1 1 30 The Cornell Reading-Courses 



A few simple e:.planations may aid the housekeeper in solving some of 

 her problems. Heat tends to expand the threads of the cloth, and the 

 expansion aids in removing dirt caught between the threads. If the cloth 

 is cooled during the washing process, the thread contracts and the dirt 

 is again entangled; consequently, after the cloth has once been warmed, 

 one of the objects of the launderer should be to maintain an even or a 

 rising temperature. In the commercial laundry an even temperature is 

 kept by tiirning the right amount of steam into the washing machine. In 

 the home laundry, boiling water added from time to time will aid in keep- 

 ing an even temperature. A good suds is necessary in the washing 

 process. As the suds falls, that is, as it is used up by uniting with dirt, 

 more suds should be supplied by adding more soap or soap solution. If 

 insufficient soap is used, insoluble black specks are often left on the 

 clothing. 



All utensils, receptacles, and apparatus should be immaculately clean. 



Outline for washing white linen and cotton clothes 



1. Put water on to heat. 



2. Make soap solution. 



3. Rinse clothes from water in which they have soaked. 



4. Wash clothes in warm suds in following order: 



a. Table linen and clean towels 



b. Bed linen 



c. Body linen 



d. Handkerchiefs 



e. Soiled towels and cloths 



f. Stockings 



5. Wash again in clean suds. Wring. 



6. Boil in clean, slightly soapy water. 



7. Rinse in cleanj clear water. Wring, 



8. Rinse in bluing water. Wring. 



9. Starch. 



ic. Hang to dry. 



II. Remove from line, dampen, and fold. 



Directions for washing: ' 



1. Have plenty of hot water before beginning the washing. If possible 

 the water should be soft; if it is not, soften it as directed on p. 115. 



2. Make a soap solution; use one cake of soap to two or three quarts 

 of water. 



3. Rinse the clothes from water in which they were soaked, removing 

 as much of the dirt as possible. Parts of the clothing that are very much 



