Proportions.
1. For lingerie, 1 teaspoonful of starch to 1 quart water.
2. For medium fabrics, 11⁄2 to 3 tablespoonfuls starch to 1 quart water.
3. For stiff work, 5 tablespoonfuls starch to 1 quart water.
Ironing.—The ironing process is the most difficult art in laundering, and requires good tools, practice, and patience. In the summer it is an exhausting labor unless an electric or gas iron is available. Much energy may be saved in hot weather by omitting the ironing of certain articles. Dish towels, even toilet towels, and soft underwear may be stretched and folded, and are perfectly comfortable to use.
Some women who do their own work even fold sheets and pillow cases without ironing.
The smoothing of the fabric is accomplished by heated irons, or by pressing between rollers in a mangle.
To summarize.—The essential steps in laundering are: the forcing of clear water through the fabric; loosening of the soil and stains by soap and appropriate chemicals, sterilization by boiling temperature, drying and sweetening in the air if possible. The less essential are bluing, starching, and in some cases ironing.
Laundry equipment.—We are beginning to realize that a separate room for laundering purposes is an essential in a well-equipped home. Such a laundry will be light and well ventilated, will have washable floors, walls, and ceilings, running water and hot water supply, sanitary tubs and conveniences in the shape of machinery. We shall not have perfect laundries until electric power is available at a fair price. Much is said about electricity on the farm, and the progressive farmer who has his own engine should not fail to use the power for all laundry work. Trolley power should be available, and this use of electricity should be made cooperative when practicable. In a few communities abroad and at home, the power available in a creamery is used for laundering purposes as well.
Where there cannot be a separate laundry, take pains to have the equipment as good as space will allow.