Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1888-01-27
THE HOUSEHOLD.


II is well known that dust is an absorb
ent aud collector Of odors, and that il gives
them out under the influence Of both heat
and moisture, and that Independent of
these qualities it is injurious in itself to
even the most healthy lungs, being compos-
ed Of minute particles resulting from the
wear and tear of many fabrics, animal,
vegetable and mineral Dust thus consti-
tuted cannot but ne most dangerous com
pany in a room, as, if allowed TO remain, it
becomes poisonous, and when it is disturb
ed and enters the lungs il has not only an
irritating effect. but becoming moist, gives
out its noXious odors within the body. 1t
can he readily seem then, how important
are the operations OF sweeping and dusting,
especially the latter.
All heavy articles of furniture should be
provided with strong, easy rolling casters,
and on sweeping day the first step will be
to roll these pieces out of the room or into
the middle of the floor then sprinkle the
carpet with dampened Indian meal, salt or
moist tea leaves. Then remove all loose ar
ticles, such as curtains, garments, sewing
materials, ornaments. etc, to another room
or else place on the table, sofa or bed, and
cover securely with a sheet. After this
create draught of air by opening doors
and windows A windy day is best for
thorough sweeping and busting, for then
strong draught can be attained that will
carry before it the fine, injurious dust that
otherwise would settle on the walls, pic
lures, mirrors and curtains. To sweep
with the windows closed is merely to re
move the heavier portions of dust, and to
stir UP and distribute the lighter portions
on the objects mentioned, until surprising
Accommodations occur, which are not detect
ed until the autumn or spring cleanings.
The room being prepared, the operation of
sweeping may begin a thick, not too
heavy broom, slightly dampened, should be
used, and the movement should be regular
and not too rapid. A long, firm stroke is
preferable to a short, quick one, which
causes the dust to fly The sweeping should,
of course, be in the direction of the draught,
and especial attention should be given to
the corners, all accumuations being care
fully brushed out The result of the first
sweeping should be gathered up in dust
pan and burned, and the fine dust resulting
from the sweeping-at least, such as has
not been blown away by the wind-alowed
to settle After this the woodwork over
the doors and windows, and all other pro
ections. should be swept down with dust
brushes and the walls with a new broom
covered with clean cloths. A second sweep
ing with a clean, soft, damp broom may be
needed if the room had previously been in
u bad condition. After the dust has thor
oughly settled, every article should be well
wiped with duster-a piece of old, soft
silk is best-which must be frequently Civ
en- a vigorous shake out of doors.
Living rooms need this thorough treat
ment every week also bedrooms occupied
by more than one person. A bedchamber
occupied by only one person, provided it is
well aired every day may be kept suffi-
GENTLY wholesome if treated in this way
once fortnight, under ordinary circum-
stances. -HOusehOld.