BS: MudGals n MudMoms, Hse-Clning Routines?

Subject: BS: MudGals n MudMoms, Hse-Clning Routines?
From: wysiwyg
Date: 03 Sep 13 - 01:42 PM

In a previous thread on self-care routines, I alluded to a lack of knowledge and healthy role models. Now that my metabolism is working fairly well, I'm on to the home itself.

Do you consider yourself a neat-freak, and what did your mom offer as a goal to aim towards as regards the frequency of surface and deep cleaning of various areas of your home? And what seems to be working for you now? ( Yes Bobert do ask Eve to post.)

Thanks,

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: MudGals n MudMoms, Hse-Clning Routines?
From: GUEST,CS
Date: 03 Sep 13 - 02:03 PM

I love this kind of thread. As a self-confessed rubbish cleaner, I also started another very similar one here a while back that you might find worth viewing for ideas Wysiwig: Aunty Mudcat's Guide to Spic and Span

Subject: RE: BS: MudGals n MudMoms, Hse-Clning Routines?
From: wysiwyg
Date: 04 Sep 13 - 12:30 PM

Thank, CS, I saw one post there that was helpful.

I'm not looking for cleaning tips (I used to manage a cleaning business), but for norms in time management.

(Refresh)

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: MudGals n MudMoms, Hse-Clning Routines?
From: Pete Jennings
Date: 04 Sep 13 - 12:47 PM

Sexist! I clean the bathroom, the en-suite and the downstairs loo every Sunday.

Pete-who's-definitely-not-a-gal-or-a-mom!

Subject: RE: BS: MudGals n MudMoms, Hse-Clning Routines?
From: wysiwyg
Date: 04 Sep 13 - 01:12 PM

LOL, PJ, but I have good reasons for sticking to the female side for now.

Subject: RE: BS: MudGals n MudMoms, Hse-Clning Routines?
From: Wesley S
Date: 04 Sep 13 - 01:29 PM

I'm with Pete. A sexist thread. I'm a stay at home dad so the cleaning is up to me. Every other week we have a cleaning lady come in and I'm the one that writes the check. Every time. Thankyou very much.

Subject: RE: BS: MudGals n MudMoms, Hse-Clning Routines?
From: GUEST,Eliza
Date: 04 Sep 13 - 03:49 PM

It's very important to have a routine, or you slip into the Manana Syndrome (ie, "I'll do that tomorrow.") My mother had tasks for each day of the week. Saturday was always change-the-beds-day, and I still stick to that. I do the kitchen/utility area each morning, as she did all those years ago. She also adored turning out cupboards and drawers, which was always done in a rota system. The thing had to be done properly, by completely emptying, washing out and assessing clothes/items before replacing. Mornings were also wash-the-front-step and wipe-the-outside-window-sills times. (Appearances were important back then.) My husband does the bathroom every day. Once a week we pull out all the furniture to Hoover behind it. (Reduces spider risk) Every evening all waste paper bins and the kitchen bin are emptied. Ironing is Tuesdays, after The Wash on a Monday. Husband goes round weekly with tickling stick to remove cobwebs and dust from on high. If you have a regular routine and system, the cleaning becomes second nature. And finally, always, always Put Things Away, or you'll be drowning in clutter and won't be able to clean at all.

Subject: RE: BS: MudGals n MudMoms, Hse-Clning Routines?
From: wysiwyg
Date: 04 Sep 13 - 06:17 PM

Dear Eliza, that is JUST the kind of post I am hoping for, from a cross-section of sisters. THANK YOU!!!

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: MudGals n MudMoms, Hse-Clning Routines?
From: ragdall
Date: 04 Sep 13 - 06:26 PM

I'm a person who does the minimum amount of housework, without a plan or fixed schedule.

I'm sure that my mother used to clean before she became too disabled with Parkinson's, but I don't remember much from when I was that young. By the time I was 14 I was doing all the housework, laundry, cooking, etc., with very little input from anyone else. I made it up as I went along. Because I had school on weekdays, and worked after school and on Saturday, Saturday night, until 3:00 a.m. or 4:00 a.m. was my night to do all the cleaning, laundry, etc..

I hadn't thought about that. I wonder if that's why I feel motivated to do the vacuuming and dusting on Saturday nights, now?

Laundry gets done when the hamper is full or when I need to wear something that is in the hamper. Dishes go into the dish washer after they are used. The dishwasher runs when it's too full to make room for the dishes from the next meal.   

