September 9, 06:30Aaj Tak

Japanese Habit: How to Reduce Dust and Dirt in the House Without Constant Cleaning

In India, maintaining cleanliness in the home is an integral part of daily chores. Sweeping the floor in the morning, followed by mopping, is very common. Just as preparing vegetables and bread in the kitchen daily is considered crucial, maintaining household cleanliness is also deemed extremely important. However, despite diligent work cleaning every corner of the house from the morning, dust and dirt begin to reappear on the floor after a few hours. This problem is not unique to one home but is characteristic of all living spaces.

The dirt, dust, and soil that enter the house from the street, especially from roads, particularly complicate cleaning. Because of this, it is necessary to frequently use a broom and mop, which increases the daily workload.

However, you may not know that one small habit of Japanese residents can significantly reduce the amount of dirt entering the house. Japanese residents are very attentive to cleanliness and incorporate small habits into their lifestyle to prevent dirt from getting inside. One such habit allows for the reduction of dust and dirt accumulating on the floor without requiring the purchase of expensive goods.

In Japan, people do not walk around the house in outdoor shoes. They take off their shoes right at the entrance door and put on special indoor slippers or sandals. Thus, dust, dirt, and trash brought in from outside have no chance of reaching the flooring. Indeed, there is often a special shoe rack at the entrance of their homes where they place their outdoor shoes and slippers before putting on indoor footwear.

Shoes can bring not only dust but also various types of contaminants. During the day, people visit many places outside the home—roads, markets, offices, or parks. Dust and dirt from these places can settle on the shoes. If shoes like these enter the house, all this dirt gets onto the floor and carpets. The Japanese habit of changing shoes helps stop this dirt outside the residence.

To adopt this habit, you do not need to buy expensive items. You need to designate a small area near the main entrance where outdoor shoes can be removed. After that, separate slippers for indoor use should be placed. It is advisable to use these slippers exclusively within the house.

By adopting this Japanese habit, you can prevent dust and dirt from entering your home from the outside. However, this does not mean that house cleaning will not be required at all. Dust can enter the room through windows, from wind, and other sources. Nevertheless, by preventing external soil and dirt from entering through shoes, you can avoid rapid floor contamination. This allows you to eliminate the need to wash and sweep the floor multiple times every day.

A small habit can help keep the house clean. Maintaining household cleanliness does not always require expensive cleaning agents or hours of cleaning. Sometimes, it is small habits that have a significant impact. Just like in Japan, removing outdoor shoes upon entering the house is a simple habit that can be adopted in Indian homes to significantly reduce the amount of dust and dirt on the floor.

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www.aajtak.inAugust 31, 06:13

Cleaning Tips: How to Use an Old Sock to Remove Hair and Dust After Mopping the Floor

When cleaning a house, people usually start by using a broom and mop. First, they sweep the entire house thoroughly, and then they wash the corners. However, even after daily cleaning, hair, clothing lint, and fine dust often remain on the floor. It is especially difficult to clean dirt accumulated under furniture, against walls, and near baseboards. To eliminate these contaminants, people again take out the broom and mop or use a vacuum cleaner.

Nevertheless, there is a way to make this task much easier without requiring extra effort. It is enough to use an old sock that you have at home.

How to Turn an Old Sock into a Dust Collector

If you have a clean, old sock that is no longer worn, you can use it during cleaning instead of throwing it away. To create a dust collector from the sock, you need to stretch it over a flat mop. The sock's fabric helps collect hair, lint, and fine dust that moves freely across the floor. Furthermore, this method does not require any new cleaning agents.

Instructions for Use

Take a clean old sock: You need to choose an old sock that is clean and not too torn. A cotton or cotton-blend sock is the most suitable option. It is important to ensure that no threads fall out, otherwise, they may stick to the floor during cleaning.
Put it on the mop: Then, carefully stretch the sock over the wide bottom part of a flat mop. Make sure the sock is securely and straightly fastened to the mop. If the sock constantly shifts, it will create difficulties during cleaning.
Move slowly across the floor: Now, move it slowly across the floor. Pay special attention to areas where the most dust, hair, or lint has accumulated. The sock's fabric will help trap the dirt, preventing its spread, and collecting it on the fabric itself.

What to Do with the Sock After Mopping the Floor?

After thoroughly wiping all surfaces with the mop, you do not need to continue dragging the sock across the floor. Instead, place it over a trash can so that the collected hair and dust fall into it. If the sock becomes heavily soiled, it should be washed and dried thoroughly to be reused.

What Not to Do with Wet Mops

This technique is more effective for dry cleaning. Using the sock when wet can cause dust to stick to the floor and also leave damp marks. If water, oil, food, or any sticky substance spills on the floor, you should use a regular mop and cleaning agent.

You should also not use overly old and worn-out socks. Using heavily worn socks can lead to the shedding of small fibers, which may get stuck in the mop. Therefore, choose a sock whose fabric still retains good integrity, even if it is old.