Straw Hat Economy by MRS. D. A. FITCH

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Apr 22, 1915

Straw Hat Economy

By MRS. D. A. FITCH

MRS. D. A. FITCH

Often soiled but otherwise good straw hats may be so cleaned at home that no expense for the work need be incurred. I give my own recent experience.

The band was removed, and the hat made as clean as dry brushing would make it. A vegetable brush was used to apply a strong suds of Ivory soap. Clear water rinsed this off, and when the hat was well drained, lemon juice was applied with the brush. Again the hat was rinsed in clear water and allowed to drain.

Having no hatter’s block on which to shape it, and nothing else to fit inside the crown, I used a can opener to divide a 'gallon tin can, and used the whole half for my purpose. With this inside the crown, the hat was laid on a thick, smooth cloth on a flat surface. Another thick cloth was laid over the hat, and heavy weights were placed on the crown and rim until the hat was dry. The result was a clean hat appearing nearly like a new one. If an otherwise than perfectly flat rim is desired, it may be shaped by hand just before the hat is dry.

Glendale, Cal.