Dust should be avoided, since it irritates the throat and may carry germs. If possible a vacuum sweeper should be used. If a broom is used it should be dampened, or bits of moist paper or some commercial substance for sweeping should be sprinkled over the floor. In sweeping, short strokes should be taken away from the person. Rugs which can be cleaned outdoors are generally preferable to carpets.

Dustless mops and dustless dusters are sanitary labor-savers. They can be made at home by dipping the mop or the duster in a solution of some vegetable oil, such as linseed or cottonseed oil, in gasoline or other solvent, about one tablespoon of oil to one pint of gasoline being used. There should be no fire in the room where the gasoline is used. The mop or duster should be hung outdoors until the gasoline has evaporated. The oil will be evenly distributed in this way. The duster may be washed once or twice before it is necessary to redip it in the oil solution.