Directions: |
Directions:Laundry
When making the initial switch from a detergent to a soap laundry cleaner, wash items once with washing soda only. This will eliminate detergent residues that might otherwise react with soap to cause a yellowing of fabrics.
Laundry Soap
Add 1/3 cup washing soda (sodium carbonate) to water as machine is filling. Add clothes. Add 1 ½ cups of soap. If the water is hard, add another ¼ cup soda or ¼ cup vinegar during the first rinse.
Add 1/3 cup washing soda to water before placing clothes in machine and substitute soap flakes or powder for detergent. Add ½ cup borax for additional cleaning power.
Pre-soak
Soak heavily soiled items in warm water with ½ cup washing soda for 30 minutes. Rub soiled areas with liquid soap.
Fabric Softener
Add 1 cup vinegar or ¼ cup baking soda during final rinse. To reduce static cling in tumble-dried synthetics, dampen hands when folding or line dry instead.
Spray Starch
Dissolve 2 Tbsp. cornstarch in 1 pint cold water in a spray bottle. Shake before each use. For delicate fabrics, dissolve 1 package unflavored gelatin to 2 cups of hot water. Dip a corner of the fabric into the solution to test; if fabric becomes sticky when dry, add more water.
Dry Cleaning
Buy items you can wash or clean on your own. Most dry cleaning solvents, such as perchloroethylene are toxic. If you must dry clean, air clothing out thoroughly before bringing indoors. Many garments whose labels specify "dry clean only" can be safely hand-washed using mild soap.
Spot Removers
Here are alternatives to enzyme pre-soaks and bleach for tough stains. Test each of the following remedies on a corner of your fabric first. Wash after application.
Heavy Soils
Rub with solution of 2 tbsp. washing soda in 1 cup warm water.
Fruit and Wine
Immediately pour salt or hot water on the stain and soak in milk before washing.
Ink
Soak in milk or remove with hydrogen peroxide.
Coffee
Mix egg yolk with luke-warm water and rub on stain.
Lipstick
Rub with cold cream or shortening and wash with washing soda.
Mildew
Pour strong soap and salt on the spots and place in sunlight. Keep the spots moist, and repeat as often as necessary.
Soiled Diapers
Pre-soak in 3 tbsp. baking soda dissolved in warm water in either but or washing machine.
Grease
Pour boiling water on stains and follow with dry baking soda. Also try ammonia and water.
Blood
Soak in cold water or remove with hydrogen peroxide. For a more stubborn stain, mix cornstarch, talcum powder or cornmeal with water and apply to stain. Allow to dry and brush away.
Chewing Gum
Rub with ice. Gum will flake off.
Rust
Saturate with sour milk (or lemon juice) and rub with salt. Place in direct sunlight until dry, then wash.
Scorches
Boil scorched article in 1 cup soap and 2 qts. milk
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