Atlanta Daily World

House Cleaning Is Tough On Hands

Poets have raved about the blessings of the home. "Home interprets heaven," says one. "Home the nursery of the infinite," wrote another. And from Shakespeare "The air of paradise did fan the house and angels officed it." Yet, no doubt, when Ann Hathaway pulled their diggings to pieces and put them together again during the spring housecleaning upheaval, William regarded the whole business as a conspiracy against him and his comfort, as does the modern husband. "Air of paradise." Indeed! Spring housecleaning is just what you happen to think it is, a grand spree to put things to rights or a period of necessary torment. But, no matter what your viewpoint, it is going to make you work hard afterwards to catch up on the beauty obligations that you owe yourself. Hands, hair, complexion, fingernails and your naturally sunny disposition may suffer. Meals are bound to be a bit sketchy. Help is expensive, almost impossible to find. Many women who have never done such hard labor before will find themselves washing windows and woodwork. Well, all things pass. Don your armor of courage and determination, and sail in. When the fracas is over, perhaps you can treat yourself to a heavenly afternoon at the beauty shop. You will have earned it. Protect your hands against grime and dust. Wear rubber gloves when using water for cleaning purposes, especially, if you are also using a strong cleaning agent. Harsh soaps will eat into the skin; it will take days to get the mitts back to a state of smoothness. Have your hand lotion where you will see it and be reminded that this is one time when they need a soothing application. USE GLOVES Cotton work gloves may seem clumsy, but you should use them, especially when dusting books and polishing furniture. The best polish ever made will burrow into knuckles and form dark lines, have a deplorable effect upon the cuticle that surrounds the fingernails. Silver polish also is a beauty menace. At least twice a day: wash your hands well with corn meal and soap suds. The tiny grains will remove dark lines, the starchy content will soothe the skin. Of course, there will be many other handwashings, but make these two with the meal a thorough job. Keep your hair covered. Give it a good brushing every night to remove whatever surface dust has collected. When you have your bedtime bath, rest in the warm water for ten or fifteen minutes: this period of steamy relaxation will take the tiredness out of your bones and muscles, condition you to take up the confusing job next day. Sprinkle a foot powder in your shoes. Otherwise your feet will be tired.