Encyclopedia of Practical Receipts and Processes

How to silver a mirror, brew ginger beer, kill moths, make fireworks, tan a hide, bronze iron, cure a ham and clean a straw hat: William B. Dick's numbered encyclopedia answered the questions a nineteenth-century household actually had.

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To Clean Cloth Clothes

Dis- the grease spots upon the carpet, and let it solve 4 ounces washing soda in 1 quart boiling water; when dissolved, add to it 1 moderate sized fresh beef's gall; lay the garment to be cleaned on a clean table or board, and with a sponge or brush (a brush is the best) wetted in the liquid, rub well the grease spots first, and afterwards the whole garment, frequently dipping the sponge or brush in the liquid; when sufficiently rubbed, rinse in cold water until the water is clear, then squeeze the water out thoroughly (but without twisting-if possible, use a patent wringer), shake well and dry. Next day, when the composition is quite dry, brush it off, and the grease spot will have disappeared. (See No. 357.) 445. To Clean Hearth Rugs and Stair Carpets. Hearth rugs and stair carpets may be treated in the same manner as given in the last receipt, only that these may be spread and washed upon a table.

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