Reference

Incombustible Dresses

p. 550 · The White House Cook Book
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By putting an ounce of alum or sal ammoniac in the last water in

which muslins or cottons are rinsed, or a similar quantity in the

starch in which they are stiffened, they will be rendered almost

uninflammable; or, at least, will with difficulty take the fire, and

if they do, will burn without flame. It is astonishing that this

simple precaution is so rarely adopted. Remember this and save the

lives of your children.

Original source page for Incombustible Dresses
p. 550