Dusting

When we remember that dust is composed of small particles of sand and soil, soot from inside and outside our houses, particles worn off our clothing, particles of dry skin, dry sputum (often containing germs of fever and disease), we see how necessary it is that it should be removed daily.

Rules For Dusting

1. Always dust the highest things first, as any loose dust falling down may be removed from the lower things afterwards.

2. Work methodically from a given point right round.

3. Gather up the dust, not whisk it from place to place, dusting as quietly as possible.

4. Keep the duster folded in a large flat pad; ends are apt to scatter the dust and cause accidents to small ornaments.

5. Occasionally shake the duster in the open air.

6. Always use the dusters provided for their respective purposes.

7. For furniture or paint use two dusters, because (1) this prevents finger-marks; (2) a good worker can use one hand, then the other; (3) a certain amount of work is done by simply holding the furniture with a duster.

8. After use, dusters should be shaken in the open air, folded neatly, and put away. Clean ones should be given out weekly.

Method Of Dusting A Room

1. Carefully wipe dust off the largest pieces of furniture; for carved parts use a soft hair brush.

2. Dust all the ledges and rims of the chairs, beginning at the top and working downwards, pulling a corner of the duster through any small space.

3. Use a feather brush for the tops of pictures, and rub the glass with newspaper or a soft old duster.

4. Use a feather brush also for the tops and backs of books.

5. Dust all ornaments on the mantelpiece with a soft duster (old silk handkerchief, if available), and put them on the table; then dust the top and sides of the overmantel and mantelpiece, and replace ornaments.

6. Lastly, wipe the wooden surround with a damp rubber, and then with a dry duster.

REMEMBER to dust legs of tables, all ledges, windows, chandelier and globes, skirting-boards, the whole of the door, the framework of the door when open and shut, and the grate.

Dusters

Very old sheets which have been cut down and mended, and are no longer suitable for beds or cots, old print dresses, old aprons, old hangings, old cotton furniture-coverings may all be cut into suitable-sized pieces, hemmed, and used for dusters.

Dusters may be bought by the dozen from 1/3 upwards; those at 3 3/4d. each are fairly strong.

Flannelette at 2 3/4d. per yard, or unbleached calico at the same price, makes strong and economical dusters. They should always be hemmed and marked, as this ensures more careful treatment.

Some people prefer dusters knitted in Strutt's unbleached cotton on large bone needles. They take up the dust, polish well, leave no fluff, are durable, and, being loose and open, are easily washed.