Housekeepers often wonder if it is possible to restore the color to leather furniture which has become rusty in appearance. Furniture dealers say that real leather should not fade as long as it holds together. However, it does fade; so try this method of brightening it. Wash the leather with a sponge that has been wrung out of hot soap suds; then rub as dry as possible. Now place the furniture in the sun and wind, that it may get thoroughly dry as quickly as possible. Next, rub hard with a cloth that has been wet with kerosene. Let the furniture stand in the air until the odor of the oil has passed off.
Preventing Silks and Woollens from Turning
Yellow.
Whenever you have occasion to pack away silk or woollen goods which you are afraid may turn yellow, break up a few cakes of white beeswax and fold the pieces loosely in old handkerchiefs that are worn thin. Place these among the goods. If possible, pin the silks or woollens in some old white linen sheets or garments. If it be inconvenient to use linen, take cotton sheets. Of course, it is important that the clothing shall be perfectly clean when put away.
Cleaning Dress Silks and Ribbons.
There are several methods of cleaning silks. They may be spread on a clean table and sponged with naphtha, alcohol, soap and water, etc.; or the silk may be washed in soap suds, gasoline or naphtha. As the gasoline or naphtha does not affect the colors, it is more desirable for colored silks.
If the silks be washed in suds, use the best white castile soap. Wash the silk in the suds; then rinse in clear water and hang on a clothes-horse in the shade. Do not wring it. When the silk is nearly dry lay it on a soft ironing cloth, and, after spreading either coarse brown paper or a newspaper over it, press with rather a cool iron. If naphtha or gasoline be used, have the liquid in a large bowl near an open window, and in a room where there is neither fire nor light. Wash the silk in this and hang in the air. It will dry quickly.
Black silk may be washed in ammonia water and rinsed in clear water to which has been added strong bluing and dissolved gelatine,—one quarter of an ounce of gelatine to one gallon of water.
Never iron silk unless it is absolutely necessary.