Ether and chalk may be used, but the ether affects some people unpleasantly, and dissolves out some delicate colors. Meal may also be used for cleaning wool, especially knitted fabrics, but it is difficult to shake out, and it needs blowing out on the clothesline.
Laboratory management.—A few lessons can be given in laundering where there is no complete equipment. Dish towels, doilies, and napkins can at least be washed in dishpans in the school kitchen, and a few irons provided. A few such lessons are helpful at least in developing an appreciation of what good laundering means at home and to the community.
The following order of practical work is suggested, when there is a school equipment. (From “A Laundry Manual,” courtesy of Balderston and Limerick.)
First Course
I. Make Javelle water, detergent, soap, and give general notes.
II. Removal of stains.
Wash.
Table linen.
1 tablecloth for every four students.
1 napkin for each student.
1 doily for each student.
III. Wash.
Bed linen.
1 sheet for every four students.
1 pillow case for each student.
Iron.
Tablecloth, napkins, and doilies.
IV. Wash.
Drawers and stockings.
Iron.
Sheets and pillow cases.
V. Wash.
Towels and plain colored pieces.
Iron.
Drawers and stockings.
VI. Wash.
Nightdress and corset covers.
Iron.
Towel and colored clothes.
VII. Wash.
Flannel underwear.
Iron.
Nightdress and corset covers.
VIII. Wash.
Embroideries.
Iron.
Embroideries and flannels.
Second Course
I. Wash.
White skirts.
Wash and iron.
Doilies and drawn work.
II. Wash.
Shirtwaists.
Iron.
White skirts.
III. Wash.
Knit and crocheted articles and flannel waists.
Iron.
Shirtwaists.
IV. Wash.
Woolen dress goods, down quilt, and blankets.
Iron.
Flannel waists.
V. Wash.
Collars and cuffs, child’s dress, ribbons.
Finish quilt and blankets.
VI. Wash.
Silks.
Iron.
Silks, collars and cuffs, child’s dress.
VII. Wash.
Laces, lace curtains.
VIII. Wash.
Collarettes, stocks, handkerchiefs.
Iron.
Collarettes, stocks, handkerchiefs.
Finish lace curtains.
EXERCISES
1. Why is ironing less necessary than washing?