New-York tribune., 1901-05-06
IN CLOSING THE HOUSE.
HOW TO ARRANGE THE FURNISHINGS BE-
FORE LEAVING FOR THE COUNTRY.

If the house is to be closed all summer. without
caretaker TO give 1t occasional airing, it Is
mistake to darken the rooms so that all sunlight
is excluded. To be sure, closely drawn shades ana
closed blinds will keep dust and prevent the
furnishings from fading, but on the other hand
moisture moths. carpet bugs and offensive doors
nu!upiy In the dark Healthful conditions shoulu'
in all domestic affairs have the first consideration.
Tor the welfare OF the family is more important
than the preservation of the household goods. Tne
custom OF leaving the general housecleaning until
fall. which Is on the increase. is not of unmiXed
good for IL allows the accumulated dust Of the
winter to vitiate the atmosphere and TO increase
unsantary conditions.
If the house is thoroughly cleaned before the
summer fight Of the family. and all the small
things carefully busted and covered, aside from
general busting of woodwork and walls little
cleaning will be needed upon reopening II in the
fall. Carpets that have been cleaned should not be
put down until the return. These. with the rugs.
should be sprinked with naphtha. rolled IN paper
and put away in dust-tight closet Cover carpets
that are to remain down with paper or cloths.
previously brushing their edges with a stiff whisk
broom and pouring enough naphtha the edges
all around the room to soak through to the floor
Naphtha is one OF the most useful exterminators
of moths and carpet bugs, but there should be no
light or fire in the where II is employed
and a window should be opened after things are
mostened with 1t. to allow the gas to escape.
1t is excellent plan to brush the crevices and
creases of upholstered furniture thoroughly and
to pour into them naphtha in small quantities
Lace and muslin curtains should be washed and
put away rough dry" Fine lace curtains will
Of course be sent to the cleaners. 1t is we'll 10
let heavy draperies of silk, WOOL etc. after brisk
shakings, hang in the shade in the open air for
a time. Then fold them wrong side and so
that there will be unnecessary creases. sprinkle
the woollen ones with naphtha, pin them in sheets
and put them in tight drawers chests II there
is to be light in the place the furniture out
| OF range of the
All mirrors pictIres and chandeliers should be
carefully wiped and covered with cheesecloth the
globes Of the latter being placed the mantels:
canton flannel cloth should cover the piano. All
| statuary and bric-a-brac should be covered and
put the piano and tables where they will not
| be broken when the rooms being rearranged in
! the fall The silver will of course, be sent In
| boxes flannel bags to the safety vault.
| forks should all be rubbed with sweet oil and
wrapped in soft paper. These should be put into
| a dry closet Be that all utensils dry If
| there is to be In the house il IS safe plan
! 10 turn the water Off leaving a few paifuls Tor
| emergencies No matches should be left about.
The roof should be examined, in order that any
/ weakness there may be repaired and damage from
/ hard summer rains be avoided.
a thorough examination Of the cellar FOR animal
| or vegetable matter is most important, the
slightest trace Of either will produce unhealthful
/ odors. Servants who do not appreciate the i'm
portance Of this can seldom be trusted to do the
/ work. The metal garbage should be thorough
| y washed and scalded. rinsed with a solution OF
] carbolc acid and dried in the
! All the bed clothes should be aired, folded and
| put away and the pillows and mattresses covered
with clean sheets.