The secret of success in cleaning, is by dipping the garment in a large quantity of the liquid. Not less than a gallon of gasolene, benzine or naptha should be used for a coat, jacket or skirt. Two gallons will do the work better. One should remove all spots if possible before dipping in the liquid. It is a good idea to surround each spot with a basting thread as when wet, some spots do not show. Soak each garment in the clear liquid, then soap all spots thoroughly, rub gently between the hands until spots disappear. Then wash and rinse garment in clear liquid. Place on hangers in the open air, or drying room, allowing odor to pass away.
Soap may be used for cleaning in connection with gasolene with good results. One may use a little ammonia with the gasolene and soap. The goods should be well shaken, and pull all folds out straight with the threads of the goods. Velveteen, velvet and corduroy may be cleaned with gasolene, when pile or nap is not much worn.
When cleaning velvet, or any other fabric, the most important part is to have all the dust and dirt removed, by brushing the garment or fabric thoroughly.
To clean a velvet collar that is not too greasy, and the nap not worn off: Wet a piece of woolen cloth or flannel in gasolene and rub lightly, until the grease and dirt is loosened. Then apply more gasolene with a clean woolen cloth, and remove all grease and dirt. Place on hanger in the open air to dry and to evaporate before steaming. When much gasolene is used hang coat so that the collar hangs down, to allow the gasolene to drip out and evaporate, before steaming. Always being careful not to use gasolene near a stove, lighted candle, lamp or gas.
When using gasolene for cleaning purposes, have it in a gasolene or benzine safety can, used for that purpose, which may be had at any hardware store.
To remove old hard paint or tar, apply the cleaning fluid freely and place the sponge cloth over spot and press with the iron, as there is nothing that will loosen paint or tar as well as steam or heat. If one application is not sufficient repeat until loosened, then scrape off; after that use more cleaning fluid to remove any stains that may remain, then rinse in clean water.
To remove ink stains from woolen materials:
Apply cleaning fluid, two or three times, washing spots each time with clean water, and sponge until stain disappears.
HOW TO WASH WOOLENS.
Place four ounces of soap bark in a gallon of water in a kettle on a stove to boil, then add two more gallons of water. Throw this over the goods, that has been placed in another basin for that purpose and rub with the hands. Rinse in warm water, and hang up to dry. Iron on the wrong side when damp, until dry, (this will remove all wrinkles and make goods look like new). This is especially good for worn garments, that are to be cut and made over.