I was in my pottery studio and could smell clay dust. Clay dust is has silica which can lead to lung damage.
It was time to clean up my studio. I started by cleaning my tools. The interesting thing is when I use my tools I clean them after each use. I was amazed at how much clay dust was in the bottom of my containers. Despite my best effort to keep my clay tools and brushes clean the clay was there.
I wondered how it got there. Then I remembered.
When I turn pottery I start by gathering all the tools I need. Occasionally I forget one. With clay coated hands I rummage through my tool box for that missed tool. Clay from my hands easily makes its way to the bottom of the container and stays there until I clean it.
My brushes and stir sticks are a different story. My hands aren't covered in clay when I use them. Of course the container wasn't as dirty and my wheel turning tools. I assume the dust gets in the bottom over time.
I was even tracking the dust onto the carpet in our family room. I have to go through this room to go upstairs.
Today I wanted to make pottery but resisted. I did some clean up yesterday. If I get it done today, instead of making pottery, I can start fresh and not have the cleaning job on my mind.
I'm glad I made the right decision. My After two days of washing a cleaning I now have a clean pottery studio. I should do this more often.
Tomorrow I can make more pottery and begin the process of spreading clay dust again.
