CLEAN SWEEP

   I thought it would be good for many of us handling old and worn textiles to learn of simple remedies for removing stains -  I have suggested Rubigine from France for removing iron mould (rust) stains, it's just magic! Vanish for ordinary ones and Napisan for restoring bright whiteness - others have said sunshine, I say moonshine, and , lying on the grass - the sheet, not you - and soaking may be the most important part of the process - just two or three days in plain cold water can work wonders.  Any more suggestions?   I do not find Stain Devils very useful so far!  but I daresay Health and S. forbid greater strength of chemicals.  The French seem able to poison their families much more easily.  Please send your suggestions and I will print - we are all in this together and it is so good to rescue spoilt and damaged articles for further use.  DID YOU KNOW STARCH, AFTER A LONG DISAPPEARANCE, IS BACK ON THE MARKET?  Personally I only use it occasionally and a little goes a very long way (see my future Blog on Cornelli muslin curtains from France) and I was surprised to hear that powdered starch will be back at our wonderful local ironmonger's  next week - will it still have a robin on it?  I never liked the 'plastic' starch which was also jolly expensive, just as I hate furniture 'cream' made with silicon which wrecks old woods with its plastic seal., and as an ex-bee-keeper, know that there is nothing better than old fashioned beeswax, turps, etc.