One of the things "not generally known," at least in this country, is
the Parisian method of cleaning black silk; the modus operandi is
very simple, and the result infinitely superior to that achieved in
any other manner. The silk must be thoroughly brushed and wiped with a
cloth, then laid flat on a board or table, and well sponged with hot
coffee, thoroughly freed from sediment by being strained through
muslin. The silk is sponged on the side intended to show; it is
allowed to become partially dry, and then ironed on the wrong side.
The coffee removes every particle of grease, and restores the
brilliancy of silk, without imparting to it either the shiny
appearance or crackly and papery stiffness obtained by beer, or,
indeed, any other liquid. The silk really appears thickened by the
process, and this good effect is permanent. Our readers who will
experimentalize on an apron or cravat, will never again try any other
method.