Mr. diffuse looks after two of the bathrooms, I look after the other. In theory, they are cleaned once a week. His other responsibility is collecting all rubbish in the house, once a week, the evening before municipal collection day and making sure that it's in the bin and out at the curb when the truck comes by for it.   

Spots and spills get cleaned as soon as they are noticed. Walls get washed before I paint them. Carpets are shampooed after the snow has settled in for the winter and nobody will be tracking in mud and sand for six months. Our turn to host annual meetings of groups that meet in homes are scheduled soon after the carpets are cleaned.

Other things get done, "as needed" or when I have spare time to kill.

rags

Subject: RE: BS: MudGals n MudMoms, Hse-Clning Routines?
From: wysiwyg
Date: 04 Sep 13 - 07:52 PM

Thank, rags!

Here's a transcription of notes from my best friend Leslie's routine. She does some, and leaves some to a long-time paid cleaning helper. This is all WHILE working more than fulltime and closely supporting a series of family members thru cancer. I would say as well that she is a bit Type-A, and is my age, but with different disabilities-- so different abilities. She lives alone in a large suburban 2-bedroom townhome compared to our 3-family country Victorian wreck with much foot traffic and many pets.

Daily:
<> Pickup (before bed) of any clutter not eliminated by cleaning up after herself as she goes through the day.
<> Cleanups of kitchen and bath surfaces used.
<> Sink empty before bed and DW running.

Weekly:
Leslie does either the kitchen/bath cleaning herself, or preps for the cleaning help to do them. On her own weeks she skips the shower tile.

On the cleaner's weeks, the helper does a deep cleaning of kitchen and baths, vacuums the traffic areas in all rooms, and I am not sure who dusts. (Probably the cleaner, since I bet Leslie will have policed surfaces as she goes thru the day if they need it.)

Furniture is moved for vacuuming twice a year. (No pets, LOL!)


Leslie's mother raised her to do more-- she cleaned two long mornings a week-- but Leslie gets all this done on Saturday mornings after sleeping in.

It's much the same plan I was on when I had a much smaller place, better health, and money to burn on a cleaner twice a month.

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: MudGals n MudMoms, Hse-Clning Routines?
From: GUEST,leeneia
Date: 05 Sep 13 - 10:56 AM

The cat's box gets cleaned of clumping litter every Wednesday and Sunday

The trash goes out on Sunday evening

That's it for scheduling. Other things get done when I notice that they need doing.

Inviting people to visit provides good motivation for general cleaning up.

Subject: RE: BS: MudGals n MudMoms, Hse-Clning Routines?
From: John P
Date: 05 Sep 13 - 07:10 PM

LOL, PJ, but I have good reasons for sticking to the female side for now.

And in the absence of any other explanation, I have to agree that this thread looks very sexist. I'm also having trouble imagining an explanation that would make it anything else. As a life-long feminist, I have to say that your whole concept seems very anti-feminist. In what way are house-cleaning routines gender based?

Are you saying that only women know how to clean a house? Are you saying that only women are organized enough to do it in an organized fashion? Are you saying that good ideas about cleaning routines, if they come from men, are worthless? Are you saying anything at all?

How would you respond if a man were acting toward women the way you are acting toward men? And what in the world does "LOL" mean in this context? Are you really laughing at the concerns of the people you are apparently trying to marginalize?

Subject: RE: BS: MudGals n MudMoms, Hse-Clning Routines?
From: Bobert
Date: 05 Sep 13 - 07:22 PM

Yo, WySuzie,

The P-Vine and I compliment each other when it comes to cleaning... She loves to clean the corners and I don't but I like to clean everything else and she couldn't care less as long as the corners are clean... I mean, deep cleaned...

But I do most of the housework... I do 90% of the vacuuming... I do 100% of the dusting and mopping the kitchen floor... We share the bath rooms... Well, kinda...

The major difference we have is that the P-Vine leaves stuff out and I don't... She is a clutter-bug... Drives me nuts... I can't pick her stuff up and put it away when I am clueless about where to put it...

Here's my question for all Mudwomenz when it comes to cleaning... How many of ya'll clean the house in the buff???

Yup, that's what I want to know...

B;~)

Subject: RE: BS: MudGals n MudMoms, Hse-Clning Routines?
From: mg
Date: 06 Sep 13 - 12:52 AM

I don't have the right instincts or training for housekeeping, although I am intellectually interested in it..I read all sorts of books on the subject...I am a slob so I have to have minimal possessions or everything would be on the floor. Lots of hooks. Sweep and mop every now and then..fir painted floors which are great. I have my mail delivered to my work address and don't keep papers at home and do most of my cooking at work so the kitchen doesn't get messed up. I never put clothes in the basket but I just finally figured out I can kick them under the stairs. Trick is to only have the bare essentials.

