Trying to be like the original example of a homesteading woman:
"She's up before dawn, preparing breakfast for her family, and organizing her day. She looks over a field and buys it, then, with money she's put aside, plants a garden." Proverbs 31:15-16 (The Message)
Dusting 101: HuberHof asked me about getting rid of dust from a wood stove.
I've searched for ideas and have only come up with two suggestions directly related to wood stoves:
Use a humidifier - dry air allows the dust to fly more.
Wash the walls frequently.
We have a carpet (dark green) in the room with the wood stove. I have to vacuum at least once every day, sometimes more because of the dust and such that fall off the wood pieces as they are brought inside.
One thing I do to lessen the work of dusting is limiting the amount of knic-knacs on the mantel and in the rest of the room. I've actually been moving toward a more "Shaker" style of decorating (if it isn't useful, I don't need to dust it). I prefer the restful look of clear tabletops.
I found the following ideas on HGTV's website featuring TIPical Mary Ellen's show.
Dust cloths should be made either from cotton or flannels because synthetics do not absorb well and can scratch the surface of many items. Fabric-softener sheets (dryer sheets) or old socks worn as gloves will work in a pinch if your dust cloths are dirty. [Tip from Patty: We cut up and reuse old cotton under shirts.]
To create a dust cloth that leaves a shine, soak your normal dust cloth in a mixture of two cups water, two tablespoons vinegar, and four drops of lemon oil. Once the cloth is soaked through, remove it and wring it out, then store it in a glass jar with a lid until you want to use it.
Make sure that you have a way of reaching those hard-to-reach places by having on hand a yardstick, broom handle, or even a hockey stick. Simply put a sock on the end of any of these, and wipe those corners and moldings.
After dusting the blinds on your windows, wipe each slat with a fabric-softener sheet. This will help them stay cleaner longer because the sheet helps to repel dust.
A dust mop is a must for any household with hardwood floors because it attracts the finer dust that brooms fail to pick up without the harshness of a broom. Spray it very lightly (too much will make the floor slippery) with a furniture polish to keep attracting dust without dispersing it.
Instead of shaking out your dust mop outside, try this easy tip: Spritz the inside of a plastic bag, then place the mop head in the bag, securing it around the handle. Shake the mop out in the bag, then remove the bag. The dust should cling to the water in the bag. [Tip from Patty: Rinse out and reuse your bag. It will dry and be ready for the next dusting if you turn it inside out.]
For delicate areas like a lampshade, use a soft paintbrush to dust. Not only will it not hurt the lampshade, but it will also get into the nooks and crannies.
Put a clean, slightly damp dust cloth on top of a helium balloon, and float it up to the rafters to unreachable corners. Just pull the balloon around, and in no time you will have collected all the dust.
To dust narrow areas such as between a book shelf and a wall, slide a sock over the end of a hanger.
A can of compressed air will help you expel dust from hard-to-reach areas and delicate electronics. [Tip from Patty: This is indespensible in maintaining a clean computer keyboard. It will even help remove dried peanut butter from between the keys. ;-> ]
Another way to bust dust from such areas like a television or on top of a refrigerator is to mix together one part fabric softener and four parts water. Moisten a rag with this mixture, and rub over the area. It will help take a way the static electricity.
One very important tip my mother taught me about dusting is to dust from top down. Gravity carries dust to lower surfaces. I start with the cobwebs in the corners of the ceiling and finish with vacuuming the carpet or sweeping the floor, with all the picture frames and table surfaces in between.
Happy Dusting!!! Please send me more tips about this important cleaning task...especially if you have any about making homemade fabric softener.
