The Clean Home Clear Up 

I woke up this morning ready to write a post on Proverbs 31, but got a bit distracted by all the negative feedback I got from an article I wrote about the Blessings of a Clean Home.
I do get negative feedback from time to time which is to be expected when you are have made plenty of mistakes in your life.  
Due to the amount of comments, I believe I owe an apology to everyone out there.  

After rereading my post, I can see that I could have come across as a terrible friend and a mean person.  Although when I was writing it, I was not trying to come across that way.  My intention was to be a blessing or encouragement not a condemning or burdensome spirit.  I have made some major clarifications to my original post.  It had to be done because some things were totally misunderstood.  Here are some of the many comments that I received…

  • The joy of The Lord makes your heart cheery, a home that has the peace of God is a welcoming home. So many women feel condemnation if their house isn’t perfect, there has to be a balance. The Lord cares about your heart and the hearts of your children not if your mantel will pass a dust test. Some of the most spotless houses I know are full of stress from a mother trying to keep it perfect. Don’t believe the lie that you are less than, if your house isn’t perfect.
  • I read this, and some things were nice. When I got to the part about making her husband always sit on the toilet seat, I thought no. That to me was a glimpse into their home, that made me question What is really going on in there?
    No thanks.
  •  I would not want this author over to my house. I have seen the condemning eyes and the judgmental looks. This type of person is not a pleasant guest to have in the house. And I would never suggest to my husband that he needs to sit down to do his business. Where is the honor and respect in that?
  • My house is lived in. Sorry. Not always clean. But I DO try.
  • Sounds like Stepford Wife propaganda!
  • Actually a clean home makes a stressful home for us! By no means are we slobs but we LIVE in our house and it looks like that. 
  • I feel more comfortable in a home that isn’t spotless all the time. It’s uncomfortable. I want to feel like I can relax and that the friend won’t freak out if I drop a crumb or accidentally track in dirt.
  • A clean or dirty house isn’t always an indicator of anything. Some people are OCD about the cleanliness of their house, but their lives and relationships are in shambles and the house is the only thing they can control.
  • I do the best that I can to keep my home clean, but I have learned to give myself grace when I fall short. My happiness and joy is not dependent on the cleanliness of my home. And besides, any friend worth having won’t mind a few crumbs here and there.
  • Knowing how to keep a clean house is good, and working towards it is a worthy goal. But like anything else, it can become an idol and source of pride, especially for people like me who greatly prefer order and cleanliness. Since my husband has set a different tone for our family and prefers me to spend my time on some bigger long-term priorities, I’ve had to lay aside anything more than the bare minimum of cleaning, at least for now. If I stress about it, we are both unhappy, so I just let go and take care of the few most important things. I involve my one-year-old daughter in everything I can, and she loves helping me. Guests with high standards may stare at the carpet or dusty shelves. But if if this is the best I can do and still preserve the peace and happiness in my family’s hearts, and if we continue using our home to serve others, that is what pleases the Lord.
  • I can’t help but think there is a happy medium somewhere along the line. Would my home pass the white glove test? No. But it certainly does not reek of urine or resemble and animal pen. I don’t think it’s an all or nothing proposition, nor do I think it’s helpful to make women feel inferior for having a home that is not “white glove” ready.

First off, to reply to the first comment which received a lot of “amens”, I want to say she is completely correct.  You are no less of a person if you do not have a clean home.  If I have come across in a way that implies I feel that you are, it is not true.  I would never think that way about any person.   Yes, your children’s hearts and the heart of your husband is WAY more important to attend to than a dust free mantel.  My family, ministering to other women, and my relationship with God is WAY more important to pour into than a clean home, too.  Everything in life should be in balance.  Moderation is the best policy.

People say their home is not white glove ready but is not an animal pen, so I must tell why I wrote what I wrote…My original post stems from an experience I had early in my marriage when visiting a person who lived in a very disgusting situation.  First off, the garage was the animal’s potty area.  They had 8 huge dogs which was against city ordinance.  In order to conceal the fact that they had 8 dogs, they only left them in the garage to go to the bathroom.  There were several steps that led down into the garage, but you could no longer see them.  The garage was filled about 2-3 feet with dog feces.  When the dogs come back into the home, you can imagine what they track in.  Needless to say, it made a lasting impression upon me.  

I used to work in a dog kennel that was owned by my parents and I can handle a lot of odors and messes.  This was beyond normal.  I know that all would agree.  I also know that none of you would want to set your child down in this home.  Yes, and the toilet was the animals drinking and side toilet as well!  That was the urine smell I was talking about.

In my mind I was trying to convey this experience but instead came across as a lousy person who must take a magnifying glass and a white glove to every home I enter.  I actually feel really bad that I came across this way.  I would never want others to think that I am that nasty and judgmental.

In the course my history of life, I have seen more attention and time spent in entertainment than in simple, everyday living.  Grandma may have made time to wash her baby shoes everyday and inspect with a white glove, but I have never even owned a white glove.  She had 5 children, a full time job, a garden, a perfectly clean home, plenty of time to help others, and it was just NORMAL everyday living for her.  I think it was normal in her day.  Times have changed.  Many of us had mothers that either did all the work for us or they worked full time and did not have the time to teach us.  Thankfully, my mother taught me some skills on cleaning.