Subject: RE: BS: MudGals n MudMoms, Hse-Clning Routines?
From: wysiwyg
Date: 06 Sep 13 - 07:54 AM

I am not going to relate the counseling issues behind a clearly titled thread nor describe my lifetime actions as an ally to the marginalized (including men) both publicly and privately). People who know me well know what they need to know. People who want to know me better can use PMs.

I recall a Mudcat before it became a venue for calling each other oppressors. It ceased to be that Mudcat a long time ago and now lots if bullies call it their playground.

I will ask a mod to close this thread in a day or two. In the meantime can we respect its stated purpose?

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: MudGals n MudMoms, Hse-Clning Routines?
From: Bobert
Date: 06 Sep 13 - 08:30 AM

Don't let the knuckleheads get you down, WySuzie... I've gotten to where I can come here and just not read anything that bugs me...

Now back to cleaning...

Anyone use Bartenders Best Friend (or something like that)??? It's great stuff... A little like Ajax but much, much better... Works great om stoves...

B~

Subject: RE: BS: MudGals n MudMoms, Hse-Clning Routines?
From: John P
Date: 06 Sep 13 - 10:18 AM

In the meantime can we respect its stated purpose?

No. I don't see anything respectable here. Asking for respect while not offering it is rather silly. If you're going to make sexist remarks in a public forum, expect to get called on it. I agree that you should ask for this thread to be closed, and not wait to do so. Or perhaps we could turn in into a learning thread about the unconscious sexism we all engage in sometimes, and where it comes from.

. . . my lifetime actions as an ally to the marginalized . . .

So your history of good actions makes it OK for you to take bad actions in this case? You're logic is assailable. You also seem to be saying that you are blaming me for some trauma you've had in the past because I'm a man. What a bunch of bullshit. If you don't want people involved in your conversation, don't have it publicly. Maybe you should go find a website that only admits women.

I ask again, in what way are house cleaning routines gender-based? I'll add, how will it affect your counseling to hear from men on this subject? An open internet forum hardly seems the place to play out your personal issues, unless that's the stated purpose of the conversation. What you are doing here is a back-handed way to discuss your issues while not discussing them openly, but while being discriminatory about it. Please think about what you're doing.

Subject: RE: BS: MudGals n MudMoms, Hse-Clning Routines?
From: GUEST,Eliza
Date: 06 Sep 13 - 02:31 PM

Tee hee Bobert, you rude thing!
Regarding the developing quarrel, I'm amazed that a simple thread about cleaning routines should end up in this atmosphere. I suggest Wysiwyg you just ignore anything posted by vituperative people that you may find hurtful and we can all continue discussing the thread title happily together. It isn't a feminist thread, it's a simple and straightforward exploration of cleaning methods handed down from one generation to another. If someone wants to turn it into a squabble, let's just ignore it.
It's an interesting thread, and of course, mums way back in time were the sole cleaners in the home. My dad for instance worked jolly hard and got home at 7pm. My mum stayed at home and was responsible for the cleaning. I don't feel Wysiwyg should have to explain herself, the title is there so people shouldn't be surprised that it deals with women. I bet if I started a thread on how to make porridge, somebody would pick a fight about Scottish Racism or something. Mudcat has got a bit aggressive lately.

Subject: RE: BS: MudGals n MudMoms, Hse-Clning Routines?
From: Bobert
Date: 06 Sep 13 - 02:38 PM

Hey, wait, Eliza...

I didn't ask for pictures...

Me??? Seein' as I do more than half of the housework I feel like a MudGal on cleaning day... As for whether or not I do housework in the buff, only the P-Vine knows... And she ain't sharing pics either...

B;~)

Subject: RE: BS: MudGals n MudMoms, Hse-Clning Routines?
From: GUEST,Eliza
Date: 06 Sep 13 - 03:31 PM

Oh what a shame Bobert, I was just looking out some photos for you!
One other thing I forgot to say before, my mum always said, "Start at the top and work down." It's a good point, and applies to upstairs rooms before downstairs ones, top shelves before lower ones, floors last etc. It may sound obvious, but not everyone thinks logically, my daft sister for example, whose house is a total disgrace. She's a brilliant hospital doctor but has no practical common sense at all!

