Before anything goes into a closet see that all the cracks in the floor
are entirely filled with putty, plaster of Paris, or sawdust, for
otherwise dust and lint will accumulate in them, and there the beetle
will find a house and the moth a nest for herself. Whiting and linseed
oil mixed well together until the paste is smooth will make the putty.
The plaster of Paris is easily prepared by mixing the powder with cold
water till it is of the right consistency to spread, but it hardens so
quickly that only a little can be made ready at a time. Or, dissolve
one pound of glue in two gallons of water, and stir into it enough
sawdust to make a thick paste. Any of these preparations can be
colored to match the floor, put into the cracks with a common steel
knife, and made smooth and even with the boards. A better way,
however, seems to be to omit the coloring and give the entire floor two
coats of paint after the cracks are filled. There are those who prefer
covering the floor with enamel cloth; but try as we will, it is all but
impossible to fit it so closely that dust and animal life cannot slip
under it.
CLOSET FURNISHING
The floors attended to, next see that there are plenty of hooks screwed
on the cleat which should extend around three sides of the closet.
They must be at a convenient height, say five feet, and three inches
below the first of two or three shelves, to be not over fifteen inches
apart, thus making at least two available for use. On the under side
of this first shelf screw double hooks, and additional hanging room can
be made by suspending a movable rod across the closet on which to hang
coat hooks holding garments. Skirts, waists, and coats hold their
shape far better when disposed of in this way, and can be packed
closely together. A twelve-inch piece of barrel hoop wound with
cambric or muslin, and with a loop at the center, is a good substitute
for the commercial hook. On the shelves go hat and other boxes, and
various parcels, each to be plainly labeled. A chest of drawers at one
end of the closet is handy for the disposal of delicate gowns, extra
underwear, furs, summer dresses, etc., while a shoe bag insures
additional order. The soiled-clothes hamper belongs, not in the
clothes closet, but in the bathroom. Too much emphasis cannot be
placed on this. The odor from the linen pollutes the naturally close
air of the closet and clings to everything it contains.
CARE OF CLOSETS AND CONTENTS
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