3)

all

intended

CONTENTS.
PAOB

Introductory

CHAPTER

Equipment

for

Home Laundry ....

Outline of Laundry

Work

General Rules

CHAPTER

II.;Stains

CHAPTER

III.

16

Removal

17

Recipes

24

-Table Linen

26

Bed Linen

CHAPTER
CHAPTER
CHAPTER

29

IV. -Body Linen

V.

VII.

45

IX.

X.

....

-Colored Clothes

...

-Embroideries

XI.-

49

51

-53

Laces

54

Clear Starching

54

-Cleansing

56

Soap

Making

59

Recipes for Soap

CHAPTER

49

51

Stockings
VIII.

35

42

Shirt Waists

CHAPTER
CHAPTER

-Flannels

Collars and Cuffs

CHAPTER

VI. -Shirts

CHAPTER-

Outline of Course for Instructors

(5)

60

....

6i

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

Heavy

for starching.

cloth for tubs

and

boiler.

Clothes horse.

Duster for

Bosom

lines.

board.

Skirt board.

Sleeve board.
Small pointed irons.

Heavy

irons.
(7)

Laundry Manual.

8
Iron holders.
Flannel.

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

Other agents:
Soda,

Washing powders,
Turpentine,

Kerosene,
Starch,

Bluing,
Paraffine.

inches.

Introductory.

I.

Outline of haundry Work.

Wash:

Preparation of the
Sorting,

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

remove

the mechanical cleansing of clothes to

all

for health

impurities and dirt.

and

cleanliness.

This

is

necessary

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

Sorting

is

at least once in

still

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,

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.

^ater

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.

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

Laundry Manual.

12

the place of a washing powder.

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
sisting of

the safest agent to use for delicate fabrics or

colored material.

is

Kerosene

is

used to loosen the

dirt,

and may be added

in the proportion of 3 tablespoons to

I/ye

made from wood ashes

is

lb.

of soap.

used for softening the

water.

Wax

Paraffine

may

be used instead of kerosene or

turpentine.

Pearline

a substitute for borax, and,

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

is

if

not harmful to the hands or clothes.

a tint by means of a very fine powder which enters

Any of the blues are used to counteract

the cloth.

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

and sometimes

clothes.

result is seen in iron

in a yellowish tint over the

Introductory.

Process of Washing all Clothes in General.

JVasbing

is

a mechanical means of removing

clothes board
as to

is

dirt.

used and the clothes are rubbed so

remove the

dirt.

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.

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

Miusimf

rust.

Blue water

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

BluiMf.

cold water.

If

is

Laundry Manual.

14

by holding

in the

palm of the hand, or by bluing

a small garment.

The

clothes should be

opened well before going

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

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

articles to

Hanging

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

Pound the

rolls to distribute the moisture.

should be of various sizes: small ones
with points for small clothing; heavy ones for
easily.

Irons. Irons
table

and

and bed
collars;

linen;

Mrs.

polishing

Potts' irons

irons
for

for cuffs

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

II.

Stains.
Character of Stain.

Blood,

Reagent.

Cold water,

Naptha soap and warm

Fels

water.

Cold raw starch

Brass

I^ard

Olive

oil,

Chocolate
Tea,

Borax and cold water,

Coffee

Boiling water,

Fruit

Boiling water
Javelle water

Glue
Grass,

Vinegar,
Fels Naptha soap and water,

Ammonia and

water

Alcohol
Molasses,

Paste of
soda,
(i6)

soap and cooking

CHAPTER

II.

Stains.

Method of Removing.

Wash

in cold water until stain turns brown, then rub with

Pels

Naptha soap and soak

If thick goods,

make

in

a paste of

several times until the stain

Rub

either lard or

oil-

on

stain,

is

warm

water.

raw starch and apply

removed.

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

rinse

thoroughly with boiling

water.

Apply vinegar with a

cloth until stain is removed.

Wash in Fels Naptha

Ammonia and water

soap and warm water.

applied at once if not on delicate

colors.

