Democratic Sentinel, Volume 15, Number 17, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 8 May 1891 — THE HOUSEHOLD. [ARTICLE]

THE HOUSEHOLD.

How to Witih Flannels. Flannel underwear and woolen stockings would last two or three times lbuger than they ordinarily do if they were properly washed. Many pooplo put them In the general wash, and lot them go through the same as any other piece of clothing—from hot water into cold. This is all wrong; one such wash will shrink and stiffen woolens so that they will bo very much smaller, and also harsh and thick. If properly washed, there is no necessity for woolon underwear or stockings becoming hard or discolored at all; they should be as soft when worn out as they were when new. White flannels often assume a saffron tint after one bad washing, while with proper care they should remain white till they turn yellow with age. The first thing to do )r to make a lather of lukewarm water and some pure white soap (Castile or borax soap is best); a little borax may bo also added, or ammonia, two tablespoonfuls to a pail of water. This will loosen tho dirt, and also tend to keep the flannels soft. Put your woolens In this, and rinse up and down a great number of times until the flannels seem clean. Soup should never be rubbed on them, as it leaves a mark or hard streak wherever it Is rubbed. Do not use a board; if there arc any soiled streaks around the wrists or necks of the shirts, rub between the hands. If tho dirt will not move without soap, rub the soap on tho palms of the hands (not on the flannels), and then rub tho flannels between them. When the flannels are thoroughly clean, squeeze them out carefully and put them into the rinse water. This should be lukewarm (never hot) about the same temperature as the water In which they have been washed. Rinse up and down until they are free from suds; then squeeze between tho hands until you get them as dry as posible; never use a wringer, and try to do without even wringing with tho hands. Hang up at once, and never let them lie in the clothesbasket. llaqg shirts by the shoulders at first, drawers by the belts, and skirts by the waistbands. When they are half dry, reverse the position, and let them finish drying. Scarlet flannels, if they are of good quality, will keep their color if washed as above and each detail carefully attended to. Some old housekeepers, however, prefer to take the following precaution In regard to red flannels in order to bo sure of their not fading: Mix a half cupful of flour with a quart of cold water, place over the fire, and let it boil for fifteen minutes. Stir this Into the warm suds In which the flannels are to be washed, and then proceed as above. Salt is sometimes used in washing colored woolen stockings In order to keep them from fading,- but we have found It rather harsh, and prefer to wash them, as well as other woolens, as wo have just described. In winter the flannels should be washed first before touching the other clothes, so that they may have plenty of time to dry. We prefer not to iron flannels, as they can be smoothed out with the hands and laid into shape. If you prefer to iron them, be sure and use a warm iron (never hot), and press them on the wrong side.