WASHING CURTAINS

Curtains and draperies should be shaken and brushed free from all the
dust possible, before washing. Lace curtains, and especially those
which are very fine or much worn, need dainty and careful handling.
Soak for an hour or two in warm water containing a little borax, then
squeeze out the water and drop into a boiler half filled with cold
water to which have been added one half bar of soap, shaved thin, two
tablespoonfuls of ammonia, and one of turpentine. Bring to a boil and
let stand at the boiling point, without boiling, for half an hour,
stirring occasionally with the clothes stick, rinse thoroughly, starch
well with thick boiled starch, and stretch on frames to dry. If frames
are not available, pin to a carpet which has been smoothly spread with
a clean sheet. When a pure white is desired, add a little bluing to
the starch water. Water tinted with coffee will produce an écru
effect, while tea will give a more decided hue. Muslin curtains are
laundered like any other fine white goods.



TIDYING UP AND SPRINKLING

The last article being hung on the line, each implement used in the
process of washing must be cleaned, dried, and put in its place, the
laundry floor scrubbed, and everything made spick and span; then comes
the sprinkling and rolling of the piles of snowy, sweet-smelling linen,
all full of fresh air and sunshine, to make a little rest time after
the vigorous exercise which precedes it. It must be done with care as
much depends upon it. Table linen, unless taken from the line while
still moist, should be sprinkled very damp, folded evenly, rolled and