I have had my house cleaned professionally. I probably should have done it a few years ago, but I felt like I should be able to keep my own house clean. I'm not sure why I thought that. Conditioning, I guess. My mother never had a housekeeper. She worked full time and still managed to do the vacuuming and dusting and laundry. She also took on the job of child labor organizer on Saturdays to get it all done, and I don't remember anyone ever spending any time with the detailed cleaning.
I do make an effort to sweep and dust and vacuum as I see the need--same with cleaning the toilets and the showers and ovens. I'm afraid, though, that I am just not observant enough to really do the job right. So, I finally broke down and hired a service. They did the first big cleaning last Friday, and it took them more than six hours. I have to say I was embarrassed when I arrived home after work, and they were still there.
They had just finished wiping off the tops of the kitchen cabinets, and the gunky dust bunnies were in a heap on the floor. I say "dust bunnies," but they were more like gremlins, given the length of time they had been allowed to evolve up there--out of sight, molting and growing and breathing new life. A year or so ago, I climbed up on the counter to see what kind of creatures were living up there with my chicken collection. It was shameful, so I cleaned off the surfaces, kind of. I left one section alone because Daughter No. 2 had quietly written the date in the dust--two years before. I decided to leave the space alone and to check on it once a year or so to see what happens to the top of a kitchen cabinet when it is left uncleaned for years and years.
Now, I will never know because the cleaning service wiped it off. Darn them for doing what they get paid to do. The farmer lady with the basket of eggs, the one who guards the cabinets, was not amused. Is nothing sacred? Can I not even have a square foot of kitchen grime to myself?
I do make an effort to sweep and dust and vacuum as I see the need--same with cleaning the toilets and the showers and ovens. I'm afraid, though, that I am just not observant enough to really do the job right. So, I finally broke down and hired a service. They did the first big cleaning last Friday, and it took them more than six hours. I have to say I was embarrassed when I arrived home after work, and they were still there.
They had just finished wiping off the tops of the kitchen cabinets, and the gunky dust bunnies were in a heap on the floor. I say "dust bunnies," but they were more like gremlins, given the length of time they had been allowed to evolve up there--out of sight, molting and growing and breathing new life. A year or so ago, I climbed up on the counter to see what kind of creatures were living up there with my chicken collection. It was shameful, so I cleaned off the surfaces, kind of. I left one section alone because Daughter No. 2 had quietly written the date in the dust--two years before. I decided to leave the space alone and to check on it once a year or so to see what happens to the top of a kitchen cabinet when it is left uncleaned for years and years.
Now, I will never know because the cleaning service wiped it off. Darn them for doing what they get paid to do. The farmer lady with the basket of eggs, the one who guards the cabinets, was not amused. Is nothing sacred? Can I not even have a square foot of kitchen grime to myself?
Comments
It made me feel a bit weird, but I like not having to do the heavy cleaning myself. And we are single women without children. Good for you!
You "modern" women with your labour-saving devices and your slovenly ways. A cleaner? A CLEANER?
Get up on top of those kitchen cabinets with some olive oil and lemon juice. It cuts through the cack better than any commercial product.
Hee hee …
Sorry Robyn. Please don't hit me (OW!)
The two little girls i used to look after decided to finger paint the kitchen floor years ago and left their little hand prints in paint as a reminder that they were there. I clear laquered over it and its still there today after seven years. I may have them do it again for comparison.
PS A couple of weeks ago I bought a new, top of the range, Wurtheim vacuum cleaner. I wrestled with the damn thing for 2 hours yesterday and we only have carpet in 3 rooms.
I'm behind you all the way Robyn. It's the way forward. Professional cleaners are FAB - i think they should sell vouchers - i'd rather get those than some horrid ornament i don't like at Christmas. lol ! Oooh how i envy your clean house now (well mine's not filthy you understand, but it needs a going-over).
When I went down to part time, I had to get rid of all the extras, so I bid her a tearful farewell. And I have never missed anyone so much in my life.
I have trouble just keeping up with the dust, let alone conquering it.