Twentieth century home cook book

For Lawns. — Take two ounces of tine white gum Arabic powder, put it into a pitcher, and pour on a pint or more of water, and then, having covered it, let it stand all night. In the morning, pour it carefully from the dregs into a clean bottle, cork it and keep it for use. A teaspoonsful of gum water stirred into a pint of starch made in the usual manner, will give to lawns, either white or printed, a look of newness, when nothing else can restore them, after they have been washed. Gloss for Shirt Fronts, Collars and Cuffs. — To a pail of starch, a whole sperm candle is used. "When the linen is dry, it is dipped in the cold starch and ironed in the ordinary way ; then it is dampened with a wet cloth, and the polishing iron pressed over it. To this last manipulation the linen is indebted for the peculiar laundry gloss which all admire so much, but which many housekeepers have vainly striven to leave upon the wristbands and bosoms of their husbands' shirts. XIV. Bleaching Linens, Etc. The best method of bleaching or restoring whiteness to discolored linen is to let it lie on the grass, day and night, so long as it is necessary, exposed to the dews and winds. There may occur cases, however, when this will be difficult, and when a quicker process may be desirable. In these cases, the linen must be first steeped for twelve hours in a lye formed of one pound of soda to a gallon of soft boiling water; it must then be boiled for half an hour in the same liquid. A mixture must then be made of chloride of lime with eight times its quantity of water, which must be well shaken in a stone jar for three days, then allowed to settle; and being drawn off clear, the linen must be steeped in it for thirty-six hours, and then washed out in the ordinary manner. To expedite the whitening of linen in ordinary cases, a little of the same solution of chloride of lime may be put into the water in which the clothes are steeped; but in the employment of this powerful agent, great care must be exercised, otherwise the linen will be injured. — Housekeeper, Louisville, Ky. Bleaching Cotton Goods. — A very good way, says Mrs. M. T. M., Auburn, 111., to bleach cotton cloth is to soak it in buttermilk for a few days. Another way is to make a good suds, put from one to two tablespoonfuls of turpentine into it, before putting the clothes in. Wash as usual, wringing the clothes from the boil, and drying without rinsing. By using one tablespoonful of turpentine in the first suds on washing days, it will save half the labor of rubbing, and the clothes will never become yellow, but will remain a pure white. It is simple, and I never wash without it. To Clean Merino. — Grate two or three large potatoes ; add to them a pint of cold water; let them stand for a short time and pour off the liquor clear, when it will bo fit for use. Lay the merino on a flat surface and apply the liquid with a clean sponge until the dirt is completely extracted. Dip each piece in a pailful of clean water and hang up to dry without wringing. Iron while damp on the wrong side. It will then appear almost equal to new. — Nellik, Jefferson, 111. Removing Iron Rust Wash the stains in ripe tomatoes. Then hang in the sun to dry. After thoroughly drying, wash in clear water. XV. Home-Made Soap and Candles.