Wash

in alcohol.

may be affected, use molasses or the paste

on and allow to stand for several hours.

If color

(17)

spread

18

Indigo,

Ink,

Laundry Manuals
Boiling water,

Milk
Oxalic acid,

Salt

and lemon

juice,

Javelle water,
Collins'

Iodine,

Ink Kradicator,

Bther
Chloroform,
Fels

Naptha soap and warm

water

Iron rust,

Hydrochloric acid,

Lemon juice and

salt,

Stains.

Wash

Sometimes boiling the

in boiling water.

will

draw out the

19

article

spots of indigo formed from im-

perfect bluing.
If stain

is

fresh, place stained, portion in

to stand.

Wet with
let
is

If

milk

is

milk and allow

discolored use more.

cold water, pour

oxalic acid

on the

stand a few- minutes and then rinse.

removed, wash in water to which

When

stain,

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.

Laundry Manual.

20
Kerosene,

Fuller's earth,

I/amp black,

Kerosene,

Naptha

Fels

Machine

Meat

soap,

Cold water and Ivory Soap,

Turpentine

oil,

Cold water and soap,

juice,

Medicine

Alcohol,

Mildew

Lemon juice and

Paste

sunshine,

soft soap,

tablespoon powd. starch,

lemon

(juice),

salt.

Milk
Cream,

Cold water,

Ammonia

Mucus,

Soap,

Mucus mixed with blood,

Paint,

Salt

and cold water,

....

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.

Wash

forty-

A second application may be necessary.

in cold water, then

fcUow with soap.

ammonia water, then wash in cold water and soap.

Soak

in

Two

tablespoons
several hours.

salt,

one quart cold water.

Use double quantity of salt

Soak

for

if articles

are of thick material or badly stained.

Rub

with benzine or turpentine.

chloroform or naphtha

For

delicate

colors,

is best.

Place in sunshine, having been previously washed with

soap suds.
Javelle water

may

be used on white goods.

Laundry Manual.

22

Scorch

Sunlight,

Stove polish

Fels

Naptha soap and cold

water,

Varnish

Alcohol,

Turpentine,

Vaseline

Wagon

grease,

Turpentine,

Lard,
Olive

Wax,

Absorbent
,

Wine,

oil.

Salt

paper

and warm

iron

and boiling water,

Stains.

Hang
If

in sunlight,

washed while

Wet

and

23

slight scorch will be removed.

fresh, the stain is easily

removed.

the stain with alcohol or turpentine and allow

it

to

stand a few minutes, then wet again and sponge

ofE

with a clean cloth. Continue this until stain is

removed. In case the color is afifected by alcohol,

sponge with chloroform

but for blue inaterial use

dilute viiiegar.

Wash a fresh vaseline stain with turpentine. Soaking

may aid the removal. Stain cannot be removed after
it

Rub

has been boiled.

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

Laundry Manual.

24

Recipes.

Bran Water.
}4

Mix

cup wheat bran,

pt.

the cold water with the bran.

cold water.
Boil one-half hour,

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.
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.

I qt.

washing soda,

j4 lb. chloride of lime,

boiling water,

2 qts.

cold water.

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

Dissolve the lime in the cold water.

mixture

settle

soda.

Bottle,

I,et

the

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.

and

thorouglily in several waters,

nia water.

25
finally in dilute

ammo-

Javelle removes all stains and all colors, and

on colored goods.

therefore should not be used

remain too long in the Javelle water, the

If articles

fibre will

be

injured.

Detergent.
I
1

J^ oz.

white

castile soap,

Cut soap

and heat

fine

oz. ether,

4 oz. ammonia.

oz. alcohol,

in

pint of soft water until dis-

Then add

solved.

ingredients.

3 quarts of cold water and the other

For cleaning black goods, use i wine glass

of this liquid in

pint

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
article too

stifi",

attempting to remcg^e stain, as the ether

may

affect

the

color.

Ai,uM Water.
2 oz. alum,

This

is

gal. water.

used for rinsing curtains, muslin hangings and

them non-inflammable.

children's dresses, rendering

Cold Starch.
2

tablespoons laundry starch,

yi,

teaspoon borax,

cups cold water.

