Flyladies - what is clean enough?

Jo138 · 15 September 2006 at 3:24PM

I've been wondering (and fretting about) what is considered to be 'clean enough'. I very rarely visit other people's houses, but know some of you clean your skirting boards daily and would die of embarrassment if a bit of dust was on a shelf, but others skim over things and say 'that'll do' (my mother was like that). What is your personal limit? Guess who's getting paranoid!

Justin used to live in a complete muddle until I showed him how much easier it is to be tidy (and be able to find things quickly) - so I'm not exactly talking about being tidy or clutterfree.

linzibean · 15 September 2006 at 3:30PM

Well I hoover only twice a week, as we live in a small flat and dont make much mess! I also only clean my skirting boards when I think they need it

But I keep my kitchen and bathroom surfaces sparkling at all times, especially my sinks and the oven hob. I must admit my oven needs a bit of a clean though, I havent done it for a month

moggins · 15 September 2006 at 3:31PM

Clean enough is when there is a chair empty with a nice plumped cushion to sit in, a clean mug filled with hot coffee and a hostess who is willing to sit down and have a chinwag without jumping up to do housework. When I'm visiting people that is all I ever worry about.

shell2001 · 15 September 2006 at 3:35PM

I have a 3 and 2 year old so downstairs gets hoovered at least 3 times a day!! I hate crumbs. Upstairs is usually a really good going over once a week when I change the beds, dust etc. Bathroom cleaned everyday and again the kitchen and table several times a day. I know lots of people do one clear up a day but it would drive me bonkers - as it is the house looks messy but at least I know its clean. Windows up and down once a month (or more if look grubby). Skirting boards once a month (although I admit I dont move all the furniture to do this so just the bits you see!!).

Life was a lot tidier before the kiddies came along and when it was just the one things were still tidy enough to keep me happy, now there is two they have ganged up on me!!!!!

doddsy · 15 September 2006 at 3:38PM

moggins wrote:

Clean enough is when there is a chair empty with a nice plumped cushion to sit in, a clean mug filled with hot coffee and a hostess who is willing to sit down and have a chinwag without jumping up to do housework. When I'm visiting people that is all I ever worry about.

very well said Moggins

My friends know my situation atm and wouldn't care about the state of my house, anyone who wants to get sniffy about it can jump (although I will admit to a cringe when dd1's boyfriends mother comes to collect him:o )

Seriously, I think it should be as clean as you are comfortable with.

doddsy

moggins · 15 September 2006 at 3:59PM

Thanks Doddsy. I know with the flylady challenges everyone must think I'm obsessed with housework but I'm not. I do housework and get organised for my own benefit, have routines to keep my own sanity not to earn anyones praise and I don't give a monkeys what anyone else's house looks like. I like to know there is time for me, time to enjoy the moment and the only reason I keep so organised is so there is time to play and not fret over what has to be done.

cha97michelle · 15 September 2006 at 4:45PM

i realised today as i washed the skirting boards on the hall/stairs/landing that i hadn't done it since moving in 2 years ago. :eek:

On the plus side, i do hoover them every time i do the room, although i am not as frequent as some at hoovering upstairs.

I guess that is because me and DH don't make the place look dirty, although the downstairs rooms that the cats use sometimes get done daily.

Anyone elses cats have a habit of taking food out of the bowl and putting it down on the floor before eating it? I wouldn't mind, but then they don't always eat it and i end up with cat food over half the kitchen floor.

lynzpower · 15 September 2006 at 4:51PM

im gearing up to sell the flat, so I am being somewhat more obsessive than usual

As I was brushing my teeth last night I rearranged the toothpaste pot/ toothbrush pot/ handwash/ hair gel as I went to tidy it up. OH goes "just leave it little miss OCD" -very close to the truth LOL

Im not the cleanest ever, the inside of my oven is BAD.

Jo138 · 15 September 2006 at 5:01PM

Michelle <Anyone elses cats have a habit of taking food out of the bowl and putting it down on the floor before eating it? I wouldn't mind, but then they don't always eat it and i end up with cat food over half the kitchen floor.>

Times that by eighteen! Plus one of them likes to bat the dry food around before she'll eat a bit (methinks she's 'killing' it first). The floor needs a clean four times a day after their meals - ah but we love 'em.

Tidying in the bathroom is NOT OCD Lynzpower! It's swish & swipe (swizz & whizz?)

I reallllllllly appreciate your replies you know - I've been brooding all day about this. Thanks!

Liney_2 · 15 September 2006 at 5:07PM

As my signature says, those that mind don't matter and those that matter don't mind.

I have a cleaner once a week, I only hoover twice a week if I really need to. I do odd bits daily but have no set routine. Kitchen worktops are forever being cleaned though.

Chipps · 15 September 2006 at 5:13PM

Anyone elses cats have a habit of taking food out of the bowl and putting it down on the floor before eating it? I wouldn't mind, but then they don't always eat it and i end up with cat food over half the kitchen floor.

I think the question should be: anyone's cat not drag the food round the floor?

As to "how clean is clean enough?" I guess that depends on our own (& family's) comfort levels.
My guess would be that if it is either too dirty/cluttered to be happy in, or alternatively too obsessively clean (ie impossible for anyone to relax in) then the balance is wrong.
I know someone who hates to be in their home - there is always an excuse for going out. But that house is so very cluttered and dirty, it is oppressive to be in. I feel claustrophobic in there when I have visited, but if she was happy with that it would be okay. But she clearly isn't. On the other hand, we also knew a family whose house was so immaculate that it was impossible to feel comfortable in because you felt you were making it dirty & could see the hostess was itching to clean up under you! The house was definitely not homely at all!
I know that's not much of an answer to the original question, but do feel that finding the balance is the key, being comfortable & comforting, and able to make people welcome is very important.

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Flyladies - what is clean enough?

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