Effect:
A "dirty" handkerchief is washed in a clear colourless solution and then dried by being placed over a flame. The handkerchief burns, however when the flame goes out, the handkerchief is clean, dry and not burned.

What You Need:
- a handkerchief
- a 500 mL beaker
- ethanol
- water
- tongs
- a flame source
- gloves

What You Do Before the Show:
- Prepare 300 mL of a 2:1 ethanol-water solution
- Place solution in beaker

What You Do During the Show:
- Show that the handkerchief is in good shape;
- Dip the handkerchief into the beaker;
- Remove the handkerchief and squeeze out most of the liquid;
- Hold the handkerchief with the tongs;
- Have the lights dimmed;
- Hold the handkerchief over a flame;
- Hold the handkerchief in front of you and swing back and forth;
- After fire is out, show that handkerchief is dry (actually slightly damp) and not burned.

What is Happening:
- As the ethanol burns, the water present evaporates, thus drawing heat away from the fabric of the handkerchief.

Hazards:
- Ethanol is flammable
- Wear rubber/latex gloves
- A flaming handkerchief is a severe fire hazard
- Keep the audience away from this fire source
- Swinging the handkerchief keeps the tongs from getting hot.

Patter:
- The wizard will demonstrate some modern drycleaning techniques.
- The wash cycle is similar to that done in a washing machine, except that this is quicker.
- Since we want to keep the show moving we need a rapid dry cycle.