Dissolve the borax in a

little

boiling water

cold water gradually to the starch

the dissolved borax.

mix

Stir before using.

add the
add

well, then

CHAPTER

III.

Table Linen.

Stains

Fruit,
Tea and

coffee,

Chocolate,

Grease,

Iron rust.

Washing.

Table linen does not need so much rubbing

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

the material

is soft

and creases

easily.

All table linen should be well stretched and

hung very
Sprinkling. Table linen should be well sprinkled

Hanging.

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.

Plate No. I.

THE FOLDING OF TABLE LINEN.

27

Bed Linen.

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.
fold this part will be

tance,

making the edges uneven.

if it is

necessary to fold them.

them

flat,

or

roll

around a paper

It is better to lay
roll.

Bed Linen.

Stains

^Vaseline,

Medicine,
Iron rust.
Blood.

Soak

Soaking.

lukewarm

half an hour with

soap

in

cold

or

water.

Washing. Sheets

should be washed on

both

and, in order that every part receive

sides

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

If opened to the wind, they

opposite the hems.

are

liable

to

be

torn,

as there

is

no opening

opposite.

Folding. Fold
hems until

selvages
even,

of sheets together and pull

cases right side out.

^nra pillow

Laundry Manual,

30

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

ironed very smooth, especially the hems.

is

embroidery on the cases

it

If the

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.

3.

Plate No.

TH:e

2.

FOLDING OF NIGHT DRESSES.

31

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.

For trimming, the starch should be thinner

body of the garments.

For trimming use:

than

for the

tablespoon starch,

J^

cup cold water,

I

teaspoon lard,

teaspoon borax,

qt. boiling water.

For body ofgarments use:

(instead J^ tablespoon)

ij^

tablespoons

Add

the cold water to the starch, lard and borax,

(35)

starch.

Laundry Manual.

36

remove lumps; then slowly add the

stirring to

boiling water,

stirring

constantly.

The

starch

should be cooked slowly one-half hour and strained.

Borax

stiffens

and the

fat

smooths

Wring

it.

Add

little

Use starch very hot.

and rub in with the

blue water to the starch.

as dry as possible

fingers.

Cufis and yoke of nightdress.

Starch:

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.

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.

Nightdress,
Skirt,

Sprinkling.

Sprinkle

the body

of the underclothes

Rub

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

well, but not too heavily.

trimming, because

it

is

thin and likely to dry

quickly.

Folding.

Lay trimming

all inside

before folding the garment.

and

fold in the

hems

Roll smoothly and

tightly.

Ironing.

Iron

side.

embroidery on flannel and on wrong

all garments quickly, ironing as large
one time as is possible. Iron buttons on

Iron

a space at

Laundry Manual.

Plate No. /.

THE FOLDING OF CORSET COVERS.

37

Laundry Manual.

Plate No. s-

th:e foi/Ding

of chemises.

39

Body Linen.
the

wrong

for

dampening.

41

If clothes are too dry,

side.

use a cloth

In ironing nightdress, iron the embroidery and

tucks on the sleeve

first.

Then

iron the yoke, the

body of the nightdress, and then

fold.

Run

the

iron well into the gathers.

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

skirt,

the rufiQe

is

ironed

first,

and

then

while

the

may be laid back without wrinkling

hem of the skirt is ironed. Then iron the

body.

Do

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

"1

the folds are usually damp.

Handkef chiefs are ironed the same as napkins.

Towels, with the exception of those with colored
borders,

They

are

lengthwise

Note.

washed and boiled

as

body

folds.

Do not use alkaline substances, as soapine,

ine,

linen.

are ironed on both sides and folded in three

washing soda,

for diapers, as they

the fabric after drying, and

may be used

irritate.

pearl-

remain in

Ammonia

and so will leave the

fabric.
Fels Naptha soap and warm water may
be used in place of the washing powders.
as

it

is

volatile

CHAPTER

V.

Flannels.

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

may have

first

or last so

the attention they require.

