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Gloss for Shirt Fronts, Collars and Cuffs

To a pail of starch, a whole sperm candle is used. When the linen is dry, it is dipped in the cold starch and ironed in the ordinary way; then it is dampened with a wet cloth, and the polishing iron pressed over it. To this last manipulation the linen is indebted for the peculiar laundry gloss which all admire so much, but which many housekeepers have vainly striven to leave upon the wristbands and bosoms of their husbands' shirts. XIV. Bleaching Linens, Etc.

THE best method of bleaching or restoring whiteness to discolored linen is to let it lie on the grass, day and night, so long as it is necessary, exposed to the dews and winds. There may occur cases, however, when this will be difficult, and when a quicker process may be desirable. In these cases, the linen must be first steeped for twelve hours in a lye formed of one pound of soda to a gallon of soft boiling water; it must then be boiled for half an hour in the same liquid. A mixture must then be made of chloride of lime with eight times its quantity of water, which must be well shaken in a stone jar for three days, then allowed to settle; and being drawn off clear, the linen must be steeped in it for thirty-six hours, and then washed out in the ordinary manner. To expedite the whitening of linen in ordinary cases, a little of the same solution of chloride of lime may be put into the water in which the clothes are steeped; but in the employment of this powerful agent, great care must be exercised, otherwise the linen will be injured. - HOUSEKEEPER, Louisville, Ky.