SPRING CLEANING BIT BY BIT

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 131, 24 August 1927, Page 7

SPRING CLEANING BIT BY BIT

I DON’T WASTE ENERGY : There are few jobs which take so much toll of the housewife s energy as the annual “spring-cleaning”—but it is one of the tasks on which more energy is wasted than is always necessary. To do the job methodically is to conserve effort and make the work much lighter. When there are not “many hands to make light work,” it is best to spread the “spring-cleaning” operations over a period which allows the work to be done well without nearly killing the workers with fatigue. A “new” house is not appreciated when the woman at the helm is tired and nervy and irritable. If any repairs or additions are to be made, such as painting, papering, distempering, or varnishing, wait until they are complete before starting to clean through the house, as, however small they may be, such jobs add to the cleaning afterwards. Then do one room at a time, turning out old drawers and cupboards and getting rid of all rubbish first. WORK THROUGH METHODICALLY If the bouse has more than one floor, start cleaning at the top and work down, or there will be double work. To clean behind heavy articles of furniture, such as wardrobes, which may be against the wall, an old dusting sheet should be used, someone holdingeach end and working it up and down, gathering any dust that may be clinging to the back of the furniture. Choose a bright, sunny day to take out carpets, as strong sunshine and fresh air not only sweeten the carpet, but kill any moth eggs and germs which may have found their way into the fibre. And last, but not least: Arrange a simple menu, one that takes little ' preparation, but don’t neglect your meals and give the family dull and unap- i petising dishes. Spring-cleaning must be done, but it can be done without spoiling the happy home!