Report of Missouri Farmers* Week. 225 



In systematic cleaning the first step is the removal of all the 

 furniture. A bright, clear day should be selected so it will be pos- 

 sible to move it onto the porch or out into the yard. This should 

 all be thoroughly cleaned before it is returned to the room, so we 

 might just as well discuss in, the beginning the treatment it should 

 receive. One group of children can then be at work on the furni- 

 ture while another group is cleaning up the interior of the building. 



Care of Furniture. — In the home we never apply water to fur- 

 niture. When it needs to be dusted it is wiped off with a cloth 

 which is dampened very slightly or to which a trace of kerosene 

 has been added. A little furniture polish may be used and rubbed 

 well into the wood. In any case, no oil or polish should be left on 

 the outside to dry and gum, as it serves as a means of collecting 

 dust. 



As for school desks, they are probably so soiled and have been, 

 used by so many different children that wiping off with even a 

 damp cloth will not suffice. They should be thoroughly scrubbed. 

 We want them thoroughly clean and sanitary, even if it be at the 

 expense of the varnish. All the cracks should be stopped up as 

 far as possible and the rough places made smooth with sandpaper. 

 This will make it very much easier to keep the desks clean. After 

 the desks have been put in the best possible condition no one will 

 be guilty of defacing them in any way. The carving on a desk does 

 not add in any way to its beauty, but makes a place for the lodg- 

 ment of dirt and germs. 



Renovation of Furmiture. — If there is time and the money is 

 available, some or all of the furniture may be refinished. In order 

 to do this it is first necessary to remove the old stain. This can be 

 done by a scraper after the furniture has been washed, if very 

 dirty. It can be given a final smooth finish and the varnish re- 

 moved from the corners by the use of sandpaper. The stain can 

 then be applied and, finally, the varnish put on,, which can be 

 rubbed with sandpaper to any degree of dullness desired. Most of 

 ius do not care for shiny furniture, and it is certainly much more 

 difficult to keep in proper condition than, that with a dull finish. 



Cleaning of the Stove. — The stove should receive attention 

 next. If the weather is sufficiently warm, the stove, if not too 

 heavy, can be removed to the outside, and by cleaning it there 

 much dirt and unnecessary dust be kept out of the room. It should 

 he thoroughly cleaned in every part. Any parts which are broken 

 should receive attention at this time. If the stove is very dirty it 



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