No Reward

I know neither how nor why, but there was a conversation last night about washing dusters.

After passing through the phases: What's a duster?; Ah! that's what those yellow things are; How would they get dirty?; Why don't they ever get dirty?; Surely you just flick them out of a window, and finally alighting upon "Bugger it, I'd just buy new ones" my curiosity was piqued.

And so, the internet.

Apparently there's a US army document (TM 5-609) which covers just such nicities (and many others besides: The right way to sweep a gymnasium; or an office, or an auditorium, or a corridor (they are all different); Wall washing - hand method; Window washing; toilet and sink washing (with pictures) etc...) Here's how to wash a duster ... (Section 6.2.2)

6.2.2 Washing Sweeping Mops, Dusters, and Dustcloths.

6.2.2.1 Equipment Needed:

(1) Mop bucket, large can or bucket and wringer or squeezer.
(2) Palmetto Brush.

6.2.2.2 Materials Needed:

(1) Warm water.
(2) TSP (Trisodium Phosphate).

6.2.2.3 Getting Mop Heads, Dusters, or Dustcloths Ready:

(1) Remove mop heads from handles.
(2) Shake mop heads, dusters, or dust-cloths to remove as much dirt as possible.

6.2.2.4 Doing the Job:

(1) Wash mop heads, dusters or dustcloths clean in a solution of one tablespoon of trisodium phosphate to one gallon of water by working them vigorously with plumber*s friend or broom handle.
(2) Rinse thoroughly in clear, lukewarm water, wring them as dry as possible with wringer or squeezer.
(3) Hang them up to dry where there is good air circulation.
(4) When dry, comb yarn out with palmetto brush.
(5) Mop heads, dusters or dustcloths, when dry, should be light grey in color, light, and fluffy. There should be no soggy or matted yarn.

6.2.2.5 Care of Equipment:

(1) Clean all equipment thoroughly.
(2) Return all supplies and equipment to their proper storage places.


So, now you know.

Oh, and that's only Chapter 6 "OUTLINES OF JANITORIAL OPERATIONS FOR ON-THE-JOB USE"

// posted by rr @ 7:14 PM