Hardwood Floors

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D.C. · Jun 2, 1904

THERE is a great difference of opinion as to the economy and convenience of hardwood floors, and this is due to the degree of cleanliness one is accustomed to having. Those who are content with running a carpet-sweeper over the carpeted floor once a day find it annoying to see the fluffs of dust that collect on the hardwood when this floor is but half swept. The woodwork shows each speck of dust, and neglect in cleaning is at once made noticeable. But the rugs are easily shaken, when not too large, say once a week. Dust on the floor will be picked up by a slightly dampened cloth on the end of a broom. Usually a dry cotton mop or a cocoa fiber broom is sufficient.

One devotee of cleanliness says: “There is the same difference between cleaning a porcelain sink and a wooden one as between cleaning the scientifically built modern house and the rag-bags, waste-baskets, and dust traps many people are content to live in.” And this may well have particular reference to floors. A ‘dining’-room especially should have a hardwood floor, as it is not possible to clean thoroughly a dining-room carpet. This room is used so frequently that great annoyance is caused in sweeping thoroughly under and around the furniture.

Hardwood floors are eventually much more economical than carpets. The saving in ten years would furnish very handsome rugs, and after that the expense is nil.—Good Housekeeping.