The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1889-05-08
HOUSE CLEANING.
Some Practical and Timely Observations
Upon a Discomfortab.e subject.

Upon DiscomfOrtabse Subject
theoretically, the process of taking the
domestic machinery out by the roots, shaking
off the dirt and replanting il is nothing much.
1t has been used 10 point morals, and 1t has
served the tagged story-writer as an ornament,
nothing weightier for the required several
thousand worded monthly story. The sani-
tartan Will prose by the hour the best
methods OF Observation-Disclosures to begin and
what to begin with, how much lime, soap and
salt TO use, and how long to keep the carpets
and msttings beating themselves into tatters in
the sun and wind. The writers Of articles for
newspaper syndicstes have ventilated their
ideas at great length. About everybody who
never cleaned house has laid down the
law Tor il. For once one who knows whereof
she speaks desires TO be heard. II Cesar
could fight his battles over again with his pen.
why may not a less ambitious person tor once
substitute lead pencil for a scrubbing brush?
Practically, house-cleaning Is q nightmare,
cyclone, nerve-raking, muscle-tOrturing, soul
scuttng tyranous institution OF civilization! II
We all lived in tents, or even in log-cabins,
housekeeping would be immeasurably simpli
he'd. The more carpets and curtains and
pictures and mirrors and plaques aud chairs
with plush hnishings aud satin bows
have, the more troublesome is this semi
yearly crusade. And whether all these ab0mina-
tons are at their best and shiningest or whether
they are dim with the "bloOm of time" in view
of the WEAKNESS they have caused, ] cry, Is
our civilization failure! or Is the Caucasian
PLAYED out?'' That women do the greater part
OF this work is sud fact, fact that initiates
against the bOasted chivalry of the American
man. The practice is a remnant OF the old
order of things in savage life True, the men
most usually come in to lift stoves, swear at
the stOve-pipes, eat their dinners. and such ike
heavy work, but the residue of their time, at
this thpv DralslnQ the saints
that they were NOS born women. HOuse-clean
ing Is like many other earthly
things. In the distance it is rather
desirable. II is a sort of stopgate whatever
that Isl against which to push disagreeable lit
tie pieces or work that would so cut up the
days. How easy it is, as the cleaning season
draws near, to refer dirty spots on the paint, or
carpet or curtains, refractory window shade
or a broken picture card TO that time of gen
eral information. So there are many things
that have no names on the housekeeper's con-
science when the tornado is in blast. Theorists
will advise the managing OF the cleaning
to leave undisturbed the ordinary habits OF the
family. They tell us 10 thoroughly renOvste
and put in order one room at time, leaving
the remainder of the house in its
usual state. This may he done when
the work is carried on by the regular
household force at the regular expense; but
when the extras" are employed at not less
than dollar day and found" il is well to
ccOnONliZe time. even II Tor an evening or Two
the master shall miss his chair and slippers
from their accustomed corner, or If lie be in
vited 20 dine downtown. Most usually, too,
there changes to be made with the seasons
that neeessitate the shaking into chaos of two
or more rooms at the same time.
The chief thing is 10 have one person who
possesses the monarch mind, the mystery OF
commanding the God-like power, the art
Napoleon" 10 manage the campaign and see
that no time is frittered away, but that the
work goes steadily forward. There are always
the niceties, the finishing touches 20 be given
TO make q room tasteful after il is clean. This,
if one be not utterly worn ont, is pleasant
work; but, generally, the muscles are too full
of aches, the fingers too much like graters,
and the months look so short till all the clean
illness will be foul again. The arranging of
drsperies, and the artistic shading OF doors and
windows, seem al such times the veriest delu-
siOns.
Some women profess to a feeling OF intense
comfort when surveying their well-hnished
work. May be they have. The difference of
souls and bodies accounts for many things For
myself if tonight | received the order:
Creep into thy narrow bed,
Creep, and let no more be said,
think death would be robbed OF his sting.
have done my whole duty by my house. Ii is
so clean my own mother would never suspect
me of literary tendencies. | have been patient
with my husband and son through il all, be.
cause they stayed down town from daylight till
dark, and "if should die tonight" | should
never have to clean house again.
MARGRET HOLMES.