They should be passed quickly from one water

to

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

rubbing is necessary. Any

mechanical treatment, as rubbing or wringing,

become so

soiled that

causes the fibres of which flannels are

made

to

shorten; hence the garment shrinks.

If very soiled,

use

tablespoon

ammonia

to 2

gallons of water.

In

many

cases, better results

by using a second

suds.
(42)

may

be obtained

Flannels.

Rinsing.

Rinse

in

43

two or three waters, all of the same

first wash water.
Adding one

temperature as the

tablespoon of glycerine to the last water helps to

keep the wool

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'.
well, pull in

Hang wrong

side

out and

when

nearly dry,

turn.

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

shirts, shirt waists, skirts

not dried in stretchers,

slightly

may

and

blankets,

be ironed by laying a

dampened cheese cloth over the flannel and

pressing with a moderately hot iron.

In removing

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

VI.

Shirts, Shirt Waists, Collars

and Cuffs.

Rust,

Stains :

Grease,

Ink,
Fruit.

Washing. In washing,
color may fade.
It

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

by using

salt

If

is better.

it

seems faded before putting

it

into

water, rinse in vinegar and water.

Rinse quickly in clear water; then vinegar

waist may be starched with

Starching. The whole

Rinsing,

in

and water, using proportions above.

Boiling. Do not bail colored clothes.
shirt

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

cools,

rest.

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)

Laundry Manual.

46

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,

hang out of the sun.

txA front plaits

cuffs, collars

may now

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

of shirt waists

the laundry method.

on the table and

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

cloth should be stretched

tacked to keep
will

be like

it

The rubbing

the fingers.

is

not complete until

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,

sides

by

see that

if striped,

that the stripes are perfectly straight.

Sprinkling.

After drying the second time, the shirt or

shirt waist

may

be sprinkled.

Dampen

the bosom

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

attached)

cloth.

and then
a

damp

by rubbing on both

sides with a

damp

Sprinkle the rest of the waist or shirt evenly

roll,

folding the heavily starched parts in

cloth.

Collars

and

cuffs

are

dampened the same

those attached to shirt waists and rolled in a

as

damp

cloth.

Shirts.

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

Ironing.

board.

This

First iron the

is

a small board of about the

Laundry Manual.

Plate No.

THE FOLDING OF

6.

SHIRTS.

47

Shirts, Shirt Waists, Collars

and

49

Cuffs.

board of the same shape may be

fastened permanently to the end of a laundry table.
interfering.

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

Collars

stand out.

and cuffs.

Whether the collars and cuffs

are attached or adjustable they are ironed

by the

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.

Lazmdry Manual.

50

Turned-down

times from each end.

collars are

rolled after being folded.

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.

See

chapter on flannels.
Silk Shirt Waists.

iron

on

Wash-silk waists are washed

Before they are entirely dry,

as colored waists.

(described on page 24)

if

the wrong side.

,

little

gum

water

will give a slight stiffness

desired.

Note. The

method of starching and

same as used

ironing, given in

this chapter, is the

in laundries.

requires the extra time for the drying, but

give

stiffer cuffs

ordinary
If the

whole waist
bing.

and

collars

home method.
home method
at first

When

roll

is

them

care

is

done in the

cuffs extra rub-

dry, starch the cuffs

in a

lay inside the sprinkled waist.

more

if

preferred, starch the

and give the

the waist

with cold starch;

is

than

It
will,

damp

cloth,

and

In this method

necessary in ironing the cuffs and

collar, as there is

out the wrinkles.

not such an opportunity to stroke

CHAPTER

VII.

Colored Clothes.

Stains.

Stains in colored clothes must be removed with

great care, as the reagents themselves are likely to

leave a stain.

Often the original stain

"

is

less

noticeable than that produced by the chemical used

to

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

Very hot water

soap.

little

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

Hanging.

Hang

Sprinkling.

stiff,

with the
in the

Do not

starch after they are dry, as

shirt waists.

shade and dry quickly.

sprinkle until a short time before

ironing, being careful to

wrap each piece separately

while damp.

