Hello ladies
I was reading Home Chat last night (from November 1925) and it had some tips on dealing with silk that I thought might be of interest. I should add, however, that I haven't tried any of these methods and can't vouch for either their safety or effectiveness:
A few drops of methylated spirit added to the rinsing water restores silk with a washed-out appearance.
To restore whiteness to yellowed silk, add a teaspoonful of cream of tartar to each pint of washing water.
Ink stains can be removed from silk by drawing the affected part tightly across the mouth of a vessel and pouring boiling water on it.
To remove wine stains, wet with cold water, then apply a mixture of table salt and lemon juice. Leave for an hour or so, then wash with cold water.
To wash silk, pare and grate one large-sized potato into a quart of spring water. When the sediment has settled, pour off the water into a bowl and wash the silk by swirling it in the liquid for a minute or so. Hang the fabric up to drip, but do not wring it. When slightly damp, it should be ironed on the right side to impart a gloss.
(alternatively...) To wash silk, use the water in which potatoes have been boiled.
The water in which rice has been boiled is excellent for stiffening silk.
Any kind of acid stain can be removed from silk by sponging the affected part with water to which a few drops of ammonia have been added.
To remove stains from silk, work from the outside of the stain towards the centre.
Anybody wanna try them? I fancy the rice water starch - might give that a go at the weekend.
:) Trish