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Sweeping Day: Dust

Sterilization of Dust. -The most efficient agent to sterilize dust, by killing germs that it contains, is direct sunlight. Like many other things that are plentiful and free, sunlight is not appreciated at its true value. In cities, buildings are crowded so closely together as to shade one another, and in the country too frequently direct sunshine is cut off from dwelling houses by thick masses of evergreen and other trees, shrubs or vines. Formerly it was the custom in many localities to keep the parlor and spare chambers closed by shut doors and drawn blinds. And rooms are still too often darkened to prevent carpets and other fabrics from fading. Happily, a change for the better is already apparent. Hardwood floors and Oriental rugs do not fade. It is much less customary than formerly to exclude light and air from spare rooms, to board up sinks and other plumbing, and otherwise to harbor breeding places for the germs of mildew, disease, and decay.

In cities, boards of health are constantly studying these matters, and laws have been passed that tend to prevent unsanitary conditions. The resulting knowledge is being rapidly spread everywhere. And within recent years the death rate of most localities has been greatly diminished. There is little doubt that many deaths have been due to conditions that could have been prevented by a knowledge of the dust dangers.

But in the presence of direct sunshine, dust is rendered harmless. Hence choose furnishings that sunshine will not harm, and admit the sunlight freely to all parts of the house. - Preventing Dust. - A certain amount of dust, according to local conditions, is always floating in the outer air, and finds its way into dwellings through doors, windows, and other openings. This cannot usually be much lessened except by such means as oiling streets; sprinkling streets, lawns, and gardens; the prevention of smoke and the like.

But the amount of dust formed within doors by the wear of fabrics, furniture, woodwork, and other objects, can be much lessened by the selection, when furnishing, of durable articles of all sorts, and by protecting SWEEPING DAY floors, furniture, and other woodwork by suitable coatings of oil, wax, paint, or varnish. And, in addition, various means may be taken to prevent the distribution of dust when sweeping. er.

Removing Dust. The ordinary means of removing dust is by sweeping, and afterwards wiping all exposed surfaces by means of a damp cloth, chamois, or other suitable dust- Good ventilation is also valuable as a means of removing dust, especially if the intake is screened so that the fresh air is pure when admitted.

Carpet sweepers are especially valuable as dust removers. But the modern vacuum cleaners may be regarded as ideal for this purpose. Vacuum Cleaners. At present this method of cleaning is somewhat expensive, and is confined to localities where electric or other power is available. It is to be hoped, however, that vacuum-cleaning apparatus may be devised that can be run by cheap gasoline or alcohol motors at a price within the means of the average family. These cleaners, by producing a vacuum, cause suction powerful enough to draw dust, dirt, and other small objects out of the fiber of carpets and hangings, and from the surface of woodwork, furniture, and other objects. The dust is taken in through a suitable mouthpiece provided with a handle with which to guide it as desired, and carried, together with a current of air, through a tube into a receptacle containing water. This may afterwards be emptied, and all dust permanently removed from the premises. There is little doubt that some such means of cleaning will eventually take the place of the broom and carpet sweeper in ordinary households, and that thus the dust question will be finally and satisfactorily settled. Dusters. The object of dusting is, or should be, to remove the dust permanently from the room, and not merely to change its location from hangings, shelves, or furniture covering, whence it will be stirred by every footstep and carried by the first breeze back to its former resting place.

The old-fashioned feather duster is useful for moving the dust from one place to another, but for no other purpose. The feather duster doubtless owes its popularity to the long handle, which permits of dusting the lower parts of furniture without stooping, and also of dusting objects that would otherwise be out of reach. A substitute may be made on the same plan by using a short piece of broomstick, the handle of an old feather duster, or a child's broom, and fastening to the end with cord or wire in the same way that a whisk broom is wired, a deep double ruffle made of any suitable cloth and of any desired length and thickness.

A duster made in this way will retain the dust better than a feather duster, and it can be shaken out of the window. Cheese cloth is perhaps the best material for this form of duster, but almost any soft fabric may be employed.

Or hem squares of cheese cloth of any convenient size.

Or use the tops of old cotton or silk hose, either men's or women's.

Cut these down the seam and whip them together with a loose seam.

Or for certain purposes, as dusting around baseboards, over windows, doors, and all woodwork that it is difficult to reach with a cloth, use a common dish mop. This is much superior to a feather duster, as it holds the dirt and can be easily cleaned. It will be improved for this purpose by wiring the upper end with a piece of wire taken from an old whisk broom.

Chamois leather slightly dampened is perhaps the best kind of duster, especially for polished furniture. To Dust.-Begin in one corner of the room and dust thoroughly as you go. Commence with the highest articles, wiping but not brushing off the dust, the object being to cause all the dust to lodge on the cloth.

Shake the duster frequently out of the window. After using it wash it and hang it up.

Wing Dusters. - The wings of fowls, turkeys, geese, and chickens are useful to dig out the corners in washing windows, and also as brushes about the stove and hearth. Dip the bony ends in a bichloride solution to keep out moths and insects. Do not leave them where the cat can chew them.

To Freshen Carpets. - Before sweeping, scatter dry salt over the carpet. It brightens the colors and checks the ravages of moths.

Or, after sweeping, go over the carpet lightly with a broom dipped into half a pailful of hot water to which two teaspoonfuls of ammonia have been added. This freshens the colors of the carpet.

Or slightly moisten salt with kerosene. Sprinkle the carpet and sweep thoroughly. The dust will not rise, but will be thoroughly taken up by the mixture. The kerosene will leave no greasy effect, the odor will soon pass off, and the carpet will be wonderfully freshened. Corn meal may be substituted for salt. The same treatment may be applied to matting with equally good results.