Stockings.

Stockings are first washed on the right side

and then turned and washed on the wrong side.

Washing.

(51)

Lajindry Manual.

52

The

feet

should have special care.

Rinse in clear

water, as the rinse water used for other clothes

contains

lint,

New stockings
the color.

which

will cling^ to the stockings.

should be rinsed in

salt

water to set

Stockings, as well as colored clothes, are

not boiled.

Hanging. Stockings
side out.

are rinsed, blued

They should be

and hung wrong

pulled into shape

hung and pinned to the line by the top.

Ironing. Stockings are not sprinkled, but
on the wrong side.

Silk stockings are washed in same

when

are ironed

manner

pages 56, 57.

Woolen stockings same as flannels, page 42.

silks,

as

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

ironed.

will

make them

They may be

yellow.

ironed at once

preferred,

if

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

Do
Ironing.

not blue or

boil.

In ironing, lay several thicknesses of

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 circu-

lar 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

Always have the goods

up.

perfectly

and iron with the grain. If inclined to

pucker, have some one hold it and iron straight
straight

across, holding the iron until the cloth is dry.

not fold but lay away

flat

paper.
(53)

Do

or roll on a heavy roll of

Laundry Manual.

54

Laces.

Washing, Baste

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
cloth,

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

Cook
Dip the
very dry.

cup cold water,

quart boiling water.

yi hour, strain,

and use

hot.

lace into the starch solution

Then

clap in the

hands

and squeeze
until almost

Laces.

Ironing.

55

If ironed, lace

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.

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

is

colored woolen goods,

the garments and then

remove the linings.

Take out all the threads.
brush
Wash in soap bark or
Shake and
well.
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,
the

colors

present.

well to test a

is

it

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

small piece of the material

first,

will

often all that is needed.

Undyed Silks may

cold water.

be soaked for a few hours in

Squeeze or lightly rub in soaking

Wash in soap lather. A little dissolved

may be added to the wash water if the silk
much soiled or greasy. Wash by squeezing

water.

borax
is

more than rubbing, unless the

nate.

soil is

If pure white, let the last rinsing

blued, but not for cream white.

In

very obstibe slightly

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.

until ready for ironing.

rolled

It

Leave

it

requires no

drying.

For ironing, lay the silk on the table right side

up and very smooth. Cover with a thin, smooth

Run

cloth.

the iron lightly over

it at first, then
Colored silks and stockings must

iron until dry.

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

if

little

For large

water.

much

diluted,

may

Bangings of any kinds,

gum

is

added to the

last

articles a little boiled starch,

be used and will be cheaper.

which are

full

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.
If dust

is

which,

when

Miderdown may be washed in the same way as flannels.

When nearly dry, press on the wrong side. It is
a great improvement to the garment to brush it
Brush with
stift' clothes-brush after ironing.

with a

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

Velvets, stand a hot iron on end and cover

Over this pass
it with a wet cloth.

the bottom of

Laundry Manual.

58

the velvet, holding the

damp

wrong

side

next to the

cloth.

Altar l/inen.
washing

No starch or
altar linen

bluing should be used in

The

ironing board and irons

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.

Fresh

fat

or

oil

may

be used

making soap; but fat left from frying is equally

good and more economical for ordinary soap. If
for

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)

Laundry Manual.

6o

may

Individual round cakes

agate

gem pans

be formed by using

moulds.

for

Agate ware or wooden

utensils should be used in

the mixing and moulding of soap, as the lye will

eat the tin

and so ruin a good pan.

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

cakes.

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

It is

ing

it

Soap No.

I.

can best

5 lbs. clarified fat,

ij^ qts. cold water,

i^

Yz

cup ammonia.

Soap No.
5>^

lye,

tablespoons borax,

II.

3j^ pts. cold water,

lbs. clarified fat,

I

can

lye.
i

Toilet Soap.
I lb.

cotton seed

oil,

|4 lb. white lard,

5 drops of lavender

lo tablespoons lye,

\%
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

I/esson

for

each of these lessons.

