Chamois leather slightly dampened is perhaps the best kind of duster, es pecially for polished furniture.
To Dust.—Begin in one corner of the room and dust thoroughly as you go. Commence with the highest arti cles, 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 use ful 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 sweep ing, scatter dry salt over the carpet. It brightens the colors and checks the ravages of moths.
Or, after sweeping, go over the car pet 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 kero sene. 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 won derfully freshened. Corn meal may be substituted for salt. The same treatment may be applied to matting with equally good results.
Smooth Floors.—Smooth floors of hard wood, oilcloth, linoleum, or mat ting should not be swept in the usual way. Make a heavy canton or outing flannel bag with a draw string, large enough to hold the head of the broom. Or use for this purpose ticks that are becoming worn. Wring this bag out of hot water containing a little am monia, slip the broom head into it, and draw the puckering string tight about the handle. This takes up all dust, lint, and bits of paper, and makes the room much fresher than ordinary sweeping. Cast-off flannel garments, such as nightshirts and the like, may be utilized in this manner.
Or stitch together loosely old cot ton hose, crazy-quilt fashion.