Dear Space Invaders,

WOW! My writing was featured in the Jezebel blog
http://jezebel.com/women-at-work/ -
Dodai Stewart ( the editor) hooked it up for me – I received some emails from people asking me to write what customers do wrong as far as cleaning.

I really can’t get into that because I feel it’s disrespectful to my customers. Some of them feel bad to begin with (about their apartments) so I can’t fault them for being untidy. The challenge is cleaning an apartment that is spotless. I start to question my sanity a bit. but lo and behold – They hire me because they are allergic to dust. So, there are all kinds of people with all sorts of apartments, it’s a matter of learning how to clean for different types of people

I will add that I have been cleaning for about 6 years and there all sorts of awesome people I have met along the way. I just want to be able to have a job and not let it define me, you know what I mean? You can love your job, but what happens when you are fired or laid off? I can understand losing money, but don’t let it define your self worth. Society can be fickle sometimes, with these linear rules when we know damn well that life is non-linear. Don’t be afraid to be different and other people will learn to accept it (they have no choice on the matter).
I promise to update my blog with cool “how to” tricks on cleaning and some awesome tips for making your own cleaning solution.

Also don’t be afraid to write to me if you have any questions -

Jess

Hello Space Invaders,

I’ll say it, cleaning sucks! It’s boring and you always miss something. I’ve heard from many clients that a top reason that they skip cleaning is out of boredom – basically -they don’t have someone kicking their ass to clean.
But boring is a general topic. Beneath the boring are the sub-borings ( the little things that make cleaning so boring). Here we go…

1. Mopping – OMG mopping! The thought of it is so annoying that it makes you only sweep and ignore all those sauce stains from that little dinner party you threw on a whim six weeks ago. It’s not the mopping itself, but the water and the soap that goes along with it. Here is a little tip: Use a rag (t shirt) over that broom brush of yours. Get one of those glade tupper ware (the one that store small veggies) and use it to spill mop water. It’s quick and easy – plus the drying is super fast! It’s not boring at all and it saves time.

2. Dusting – Yikes! Got an old sock? ok great! Turn that sucker inside out and use it like a baseball glove – start dusting!

3. Cleaning The Bathtub – I hate this one too. Snooze! I just spray diluted bleach on the bath tub and grout, leave for 30 minutes and take a broom (that doesn’t have hair balls at the end, c’mon now) and use it as a scrubber brush. You never have to bend over or crawl inside a bath tub ever again.

4. Sinks – Any sink cleaning is boring…. well, I like to spray and leave for 15 minutes and use a viva towel or a rag so I can wipe it down ! No scrubbing or over dramatic cleaning.  It’s amazing how sinks look like if you leave the solution soaking for a while.

5. Folding Away Laundry – Unless you get it done professionally, lucky you! I have to fold them so the best way to get it done fast and quick is getting the little items first (socks, underwear, tanks) and then graduate to big girl pants and shirts- Don’t do it the other way around – and put on an episode of something stupid, like Kim’s Fairytale Wedding

I hope this helped! See you out there in your space!
RM