J.

General notes to be given.

Making Soap, Detergent,

Javelle Water.

J^esson II.
Wash.
Table

I/inen.
I

table cloth for every four students.

dinner napkin for each student.

doylie for each student.

I/esson III.
Wash.

Bed Linen.
I

sheet for every four students.

pillow case for each student.

Iron.

Table cloth, napkins and doylies.

I/CSSon IV.
Wash.
I

nightdress for every two students.

pair of drawers for each student.

Iron.

Sheets and pillow cases.

(6i)

Laundry Manual.

62

Lesson
Wash.

Body Linen.
I

short,

white skirt for every stu-

dent, or
I

long skirt for every two students.

corset cover for each student.

Iron.

Nightdress and drawers.

I/esson

VL
Wash.
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.

Wash and

clear starch sash curtains.

}i curtain for each student.

Iron.

Goods and

curtain.

INDEX.
Altar linen

water

Ammonia

Hanging

13,

-35

36

35, 45
11

stockings

52

tablecloths

29

Handkerchiefs

41, 55

....
....

Cuffs

56

recipe

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

Colored goods
Corset covers
Cottas

....

Diapers
Doylies

Drawers
Eiderdown

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
.

care of
Ironing.

15

collars

49

corset covers

41

cuffs

drawers
embroideries
flannels

handkerchiefs
laces

napkins
nightdresses
pillow cases
sheets
shirts
shirt waists
silks
skirts

sheets

29

shirts (PI. 6)
shirt waists
skirts

47
45
,

36, 41

14
14

kinds of

36
29

Irons

26

29
45

Detergent

Collars

14

skirts

24
56
46
51
36
58
46

Cleansing

.27
24
36
36

drawers
napkins

13
.

i)

corset covers

12
.

(PI.

nightdresses
pillow cases
sheets
shirt waists

Borax
Bran water recipe
.

25

35
29
42, 43
24

Blankets
Bleaching
Blue
Bluing
linen
Boiling

Folding table lineu

Gum water recipe

11

Aprons
Bed linen

Body

II

58

Alum

tablecloths
Javelle water
recipe

Kerosene
Laces
Lace curtains
(6S)

49
41
.

36,

53
43
41
53
26
41

30
30
46
49
57
41
26

54
24
12

54
5$

Index.

66

PAGE

PAOB

Laundry

rules

Laundry.
equipment of

outline of

Lye

12

Napkins
Nightdress
Outline for teachers
of laundry
.

26
35, 36, 41

....

61

8
12
12

ParaflSne

Pearline
Pillow cases
Recipes

30

29,

24

....

Alum water

25

Bran water

24

Detergent
Gum water
Javelle water

25

....

Starch.
boiled
clear

cold

....

Rinsing
colored clothes

flannels
silks

Sheets

Recipes
Toilet soap
Soap for blankets
.

....

collars
cuffs

muslin embroideries
table linen
Stains

Starching
aprons

...

14

...
.

........

colored embroideries
corset covers
diapers

drawers
flannels
laces

napkins

...

shirts
shirt waists
silks.

skirts

stockings
table cloths
tray cloths

26

Pearline

.35

14
55

26
26
41
29
12

Washing powder

14

.58

Surplices
Table linen
Table cloths

46
46
36

16-23

lace curtains

nightdresses
pillow cases
sheets

36
46
45, 46
36
51, 52

50, 56, 57

doylies

60
60
43

Stockings
Stretching

Washing

II
.

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

Soda

53

nightdresses

54

13
45, 51

-36

....

shirts
shirt waists
skirts

Velvets

25

46
36
46

laces

35

...

Soap

drawers

Towels
Tray cloths
Turpentine

35. 37, 41
29, 35
II

Soaking

collars
corset covers
cufls

24
24

....

Shirts ....
Shirt waists
Silks
Skirts

Sprinkling

Starching.

woolen goods

57
13

53
35
41
26
35
42
54
26
35

-29
29
45
45
56
35
51

26
26
56

Water

12
12
11

Woolen goods

56

m^m