Monday, September 10, 2007

Cleaning Time

I have a love-hate relationship with cleaning. Okay, okay, it's mostly hate. The only thing I love about it is the feeling of satisfaction in having it done and enjoying the results for the short amount of time that they last. I have never understood the "clean freak" mentality. When I had my first apartment with college roomates I remember them getting really upset about the cleaning situation and I just didn't get it at the time--there was a real disconnect there. I was never schooled at my mother's knee in the art of cleaning a toilet or any of that. She worked full time from the time I entered first grade and was lucky enough to have a lady come in once a week on Tuesdays to help out with the cleaning and the laundry. Cleaning was never a big issue in my early life. In adulthood I remember my friends cleaning--especially Carrie with her bottle of Clorox Cleanup and a roll of paper towels, whipping around, wiping everything down. My friends always seemed okay with doing what they can in a given amount of time--say 20 free minutes--then letting it go. I, on the other hand, avoid cleaning because when I do start to clean I see more and more that is dirty and want to delve deeper and it takes a long time and no matter what it only lasts a very short time before everything is dirty again. Ugh! (I do like to pick up and I hate clutter, so I fall into the "picked up but not clean" end of the spectrum).

Anyway, finally getting to the point of this post, I was inspired by this post to make natural cleaner. The recipe link is here. I've been gathering my supplies for the last couple weeks (the hardest thing to find was a spray bottle that's not all ugly and industrial seeming) and yesterday I mixed it all up. I love it! And am so grateful for any little novelty that makes me want to clean. It smells like lavendar and mint and I just like the whole idea of it of making my own green cleaning solution. So yesterday I took a little time to wipe down the bathroom and do some other things in there and yes, I'm enjoying the results. It's never going to be perfect around here, but little by little maybe I can spur myself along to do more.

3 comments:

jessica said...

Great idea! I'll have to do this and see if I can get inspired. I am usually on the clean but cluttered spectrum, but lately I've been moving over to your end of the spectrum.

Sarah and Jack said...

Jack seems to come down with the sniffles every time the house is cleaned and I am wondering if he is allergic to one of the cleaners. Guess I should try making a more natural cleaner, eh? :-)

Gift of Green said...

Okay, you've inspired me. I have seen all the recipes, etc., but have not been motivated. Thanks for your post.