I was surprised to find that my cleaning lady and I had different cleaning styles. I didn’t even know I had a cleaning style. I mean, no one has ever exclaimed about how clean my house is. But, it seems that I do have my preferences for products and some methods. She, understandably prefers stronger (i.e. more chemical-type) products, while I try to go for the less toxic, but also effective ones. Both of us were flexible. She ended up liking some of my cleaners and I liked how hers made my bathroom sparkle.
When I clean I throw out and get rid of stuff. You come across things you had forgotten about, realize you haven’t used it in years and right into the thrift store bag it goes. Or into the trash, in the case of those bottles of lotion with a quarter inch in them.
Having someone else do my cleaning made me lazy. Lazy about cleaning up after myself, about taking care of something right away. Yes, I would clean up the kitchen after cooking, but not completely. I left the stovetop for Florrie, even though it might be a week before she came again. I know.
Ultimately, it just seemed wasteful to have someone do what I am capable of doing and have the time to do.
Tom loves to vacuum and clean mirrors. He also does toilets. Between the two of us, it’s not so onerous a job.
My house probably isn’t as clean as it was when I had a cleaning lady, but we are more attuned to each other. And basically I am a DIYer at heart.