Subject: RE: BS: MudGals n MudMoms, Hse-Clning Routines?
From: wysiwyg
Date: 06 Sep 13 - 04:54 PM

Here's my 81-year-old MIL Lorraine's routine and memories of past routines:

Lorraine has a large, 3-BR suburban house over a partially-finished basement. Two of her adult sons share the basement apartment which has its own mini-kitchen. They clean their own bath and entry area as well as their apartment. They sometimes vacuum her upstairs spaces, and they share the large upstairs kitchen (and its daily upkeep) with her.

Lorraine now has paid help about 3 times per year for what we would call spring cleaning.

She mostly keeps up with dusting and does a little light vacuuming. Curtain tops are dusted/vacuumed as needed, and washed periodically. Every two years the heavier drapes are sent to the dry-cleaners.

When she had 4 growing boys at home it was her practice to clean a room a day, alternating rooms so that most BRs got cleaned every other week. She was a stay-home mom in those years but had some hied help when she became a working mom of adult children. Things began to slide out of a routine-mode when she became sole caregiver for a spouse with multiple strokes.

She has shared with me many times how impossible it was to keep anything clean when they lived next door to a coalyard; this is similar to living on a working farm on a dusty road, as we do now.

===

Regarding suburban homes-- they tend to have central air which is a big help to reduced dusting, altho they do develop dust and smudge patterns particular to the layout of vents and registers.

No one has mentioned dealing with fingermarks on woodwork yet.... or stairs.... grubby kitchen cabinet fronts... or windows either! :~)

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: MudGals n MudMoms, Hse-Clning Routines?
From: GUEST,CS
Date: 06 Sep 13 - 05:11 PM

JohnP if it doesn't deeply offend you (though I suspect from the tone of your former posts that it might) why not simply offer your experience and show up the usually unquestioned stereotype of women being sole housecleaners, as inaccurate?

I personally need the wisdom of experience provided by threads like these. I never learned to clean properly as a child or teenager as my mother said it was "easier to get on with it herself" - which in effect represented a form of laziness on her part as it is indeed more difficult to teach than to do - but I digress! So please do educate me on your cleaning routines. I don't care if your a gal or a mom or a man or a furry green ball from mars!

Subject: RE: BS: MudGals n MudMoms, Hse-Clning Routines?
From: John P
Date: 06 Sep 13 - 07:45 PM

Of course a discussion of cleaning routines wouldn't offend me. I'm actually very interested in the subject. And I have been trying to show up the usually unquestioned stereotype of women being the sole housecleaners. I've been cleaning my houses since I was eight years old, having been taught by both my mother and my father. The off-putting part was being explicitly excluded from the conversation because I'm not a woman.

It certainly isn't worth having an argument over. I'm sorry this thread crossed my idea of how equality ought to work. I'll take part if input from men is welcome.

Subject: RE: BS: MudGals n MudMoms, Hse-Clning Routines?
From: Pete Jennings
Date: 07 Sep 13 - 10:19 AM

Geez, my original "sexist" post was made with tongue firmly in cheek, and I didn't intend to initiate a serious discussion. Sorry it turned out that way, WysiwyG.

And as for Bobertz housework in the buff, the only way to clean a shower properly is when you're in it. I'll let your imaginations get to work on that while I'm away next week!

Subject: RE: BS: MudGals n MudMoms, Hse-Clning Routines?
From: GUEST,Eliza
Date: 07 Sep 13 - 02:10 PM

I'm giggling here, because our little house is very close to the pavement of our small village. People walk past with their dogs and babies all day. I'm trying to imagine their reaction at the sight of me in my Birthday suit brandishing a tickling stick. At best I might get some offers from the rather old boys who totter past. At worst, I'm sure I'd get drummed out of the PCC!

Subject: RE: BS: MudGals n MudMoms, Hse-Clning Routines?
From: ragdall
Date: 07 Sep 13 - 04:49 PM

No one has mentioned dealing with fingermarks on woodwork yet.... or stairs.... grubby kitchen cabinet fronts... or windows either! :~)

~S~
I did, I did! " Spots and spills get cleaned as soon as they are noticed.

I forgot to mention that because I need to be able to open my sliding windows completely for access to water window boxes in summer and feed birds on the window boxes in winter, I remove one pane of glass in the spring and replace it in the fall, when I remove the screen. So twice a year, While I have all four panes of glass out from each window frame, (20 panes in total), I wash them.

rags