Time to Clean House

I have been getting hints that I need to get going on the blog again.  I have read that the best way to lose readers is to go long periods of time without blogging, but I'm not trying to lose readers.  I'm just trying to keep up with assignments and sleep.

Most of you know that one thing that is not a strength for young missionaries is keeping their apartment clean.  A few months ago, Sister Baird asked if I would type up a suggested cleaning schedule.  I have been in enough apartments, and ours is about the same size as most of them, so I have a good feel for what needs to be done and how long it takes.

I made a detailed list of things that need cleaning and how to go about it, what to use and about how long it takes.  Then I divided the cleaning tasks up according to how often they needed to be repeated and I numbered them.  Next, I made an easy to follow chart that the missionaries can look at each P-day and see exactly what they need to do for that day.  The jobs take from 2 to 15 minutes each, and there are usually only three or four each P-day.  Of course, they also have their laundry to do, letters to write, and a list of other tasks.  But this makes it seem easier and more do-able.

President and Sister Baird liked what I did and had me make a copy for each apartment and laminate it.  We handed them out to all the missionaries to hang somewhere in their apartment and follow.  And we have just been through Shogatsu, which is Japanese New Years, which is their time for what we would call Spring Cleaning.  In that spirit, Sister Baird has asked that all missionaries spend some time each P-day this month, and do deep cleaning from the list I made.  President Baird asked me to write a letter to the missionaries to remind them and encourage them.  Here is what I wrote:

Oh, the excitement!  What a thrill!!  It is Shogatsu time.  I'm sure you all know that in Japan, that means:  TIME TO CLEAN HOUSE, top to bottom, better than ever, not missing a thing!  Perfection is the word of the month (or 3 P-days, or one--however long it takes.)

So, do you remember when you received the lovely laminated card with your cleaning schedule?  It is called "January - Major Deep Cleaning Month." It is golden.  Dig it out of your backpack, where it's been since we gave it to you.  Or go looking underneath the dust.  It has to be there somewhere.  (Call if you really can't find it--it is essential.)  The time has come!

Get to work and do the best job of cleaning you have ever done.  Use soap and water.  If there is something greasy, use baking soda.  If it is in the bathroom or a sink, use the green cleaner.  And especially, use elbow grease.  (For you Japanese speakers, that means "Muscle power.")

Clean top to bottom, starting high and moving down.  Light fixtures, ceiling and walls, heaters, stove top, inside and outside of fridge, all small appliances, chairs, tables, desks, kitchen sink and drain, doors and handles, cabinets and shelves (inside and out).  Organize as you replace items and throw away old stuff, clean fans and dust edges and tops of things, clean out and organize bedroom closets, air out futons, wash all bedding. Clean out the shower and drains and under the tub, clean washer and dryer all over, windows, mirrors, curtains, and finally, vacuum or mop all floors everywhere, including under desks and other moveable furniture.  Read directions from the cleaning sheet and if you have questions, call Sister Barney.

Does it sound overwhelming?  Well, it's really not.  Just start.  Work together.  You'll be surprised how quickly you can get it all cleaned.  And it will smell, look, and feel fresh and wonderful.  (You might want to do it more often.)

And when you are finished, turn over the cleaning card.  There you will find the way to keep your apartment clean for the rest of the year.  You will be so energized and happy with your clean apartment you'll want to go out and 20X.  (President Baird tells the missionaries to do 10X each time they are out visiting someone, which means to knock on 10 doors before they leave the area.)  Happy Cleaning.  Don't bother to thank me....I know you are eternally grateful.

Love, Sister Barney

Now I know this is extremely effective because of all the calls I've gotten expressing appreciation, all the calls I've had asking questions on how to do it better, and all the thank you's I've gotten from missionaries who love me so much for teaching them how to clean.  In fact, I have added up the total.  Would you like to know what it is?

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