Handbook of domestic science and household arts for use in elementary schools

Thin starch. In the granite pan put f cup starch, and i of level teaspoonful of lard, stir smooth with i cupful of cold water, add gradually 3 pints of boiling water, stirring constantly. Let it boil well, then add 1 pint of cold water to thin and cool it.' If it is still too thick, it may be further reduced. This starch will be right for ordinary uses. Thick starch is used for collars, cuffs, shirt waists, and shirt work. Make | cupful of starch smooth with ^ cupful of cold water, add -\ of a level teaspoonful of shaven white paraffin and 4 cupfuls of boiling water. Let this boil up several times and add a little bluing. Clear starch for fine muslins may be made, using one level tablespoonful of starch to one quart of water, let it boil well. Rice starch is preferred for fine work. The water off of cooked rice may be used, or the starch may be made in the following manner. Wash 2 tablespoonfuls of rice, put it in a saucepan with 1 quart of water and place it on the back of the stove where it will not burn or boil over. Stir it frequently at first, and let it cook until the rice is a pulp, then strain it through a flannel bag without squeezing. Dilute with cold water if necessary, and use it warm. Raw starch is often used instead of thick starch for collars, cuffs, etc. Make one tablespoonful of starch smooth with a little water, then add the balance of a pint of warm water. Use at once; if it stands and settles, stir it well before using again. Bran water may be used for delicate colors when soap would affect them. Tie i pound of bran in a cloth, and pour over it 2 quarts of boiling water ; when it cools, use it as you would suds. Taking out Stains. — Fruit stains, if fresh, will come out with boiling water. Stretch the stained part over a bowl, and pour absolutely boiling water through it from a height until the stain disappears. Coffee stains, if fresh, will yield to the same treatment as fruit stains. Tea and cocoa stains are hard to remove. Soak them in cold water and borax before using boiling water as for fruit stains. Blood stains should be first soaked in clear cold water, then use soap and water. Milk stains should be washed out while fresh in cold water. Mildew, if not too old, maybe removed. Apply soft soap and powdered chalk to the spot. Keep it moist, and lay it in the sun. Ink stains may come out if they are soaked in milk for a day or two ; allowing the milk to sour on the goods rather helps than hinders the process ; but if the material is colored, it may also take out the color. The use of an acid for removing stains when other agents fail is not advised, for it attacks not only the stains but the fabric itself. If you wish to try an acid, proceed as follows : Fill a bowl with boiling water, over it stretch the stained part. Drop upon the stain a very little dilute hydrochloric acid, using a medicine dropper. Occasionally dip the stain into the water, then continue applying the acid until the stain disappears. Always have a second bowl containing ammonia and water to rinse the article in so that the acid may be perfectly neutralized.