If an extra coverlet is to be placed at the foot of the bed, fold it in thirds so that the sleeper may reach down and draw it up over himself without rising to the floor.
To put on a bolster-case easily, turn it wrong side out and then roll it up over the bolster.
Train children to air beds every morning by shaking up bed-clothing and extending it over footboard and chair.
Washing (Toy tub or tin basin, toy washboard, basin for boiler, soap, bit of blueing tied in bag, strong cord for line)
Put dolls' clothes or a few dustcloths or handkerchiefs in tub of warm water after soaping well. Let soak awhile, then rub out on the little washboard or between the hands, put into the boiler with cold water and just bring to a boil. Rinse in warm water or wash vigorously in warm water if necessary; then rinse in warm and then in cold water; put the blueing in a basin of cold water till the water is slightly tinged; remove the blueing bag and rinse the clothes in the water. (The blueing is to counteract the tendency of white goods to grow yellow with time.)
Hang up to dry in the air and sunshine.
Tell the children that the clothes must always be sorted, white body clothes being in one class, bed-linen in another, table linen in another; woolens must be washed by themselves with care to keep the water of moderate temperature and the rinsing water of the same degree of heat as the washing water. Flannels must be dried as rapidly as possible. Colored garments must be washed by themselves.
Ironing (Two irons, holders, ironing blanket and sheet, iron-stand, cake of beeswax or candle)
Before ironing the clothes must be sprinkled lightly with cold water, smoothed out and rolled up tightly for half an hour. Meanwhile pin the blanket to the ironing board and cover smoothly with the sheet. The iron must not be so hot as to scorch the clothes. Try it on a piece of paper. If it seems dirty or rough, rub it on the beeswax to make it clean and smooth. (In place of wax a candle will serve the purpose if wrapped around with a piece of clean cotton cloth.) If the garment seems too wet, put a piece of white cloth over it and iron till somewhat dry. Then the iron may be placed directly upon the garment.
Starch is prepared by wetting and dissolving it in cold water and then pouring upon this boiling water and boiling until clear and smooth. The young child will not need to starch anything, however.