Everything should be clean. The goods should be scoured in soap and
the soap rinsed out. They are often steeped in soap lye over night.
Dip them into water just before putting them into preparations, to
prevent spotting. Soft water should be used, sufficient to cover the
goods well; this is always understood where quantity is not
mentioned. When goods are dyed, air them; then rinse well, and hang
up to dry. Do not wring silk or merino dresses when scouring or dyeing
them. If cotton goods are to be dyed a light color, they should first
be bleached.