Bluing, as described in historical texts like The Ladies' Book of Useful Information from 1896, was primarily used in laundry to enhance the whiteness of fabrics. The process involved combining Prussian blue and oxalic acid in rainwater to create a solution that was added to laundry water, thereby counteracting the yellowish tint that often appeared on clothes due to repeated washings. This practice was especially valuable in an era when maintaining the brightness of linens and clothing was a meticulous and time-consuming task.
Beyond its practical use in laundry, bluing also found its place in cultural practices like hoodoo, where it took on additional symbolic meanings of purification and protection. In these contexts, bluing was not just a household item but a substance imbued with spiritual significance. It was incorporated into rituals where it might be mixed with perfumed water and strategically placed around the home to ward off negative energies or added to baths to cleanse and purify individuals.
In modern times, the use of Prussian blue in cosmetic or bath applications is not recommended due to safety concerns. However, the symbolic importance of the blue color remains strong. Modern substitutes like skin-safe blue pigments or dyes are available, which retain the visual effect without the historical risks associated with older formulations.
BLUING.
Take one ounce of Prussian blue*, one-half ounce of oxalic acid; dissolve in one quart of perfectly soft rain water. Insert a quill through the cork of the bluing bottle to prevent waste or putting too much in clothes and you will be pleased with the result. One or two tablespoons of it is sufficient for a tub of water, according to the size of the tub. Chinese blue is the best and costs twelve and a half cents an ounce, and the acid will cost three cents.
from The Ladies' Book of Useful Information, 1896.
Bluing is used in many hoodoo spells for purification and protection. It might be poured into bowls of perfumed water and left around the house, added to baths, or in solid form might be carried in mojo bags. It can be bought in stores, or, since the blue color is what's important, it can be substituted with modern blue colored food or cosmetic dyes.
*Prussian blue wouldn't be considered safe for bath/cosmetic use anymore, but cosmetic suppliers will have selections of skin-safe blue pigment of the same color.
