Or they may be carefully gathered crosswise and tied loosely in a bunch by two or three cords at intervals. Wash like other fine white goods, first, if much soiled, soaking for an hour or more in soap and cold water, next rubbing gently between the hands in warm or hot soapsuds, and afterwards boiling in one or more hot suds ac cording to their condition. Rinse first in hot water, afterwards two or three times in cold water, adding bluing to the last. Kerosene, ammonia, or tur pentine may be used in the boiling water, but no washing powders that may contain free alkali.
Or put the curtain in a large tin funnel with a wooden handle attached to it; work it through suds and rins ing water in such a way that the water will pass through the curtain and out at the bottom of the funnel, removing the dirt by suction. This process will not injure the most delicate fabrics, no matter how long it may continue.
Colored Curtains.—If there is any doubt about colors being fast, deli cate-colored curtains may be cleansed with gasoline.
To Dry Curtains.—If curtains are dried out of doors, cover the line on which they are hung with one or more thicknesses of paper or throw over it a dry sheet. This will prevent the clothespin from marking the articles and keep them from being injured by the wind.
Or, if the curtains are folded and basted together with muslin, dry them before taking them out of the folds.
Or lay a blanket on the floor and spread the wet curtains on it, stretching them carefully. They will keep their place and dry without fas tening.
To Stretch Curtains. — A curtain stretcher is not used in most families, and hence is something of a luxury. Sometimes two or three families in a neighborhood can combine to purchase one for their common use. As a sub stitute lay a sheet or clean wrapping paper on the floor, stretch the cur tains over this, and fasten by means of heavy pins called bank pins, which can be obtained at the stores. Use a pin for each scallop, driving them in to the floor with a tack hammer. Lay other curtains over these, booking them on the same pins, as is done on stretchers. Several curtains may be hooked on the same set of pins. The pins may be afterwards removed and used again.
Or the curtains may be pinned to a sheet laid upon the carpet, two or three curtains by carefully matching the scallops being pinned down at the same time.
Or stretch a sheet on a quilting frame, and pin the curtains to this.
Or, while damp, hang the curtains, one at a time, on a curtain rod, and slip a heavy rod or curtain pole through the hem at the bottom. Stretch the curtains to their full width, and allow them to hang until dry. The weight of the rod at the bottom will stretch them sufficiently.