1890 suggestions for cleaning black silk dresses

I always wondered how they cleaned silk dresses in the past. I found this in a 1967 reprint of an 1890 cookbook published by the Idaho Historical Auxiliary, Boise, Idaho. Old cook books often included housekeeping suggestions.

"TO CLEAN BLACK SILK DRESSES: Thoroughly brush and wipe the garment with a cloth. Lay on a board or table and sponge well with hot coffee ... Sponge on the side of garment intended to show, partially dry and iron on the wrong side. The coffee removes particle of grease and restores the brilliance of the silk without imparting to the the shiny appearance or crackly and papery stiffness obtained by using beer, or any other liquid. The silk actually appears thickened by the process and this good effect is permanent! Our readers who will experiment on a cravat will never again try any other method."
Marian

 

I am very tempted to give it a go - I'm sure I have a sacrificial piece that is unwearable and undesirable for pattern making! I will report back.

 

It's not the coffee that surprises me as much as the 'it's better than beer' statement!

 

Another interesting old time tip.

 

I kick myself for not grabbing up fast enough the "Young Wife's Manual" that was full of tips like this for domestic care. I'd heard stories about my grandmother and her sisters cleaning their 30s crepe dresses with gasoline ha ha

 

Ack! I just soaked a rayon jersey skirt and it reeked of gasoline! (still does - needs to air out for a bit) I assumed it was old dry cleaning fluids, but - could be actual gasoline!

 

omg... that reminds me of when my husband and I were all brand new. He was working days and nights, not sleeping so much. He took a day off to clean the apartment and do laundry before meeting me at my place. He shows up smelling like gasoline... something weird... turns out he used turpentine instead of fabric softener!! Took MONTHS to wash that smell out of that load of clothes too!

 

I have seen articles in old magazines that one should use lighter fluid. Yikes.

 

Grandmothers know, don't they?! I spent many days with mine when I was really little. She went about her days tending to the house's chores and projects and was a true artist and scientist about it. I remember her buckets of potions on the steps leading to the laundry room... each one was to remove a different stain - and she got everything so clean and fresh!! Wish I remembered more of her tricks.

 

I wish you did, too! My grandmother could barely burn oatmeal. I am really enjoying the "slow" version of everyday things, like cooking and cleaning (vintage clothes only!). It is quite satisfying.

 

I was sooooo little when I hung out with her like this. The cleaning didn't interest me as much as what she did in the kitchen or garden, frankly. Complete 180 to my interests today. I LOVE cleaning now.