A manual of home-making

mill water^ antl allow to stand until the acid is neutralized (shown ia tUm case by the ceasing of the effervescence) ; and remove the exoew by rinsing with water. Alkalis^ Dikite alkalis have lit tin ctfert on cotton and linen, but strong alkalis cause tho fil>fira to swrll and bi^comt- yellow, and the rloth to contract. The fiber^ however, is not weakencMJ unless the alkali in aUowc<i Ui remain a long time upon the cloth or to boeonie very coneentnited through C'vaf> oration. Wool and silk, on the other tuiiid, are yellowed or destroyed by strong alkalis even in dilute solutions. Even if the fiber is not afTet!ted by the alkali, the color may be changed or destroyed. It is imyxirtant, therefore, to Deutralixe alkali spots at once. Any <:if tbc following agents may be u»ed: L Water. Rinse thoroughly. Frequently this is sufficient in the esse of such alkalis as washing-ftoda and ammonia. 2. A mild acid. Apply the aciJ with a doth imtil the fabric changes back t<) its original color, or tintil the stain is slightly acid as shown by the odor or sour ta^te. Then rirLHc the fabric thorr^ughly in water. In the case of coloretl goods it is helpful to rub the stain dry, using a piece of the same materia! as the stxiined fabric, if possible. Use either of the following mild acids: (a) Lemon juice. 8qtieeze the juice on the stain. As long aa the spot remains alkaline the juice is a bright yellow in color, hut when the spot beconjes aeid the cnlor disappears almost entirely. Apply the lemon juice until this color change tnk*^ p]Q,ce. (b) Vinegar. If the vinegar itself leaves a sjiot, remove it by sponging with water. Stood, Any of the following agents may be used: 1. Cold or lukewarm water. Either soak the blood stains or rub them in the water until they turn hght brown in color; that is, until most of the coloring matter is dissolved. Then wash the material in hot water, as in the ordinary proci^ss of liiundering. For stains on silk or wool, sponge in cold or lukewarm wat^^'r. 2. Soap (for washable materials). Rub the stained portions with soap and place in cold water, either allouHng them to stand in it until the stains are l<M>sened or bringing the water very slowly to the Ixiiling point. 3. Ammonia (for wa*^hatjle materials). Use about 1 ounce (2 tables|30on- fuk) of household ammonia to I gallon of water. Soak the stains in this until ttjey are loosened and thpn wash in the usual manner. For old stains ammonia is somewhat more switiKfactory than soap. 4. Hydrogen perojdde. Sponging with a little hydrogen peroxide often will remove the last traces of blood st^ns after the main part has beea I I I k STAIN REMOVAL removfil as closcrihcd in No, 1 above. This ai^ont can be used on wtx>l and silk, provided it does not injure the color uf the niEitcrial. 5. liaw starch mixc'ii \vi(h cold water to a pa>;te is rfhcicnl for stains on thick materials, such us Hiinrn^I und blanket h, vvliich cannot conveniently be i^ak(>d in water. Apply the paste thickly to the sUnn and brush it away when it becomes dry. Repeat the application until the stain ia removed. Biuirtg.