1931 - Laundering and Dry Cleaning
Woman's Institute of Domestic Arts & Sciences, by Mary Brooks Picken

Preface

To present a well-groomed appearance at all times is largely a matter of keeping one's clothes fresh and unspotted, not at all a difficult matter when one knows exactly how to launder them and to freshen them by approved dry-cleaning methods.

The first Section of this volume deals with Laundering in all its phases. It begins with the various kinds of equipment and laundry aids, and then takes up each step in the laundry process for all types of clothes, thus rendering the work efficient, lightening labor, and contributing to the convenience of the housewife. Each process, from the simplest to the most elaborate, is explained with the attention to detail that leaves no room for uncertainty or guesswork.

Sure methods produce sure results, and so the housewife or laundress learns invariably to wash white clothes without yellowing, colored clothes without fading, and to make starch that does not stick. She learns the secrets of laundering fine articles and exactly how to press or iron various types of garments and materials successfully. In short, she learns to secure the uniformly successful results that make laundering a successful process.

The woman who is fastidious and thrifty in the upkeep of her clothing, will have full reason to appreciate the thoroughness and explicitness of the Section on Dry Cleaning. The methods of the professional cleaner, simplified and adapted to home use, make this Section a unique contribution to housewifely lore.

As an aid in stain removal is given a table which includes the names of all common stains and the reagents and methods to use in removing them from different materials.

In addition to the various steps in dry cleaning, which are covered in detail, is included the dry cleaning of such special articles as furs, gloves, hats, feathers, velvets, silks, laces, ribbons, and numerous miscellaneous articles.

Throughout the descriptions of the various processes, causes are linked up with effects so that one learns not only how but why certain processes should be employed. By avoiding the pitfalls of the inexperienced and taking advantage of tested methods, one learns to dry clean without wrinkling or streaking and successfully to freshen and restore all sorts of articles, prolonging the life and usefulness of clothing and household effects.