Preparing for Cold Weather
By The Commoner
THESE cool, crisp October days bring it sensibly home to us that the year is drawing to a close; that cold weather will soon settle down upon us. One of the most important duties of the homekeeper is to make sure that the cellar is sweet and clean, and in the best possible sanitary condition before the supply of vegetables, fruits, etc., are stored in it. Much of the health of the family is dependent upon this. Quick-lime, borax, charcoal, dry copperas, and plaster are all or variously used for this purpose, and one of the most effective is the old-fashioned whitewash of our mother's time. Every corner, underfoot, and overhead should be well swept, and all dust, dirt, and debris be taken outside. No old, moldy boxes, barrels, kegs, jugs, or other vessels should be allowed to remain. In every enclosed space, an earthen dish should be set, in which lumps of unslacked lime should be placed, and over these, dry copperas should be sprinkled, after which the lime should be sprinkled with water—not enough to wet it, but just enough to thoroughly slack it. The steam from the slacking lime will carry off all bad air and odors, which will pass out through the open doors and windows. After a few hours, scatter in all corners and along the walls, dry powdered borax, and in corners and overhead hang bags of cheesecloth in which pieces of charcoal have been placed. If the walls and overhead are treated to a good coating of old-fashioned whitewash, made from good lime, the air will be greatly sweetened. In pans or old crocks, lumps of unslacked lime should be left about, as this will absorb any dampness, and at the same time sweeten and purify the air. Every few weeks, the charcoal bags should be taken down and the charcoal heated very hot, and returned to the bags to be re-hung. Do not allow any vegetables or fruits to rot in the cellar; as soon as noticed, such should be removed. The cellar should not be “hermetically sealed,” during the cold months, but should have frequent airings whenever the weather will permit.—The Commoner.