Tip for the Tropics

How To Preserve Clothes

ANYONE living in a tropical cli mate will find that clothes which have been worn in a cool climate will very quickly mildew and often rot and fall to pieces when put away after their return to the tropics.

Any article may have the perspira tion removed by dipping in benzine and rubbing the soiled parts; then it should be hung up on a dress or coat hanger to dry thoroughly. Do not, of course, do this in a room where there is a fire, or a lighted lamp, or any one smoking. After the fumes of ben zine have vanished, roll the article up in a large piece of unbleached, un washed calico sheeting. Men’s winter suits can be sponged freely with ben zine, and when the fumes have gone, next day dry thoroughly in a hot kitchen, but not in front of the fire, before putting away. The sun is not advisable for this purpose, as the strong rays tend to fade the material and the air is too moist. Tissue paper should be rolled round the buttons before putting the clothing away in the calico sheet.

Washing of the calico sheet immedi ately makes it useless for the above purpose. Do not take the clothing out periodically to hang out in the air. If you leave it in your trunk for years, rolled up as described, without looking at it, you will find it at the end quite free from mildew and silverfish.

Silk stockings, if washed first and thoroughly dried and put away in a bag made of unbleached calico, will keep any length of time, with no fear of going into holes, as they do when left loose in a suit case or drawer.— E.E.N., Solomon Islands.