I woke up cheerful and happy this morning. It is a beautiful day. I put on my cutest outfit - A skirt, heels, apron, etc. and got to work. I have a radio in my kitchen. I turned on a cassette tape of some old-southern gospel music and enjoyed tidying my kitchen. I started to remember my work as a maid when I was a teenager. We would go into a house and methodically clean an entire house in 2 hours. These were gorgeous houses in nice neighborhoods. I loved cleaning those homes. But you see, they were not dirty! Everything was clean when we got there. Our job was not to get rid of clutter, or wash dishes. We did not have to remove carpet stains or wash windows. Our job was simply to do the basic deep cleaning, once a week, in order to maintain a house.
Here is what we did:
Kitchen-
Wash sinks and counters. Polish the outside of appliances (stove, fridge, toaster oven, coffee maker, dishwasher). Polish table and chairs. Wash the floor.
Bathroom -
Scrub tub, toilet, sink, vanity. Wash mirrors. Wash the floor. Straighten towels. Fold the toilet paper. (This was a triangle shape at the edge of the paper roll, facing out - it left a message to say - the maid was here.)
Bedrooms-
Dust and polish all furniture. Make beds or change sheets (if these were left out for us to do). (We would fold, and tuck in, the ends of pillow cases just like they do in hotels.) Vacuum carpet.
Hallway -
Vacuum carpet.
Living room / Den / Sunroom, etc -
Dust, vacuum.
The very last thing we did was vacuum the living room carpet, as we backed out of the room. You could see neat lines in the carpet and no footprints. (This was another sign to say - the maid was here.)
So this morning, as I cleaned my kitchen and bathroom, I remembered my days as a maid (from the ages of 15 - 17). I loved my job. I loved cleaning. To have an orderly, neat home, is such a blessing. When I finished my housework this morning, I could almost sense the cheerful "rainbows" which came from the awe and wonder of a tidy house. I walked out of the rooms, and nodded my head in approval and thought - The Maid was Here.
Blessings,
Mrs. White
Still lots of people and a handful of littles in my house, so it never "looks" like the maid was here, but I do love a clean kitchen and love it when my living areas are clean. Somehow it only "feels' clean if I do it myself I don't get to everyday, but it feels better when I do it myself instead of the children. Trying to find the bottom of my desk and the school table this afternoon!
ReplyDeleteDear Mrs. White,
ReplyDeletePlease come my way and clean my home!!! I'll furnish the tea and whatever dessert you desire...grins.
Sunshine blessings to you,
d
Mrs.White,I always have such a peaceful feeling when I read your blog. You also give me the will to get up & do something. Thank-you!
ReplyDeleteYeah, me too Linda. I sent you an email by the way Mrs. White:)
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
I love leaving the vacuum marks in the carpet. It always makes me smile. I'm glad I'm not alone in that quirk.
ReplyDeleteOf COURSE you worked as a maid! It all makes sense now! :) Takes one to spot one, I guess. I too worked briefly as a maid during 2 separate times in my life. The first time was before children at a hotel, the second was when it was just Sierra and I. Cleaning private homes was my 2nd job.
ReplyDeleteWhen I taught my children to vacuum, I instructed them in how to follow lines, and when making the bed--oh yes, "This is how you make a proper corner." :)
Love it!!!
Mrs. White, I so enjoy coming to visit your blog. You are such a blessing of encouragement. I loved this and the previous post.
ReplyDeleteMany blessings to you,
Brandi
I should have known that you would have done house cleaning as a teen. **grin**
ReplyDeleteHave a blessed day!
This post was good! thanks for sharing.
ReplyDelete