The Copeland Method / A Complete Manual for Cleaning, Repairing, Altering and Pressing All Kinds of Garments for Men and Women, at Home or for Business

by Vanness Copeland

TO REMOVE GREASE FROM SILK.

Use a lump of magnesia (moistened), rub on the spot and allow to dry; then brush powder off. Repeat if necessary.

Silks and satins should be sponged with ammonia and water. It is not necessary to soak ribbon, unless they are very dirty. Only black material should be cleaned with strong ammonia as a difference in the dye stuffs may cause the material to turn red, wherever the ammonia touches it.

To clean a colored silk dress, mix together four ounces of soap, six ounces of honey, and a pint and a quarter of gin, rub in well with small brush, rinse each piece at once in cold water thoroughly, drain and iron while wet. This is especially good for black, also black and white silks.

Silks may be stiffened by adding two or three lumps of sugar, or half a teaspoonful of gum Arabic to the water. Place over a round pole and while damp place a piece of muslin over the silk and iron until dry.