Does anyone else love Spring cleaning? My husband and I have started our Spring cleaning a bit early this year. By the time Spring comes it’s too hot here to do it. Hence doing it in Winter.
I was out of action for the better part of a year so a lot of our housework became very neglected. I’ve been looking at my windows for months and itching to clean them as they were filthy. We’re working our way around the house cleaning windows, blinds and curtains, ceiling fans, skirting boards, fly-screens, furniture and floors. It’s a huge job but oh, so satisfying.
I’m a Domestic Goddess!
I’m a bit of a control freak with cleaning. I have never paid anyone to do it, even though at times my health has meant that I can’t do it myself. No-one else could do it to my satisfaction! I enjoy really getting in there and scrubbing thoroughly. My husband doesn’t quite do it the way I like, but I bite my tongue most of the time because I need his help with the heavier work.
He’s a perfectionist in the garden though. At times I’ve suggested we pay for someone to do our lawns or do some of the other outside chores. He would rather do it himself though, for the same reason I like to do my own cleaning. We’re our own worst enemies! I guess we like the satisfaction that comes from doing a job properly, and seeing the results of our hard work.
The Love of a Clean House
Spring cleaning will take us the good part of a month to six weeks to do this year. Phil works very long hours and I’m back doing shift work, so we only get one day a week to do it. We’re about half way through. It’s so nice to see the sun streaming through sparkling clean windows! It’s a constant battle to keep on top of it because we have three cats and a dog which means lots of fur and dirty paw prints.
Women’s Work / Men’s Work
My family growing up was very traditional, with a tradesman dad and stay at home mum. There were jobs for the girls and jobs for the boys. I didn’t mind helping mum out with the housework because I learned a lot of useful skills from her.
My first marriage was quite traditional too. The difference was that I worked and also had to do the majority of the housework. My ex-husband did a minimum of housework. He did look after the swimming pool and yard though, so when we separated I had to figure out how to do those chores.
I remember being overwhelmed by having to look after the pool and yard. I eventually became proficient with those tasks and learned how to do many tasks that were traditionally men’s work. I bought a tool kit and tackled many jobs around the house. I didn’t want my sons to lack basic skills so I taught them how to sew, cook, clean, do laundry, iron and many other skills.
Second Time’s a Charm
When I met my second husband we realised pretty quickly that we enjoyed doing tasks together. We renovated my house and landscaped the yard together. Being with someone who you can rely on to be supportive like that is such a good foundation for marriage.
I’m curious to know how many of my readers love Spring cleaning, or whether you would rather outsource it? What jobs around the house do you pay someone to do?
If you enjoyed this post, you may also enjoy:
- The Skills That I Learned From My Parents That I Still Use Today
- The Roles We Have Help Form Our Self Identity
- The Simple Joy of Gardening
Shared on Life This Week Linkup on Denyse Whelan’s blog.
MidlifeStylist 
12 responses to “Spring Cleaning in Winter”
Well done on starting your spring cleaning already Christina and with your husband’s help! I’m in the middle of winter so am not in the mood for spring cleaning just yet. I do have to be in the ‘mood’ for these types of activities and can be a bit slap dash at times but I do what has to be done! At least I’m honest 🙂 #lifethisweek
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Hi Deb, I have to be in the mood too I must admit. Playing good music really loud helps! Thanks for commenting, regards Christina
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I HATE spring cleaning and if and when I can afford it I outsource it to a cleaner. I’m pretty good at managing the basics – it IS just me here and I hate dirtiness and clutter, but the stuff you talked about I tend to ignore even though I see the dust on my window sills or blinds… for as long as possible.
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Hi Deborah, Why not outsource if you can afford it?! Especially if you hate it. Life’s too short to spend it doing something you hate. Thanks so much for commenting, regards Christina
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Isn’t it good to do some spring cleaning?! I don’t really do it but I should! Spring is a new fresh start of sorts and it’s nice to get the house freshened up too.
I’m glad for you that you’re now in a relationship where you share duties around the house!
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Hi Susanne, I am so lucky, I agree. He never has to be nagged to do anything which is a complete contrast to my first husband! I didn’t know whether there would be anyone reading this who enjoys spring cleaning, so thanks for commenting. Regards Christina
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What a great team you are. We now do the house cleaning as a team but I am learning more to catch up on chores through the week too. No traditional roles here but we each do – after negotiation- what we are better at. We had cleaners over many years but they never quite seem to do exactly the job we thought we wanted. Interesting isn’t it?
Thanks so much for linking up this week for #LifeThisWeek. Your blog posts are welcome contributions when you share. I appreciate that a great deal. Next week is #ShareYourSnaps. It’s an optional prompt of course. Hope to see you then. Denyse
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Hi Denyse, it sounds like you have it down to a fine art! Not surprising after 50 years of marriage! It’s good to do things as a team isn’t it. I used to really love working in the garden with my husband but haven’t been able to tackle heavy work because of my health. Thanks again for hosting Life This Week, regards Christina
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Well done, Christina, for starting your spring cleaning in winter and working like a team with your husband! I do my own spring cleaning even though I don’t love it. Thank you for linking with #weekendcoffeeshare.
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Thankyou for your comment Natalie, and for hosting Weekend Coffee Share. Have a lovely week, regards Christina
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I too like having my home CLEAN. I will admit that at times I have paid others ot do it, but I’ve never been very satisfied with the outcome, so I’d rather do it myself. The only exception to that nowadays is if I am moving. I really hate to do the moving, deep clean, I cannot muster the energy for that when I am already decorating my new home in my head. I have a weekly deep cleaning routine (it doesn’t include the windows, but everything else.) It seem wonderful to share your spring-winter cleaning with your husband. I hope you take the time to enjoy your weekend!
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Hi Maria, I definitely think that I would be dissatisfied with someone else’s work too. Moving is another story though – I can see the benefit of getting outside help because it’s such heavy work. Your home must be so clean! Yes I am lucky that my husband shares the duties. Thankyou so much for commenting, regards Christina
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