On rare occasions, when the dirt gets too thick for comfort, they may remove the outer layer with a little oil.

I shall never forget the amazement with which they made acquaintance with the white man's use of the tooth-brush.
With the coming of the summer, the stone and earth houses become damp, dark holes, and the roofs are taken off to dry and ventilate the interior.

The family then moves outside and sets up the tupik, or skin tent, which is their home from about the first of June till some time in September.

The tupik is made of sealskins, with the hair on the inside.
Ten or twelve skins, sewed together in one large piece, make a tent.

It is stretched on poles, high in front and sloping toward the back, thus offering the least possible resistance to the wind, the edges held down with stones.