Notes on Getting Clean
In my industry, there’s an expression: “If you’ve got time to lean, you’ve got time to clean.”
We’ve all been given a little bit more time to lean lately. We’re stuck at home and cooking more meals than ever. Our stoves, sinks and bathrooms are seeing a lot of…action.
Keeping up with the activity of daily life at home when you literally can’t leave requires consistency, and the supplies to clean efficiently and sustainably.
I love the process of cleaning. Ever since college, I’ve found it oddly therapeutic, that feeling of the early morning sprint of wiping down surfaces, tidying up the rooms turned over the night before, as a pot of coffee percolates on the counter and freshly scrubbed plates sparkle and drip dry in the sink.
It’s a project and it’s very rewarding. It sets the pace for my day. Monks are really good at it and we can all aspire to be a little more monkish, especially now.
Some of you already know that I work for a hospitality supplies company. We have a lot of toilet paper, but also other things. We’ve put together these home delivery boxes featuring all the products you need to keep your home as namaste as possible.
If you’re one of those people who hates or is—worse—ambivalent to cleaning, here are a few Broke Kitchen tips for getting started. You can thank me later.
Tip #1: Get over it and get ready to clean.
Keep reading.
Tip #2: Start with your surface areas.
Make sure all counters and tables are cleared of clutter and wiped down with anti-bacterial solution. After this step is when you can generally start to see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Tip #3: Buy gloves and USE them!
I am fearless when I do dishes, but only if I’m wearing gloves. I also have dry skin so if I don’t use gloves my hands basically disintegrate after a few short minutes.
Tip #4: Don’t be afraid to start from scratch.
Do you have more than one cabinet or drawer that has become ‘that’ place without a theme? Empty it out. Organize its contents by category, throw away anything that doesn’t give you joy, and reload the cabinet/drawer. You will be amazed with the results.
Tip #5: Take a step back.
Did you just do a deep toilet scrub? Stare at the toilet for a moment. I know that sounds weird, but that mental picture of a freshly wiped toilet seat, mirror or sink is what you’re going to want in your home all the time. Take moments throughout the cleaning process to pause and admire your work. You’re doing great.
