is the best agent,
otherwise absorbents may be used. French chalk or magnesia powdered,
placed upon the spot, and allowed to remain for a time will often absorb
the grease effectually. If the first application is not effective, brush
off, and apply again until the spot disappears. Where water can be used
without injuring the cloth, the chalk or magnesia can be made into a
paste and spread over the spot. When dry, brush off with a soft brush.

In removing fresh grease spots, blotting paper with a warm iron may
often be used effectively. If the heat changes the color of the cloth,
the iron should be held above the goods.

[Sidenote: Blood Stains]

Blood stains may be removed by making a paste of starch and applying it
to the spot. Several applications may be necessary.

[Sidenote: Solvents]

[Sidenote: Cleaning Garments]

[Sidenote: Soap and Ammonia with Gasoline]

Only the best and purest benzine, naphtha, gasoline, and turpentine
should be used for cleaning garments. For removing paints from coarse
cloth, pure turpentine is useful, while for silks, velvets and woolens,
benzine, naphtha and gasoline are to be preferred. The secret of success
in the use of any of these cleansing agents lies in immersing the
garments in _large quantities_ of the liquid. Not less than a gallon
should be used for a waist and two gallons will do the work far more
satisfactorily. An effort should be made to remove all the worst spots
before immersing the whole garment. Those which have not disappeared
should then be marked with white thread, colored thread may leave a
mark. It is a good plan to enclose the spot with a line of basting. Soak
the garment for some time in the liquid, then soap all spots thoroughly
and rub gently between the hands until they disappear. Finally wash and
rinse the garment in clear liquid and hang in the open air until all
odor has passed away. Soap may be used freely with gasoline with good
effect. Some professional cleaners use a little of the strongest ammonia
in their gasoline tanks. The goods should be shaken well and all folds
pulled out straight with the threads of the goods. Velveteen, corduroy,
and like piled fabrics can be cleaned successfully if not too much worn,
but no amount of cleaning will restore the pile that is worn off.

If allowed to stand until the impurities have settled and the clear
liquid poured into clean bottles, it may be used for a number of times.
This should always be done in