FOR THE HOUSEMOTHER.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 2758, 12 March 1910, Page 4 (Supplement)

FOR THE HOUSEMOTHER.

IRONING TABLE LINEN. Some housekeepers prefer not to use starch for their damask, and only employ it when the linen is half worn out. When about to iron table linen, prepare some hot borax water, and with a clean whisk broom sprinkle every inch of the linen thoroughly. Then roll up tightly in a- clean towel, and let it lie for an hour or so before ironing. For fringed doilies and linen, a small but heavy brush with stiff, fine bristles should be used instead of a coarse comb for straightening out the fringed ends. KEEPING IT IN ORDER. Never allow a servant to thrust a tablecloth straight into the soiled linen hamper if anything lias been spilled on the cloth. Long before washing day, mildew will have got into the damp spot, and there will be a greenish spot oil the linen, which can only be removed by the use of a strong bleaching acid. Remedies to remove the stain, whether it be fruit, tea., or coffee, should be applied at once, or the stain will become set in the fabric and the immaculate appearance of the linen he spoiled for even - -. Table linen should be kept apart from other linen, and should be stored by itself in the linen press or cupboard. Every week the housekeeper should go through the linen before it is sent to the laundry -to see whether any repairs are necessary,, for it ’is only by attention to these small details that table linen can be kept up to the standard of perfection demanded by the perfect household manager.