Democratic Sentinel, Volume 21, Number 26, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 25 June 1897 — Washing Blankets. [ARTICLE]

Washing Blankets.

Blankets which have been used afi Wister, no matter how white they may look, are never clean, and should not be put away for the summer without being washed. Many housekeepers satisfy themselves by shaking and airing their blankets, rather than risk spoiling them in washing. But this is an error, for if the work is properly done no Shrinking will take place, and the softness and color may be retained for years. The most necessary thing in washing blankets is to have plenty of soft water and good soap. Inferior soap is the real cause of the damage done woolen goods in washing. When ready to begin the work shake the blankets free of dust, fill a tub nearly full of soft hot water. Dissolve a third of a cake of Ivory soap in it. Put in one blanket at a time. Dip up and down and wash gently, with the hands. Never rub soap on the blankets, or wash them on the washboard. After the. blankets ars clean rinse them in warm water until free of suds. Add a little bluing to the last water. Shake and sponge them, and hang on the line until dry; then take down, fold and pack in a box and set away in a coot room. Blankets thus washed will retain their original freshness, as well as wear three times as long us if put away soiled year after year.

ELIZA R. PARKER.