The Method of Washing with Lime

Ingredients

• ½ pound quicklime
• ½ pound soap
• ½ pound soda
• ½ gallon boiling water (for soap)
• ½ gallon boiling water (for soda)
• boiling water (to cover quicklime)
• 10 gallons water (for washing)

Directions

1. Shred the soap and dissolve it in ½ gallon of boiling water.

2. Pour ½ gallon of boiling water over the soda.

3. Cover the quicklime with enough boiling water.

4. Combine the dissolved lime and soda, and boil for 20 minutes.

5. Strain the mixture into a jar, avoiding disturbing the settlings.

6. Soak collars, wristbands, and stockings in soap overnight.

7. Pour 10 gallons of water into a copper pot.

8. Add the strained lime and soda mixture and soap to the water, and bring to a boil.

9. Place a plate at the bottom of the copper to prevent burning.

10. Boil clothes for 30 minutes to 1 hour, starting with finer items.

11. Rinse well in cold blue water and let dry.