How clean is clean?

By mudlark • November 8th, 2008

I can’t get my kids to keep their rooms clean.

I wish I could entertain at home, but my house is just too messy.

If only my house was cleaner, I’d be able to … (fill in the blank)!

I hear things like that all the time. But what I wonder is, how clean is clean? I don’t think it’s a one size fits all type of thing. Just like we all have different personalities and strengths, I think ‘clean’ means something different to each of us. And not just that, but I think too many us have some notion of clean wrapped up in a mistaken concept of morality. For some reason we tend to equate clean with being good while dirty, cluttered, messy are all thought of as bad.

A child who keeps his room clean isn’t a ‘good kid’ because of it, he’s just been motivated well and perhaps likes order. But there’s a whole different type of person who tends to be more creative, less detail-oriented. And that person is no less ‘good’ than someone who is skilled in the organizing arts.

I think the key lies not in keeping a perfect home, but keeping the home perfect for you. The key lies in defining what works for you and accepting it. Here are some questions to ask yourself:

What atmosphere do I want my home to have? Sure, you may love walking into a house that looks like the pages of Better Homes and Gardens, but if that doesn’t fit your lifestyle it isn’t worth the effort. If your day is spent telling someone to put their play doh away or if your family likes the freedom of snacking in the living room, you may need to redefine ‘clean’ to fit your lifestyle. Would ‘clean’ mean added stress for you? And if so, do you want that stress?
What health concerns contribute to or hinder my plan for a clean home? Allergies and asthma necessitate measures to eradicate dust and chemicals. A crawling baby means the floors need to be free of choking hazards and harmful bacteria. The presence of children or the elderly, or someone with a compromised immune system would entail protecting them from infectious bacteria and airborne irritants. Likewise, if the person who does the lion’s share of the cleaning is ill, pregnant, recovering from surgery, or otherwise physically impaired, that will have an impact on what type of cleaning can reasonably be expected in the home.
What do you mean by ‘clean’? What irks you most? Dust on the furniture? Dirt and grime collecting in corners? Is it what you can see or what you can’t see that bothers you? Papers and magazines piled on the counter may be unsightly, but they probably don’t pose the health hazard that bacteria do. A clutter-free ‘clean’ home could still harbor scores of bacteria. Prioritize your cleaning based on what’s really important.
How do you want your home to function? A home that is meant primarily to feed and shelter its inhabitants will have very different needs from a home that is intended to entertain the neighborhood kids or host frequent bunko or poker nights. Think about how frequently you’d like to entertain, and who you’ll be entertaining. Being open to neighborhood kids may mean a clean kitchen and bathroom is important, but clutter doesn’t make a difference.
To attain the function you want, what’s really necessary? Your standard of clean should be based on what works for you and on realistic expectations. There’s a difference between perceived expectations and actual expectations when it comes to visitors. Spic ‘n span clean usually entails a higher stress level, and most visitors are more at ease in a relaxed environment. Define what works for you, and remember that you might be your toughest critic. And frankly, most of your friends would prefer to spend time with you in an imperfect home than have social engagements put off because your home “isn’t ready for guests.”

Once you figure out what works for you, make it happen and don’t look back! And if your kids’ level of clean doesn’t jive with yours, teach them how to clean well, but at the same time remember that clean is not synonymous with ‘good’ – it’s just harder for some people than it is for others. Your kids need to learn how to clean and develop good habits, but someone with a perpetually messy room can still grow up to be a contributing member of society!

Comments(1) Cleaning tips, Kids, Organizing

Comments

By Dansko Shoes on November 8th, 2008 at 2:54 pm

I don’t particularly care if my child likes to mess things up or get dirty. What i can’t stand is repetition. The worst is coming home “Everyday” and there are toys everywhere and i’m tripping all over the place. Or if my daughter repeatedly spills her milk all over the sofa. Individual messes are okay with me but continuous picking up after them starts to give me anxiety.