iii8 The Cornell Reading-Courses 



Manufacturers have put on the market various soaps and powders 

 that have incorporated with them some one or more of the above sub- 

 stances. Naphtha and borax soaps and soaps containing fuller's earth 

 may be piirchased and give satisfaction. Good results may be obtained 

 at less cost by the use of soap and the accessory material uncombined, 

 though it may often be more convenient to use the manufactured article 

 that is a combination of the two. 



Washing powders. — Something should be said of washing powders. 

 They are mixtures of soap and some alkali such as lye, washing soda, and 

 borax, and may have incorporated with them some one or more of the 

 substances of the natiire of turpentine, paraffin, fuller's earth. In the case 

 of the poorer powders a " filler " is used, that is, a substance giving weight 

 to the powder and very properly considered an adulterant. The best 

 powders contain large amounts of soap and only small amounts of alkali. 

 A report is made of one of the poorer varieties of washing powder con- 

 taining only lo per cent of soap. Enough has been said in connection 

 with the effect of alkalis and their use to guide the housekeeper in her 

 purchase and use of these powders. There may be occasions when a 

 washing powder is desirable, but indiscriminate use of these strong cleansing 

 agents is inadvisable and should not be generally indulged in. 



Directions and formulas 



Homemade soap: 



I pound can lye dissolved in 3 pints cold water " 



5 pounds fat melted, i^ tablespoons borax, | cup ammonia 

 When lye mixture has cooled add it to fat, stir until as thick as honey pour into 

 wooden or pasteboard boxes lined with oiled or waxed paper, set away to harden. 



Soap bark: 



I pound soap bark equals 2 pounds soft soap. Use in place of soap. 



Bran: 



I cup bran ^ 

 1 quart water 



Boil 5 hour. Strain, boil bran in a second quart water | hour. When needed, 

 reduce with warm water. 



Potato water: 



Grate two large-sized potatoes into i pint clean, clear, soft water. Strain into 

 I gallon water, let liquid settle. Pour off and use. 



Soap solution for washing colored goods: 



J pound mild or medium soap to i gallon water 