Some people have never been taught.  They stress about everyday life because they look at this mountain of work and do not even know where to begin.  I know that feeling.  It is just easier to ignore it.  What I aim to do is give people some basic skills that I learned from my mom.  I want to make people’s lives easier by showing them how to get control of their environment and how to maintain it.  I spend less than 20 minutes each day tidying up or wiping things down.  It is so easy.  The trick is how to begin and where to begin.  I have been doing a video series to help people.

It takes me 8 hours of time to make a 5 minute video to help others.  I would not spend that amount of time to help others if I was a nasty judgmental person who does not care about other people.  Here is my original post with my revisions (in red) to clarify my intentions.  I still believe a clean home is important but not the most important thing in a home.  Please feel free to let me know if I have still come across in a nasty way.  I will try to answer your comments and help clear any other misunderstandings.

The Blessing Of A Clean Home 06/03/2014
I MUST REVISE BECAUSE SOME READERS MISUNDERSTOOD MY INTENTIONS:
Having a clean home makes a heart cheery.  If my home is a mess I feel down and overwhelmed.  I stare at the clutter and mess and wonder where to start.  A clean home is a welcoming home.  People feel at ease when they step into a clean and orderly home.  It is a sign that all is well if the home is in order.  A home filled with the love of Christ and a love for each other is paramount.  Never put your clean home above that! 

I have learned to like cleaning from my mother.  She is the best cleaner I know.  When you are in her home, it just smells clean.  It is inviting and restful.  Anyone can trust they will not contract a disease by entering her home.  You can walk barefoot and not feel a crumb.  My mother would teach me how to clean properly just as her mother taught her when she was growing up.   They would do the white glove test.  Testing every surface to see that nothing was left undone.  And now, I am teaching my children the same.  These skills are passed down from generation to generation.  My grandmother did this, not even my mother did the white glove test.  I have never done the white glove test.  My grandmother ironed her sheets, bleached her babies white shoes, ironed and bleached the shoestrings.  Everything had to be perfect.  We live in a different time.  I am not even close to that meticulous.  I have a very relaxed and joyful home.  We all enjoy working, eating, playing, and fellowshipping together.  

Pigpens…
I have noticed that a mother that is not concerned about a clean home will produce daughters that are not concerned either.  They find it comfortable to be in the dirt, clutter, and filth.  In fact, they do not see the dirt.  If they do see it, they do not care.   The house smells foul and the floors are almost just as bad as a pigpen in the barn.  They have animals living in the home that shed and leave messes that are not cleaned up properly, and I either want to breathe out of my mouth to avoid the fumes, or I felt the need to vacate.  I have only seen one situation like this a long time ago.  It was bad.  Anyone would agree.  I do not meet others that live that way. 

When my children were still babies, I would take them to visit others.  If the home was a mess I worried about choking hazards and germs.  I did not want to leave the child on the floor because I could see the grime.  That grime would coat my children’s feet, hands, and knees of their clothing.  It was an uneasy feeling that I had.  I did not want to make the hostess feel badly, but I was literally grossed out.  My children would tire of piling on my lap and I would tire from propping up all their weight.  Again, this did not happen but one or two places, but it would make anyone do the same.  I assure you, it was bad.  The home had dog feces 2 feet thick in the garage just to give you some background.  If that is not enough to make you sick.  If you think you would put your kids on the floor there, more power to ya. 

It is not good etiquette to have a home that resembles an animal pen.  Even if it does not affect you, it is teaching your children to be slobs.  Someday they will teach their children to be slobs and every home will smell bad.  Every toilet a cesspool.  I agree, I was a bit harsh here.  I should not have focussed on this.  It is much to negative.  Keeping things posit
ive is always better.  


Toilets…
A home that is rarely cleaned will always have a bathroom that has a very dirty toilet.  The smell of urine is so strong.  My mother always had a sit down rule.  Everyone, including men, had to sit on the toilet to go.  She told me it was because of splashing.  Urine will always splash out and it can run down the side of the toilet to the floor around the base.  The odors get trapped there.   My mother had that rule, I do not have that rule.  My husband can use the toilet how ever he chooses.  Sorry for the confusion.

I have learned to check bathrooms in restaurants to see how clean they are.  Bathrooms are a reflection on the overall cleanliness of an established business.  If the bathroom smells nice and is spotless, you know they care about every detail.  I check them at restaurants, Everyone should.  I did not say I check my friends bathrooms.  You should be alarmed if a restaurant bathroom is filthy. Food preparation in restaurants is a very crucial thing.  They can pass very harmful bacteria to you and your family in the food.  I once got very sick from a restaurant and it was a very bad situation for me.   

Dirty Happy Homes?
I have heard the argument that a dirty home is a happy home.  Some women will tell me that they would feel stressed and be nasty if they had to keep their home clean.  My question is WHY?  Why would cleaning a home make anyone stressed if they keep it up each day?  I am a reformed slob.  I know all the excuses.  Now, rather, I find cleaning to be very satisfying.  If I have a dirty or cluttered home, I feel stress like nothing else.  I feel unmotivated, lazy, and just plain overwhelmed to look around at the mess.  I get nasty and grouchy if my house is unclean.  I aim to teach people how to overcome the big brunt of the job so you rarely have to deep clean.  You can take 20 minutes or less and have it stay nice.  No stress.  

Men love a clean and orderly home.  Mine does, but of course, some men do not.  All people are different and that is okay.  They work all day and truly enjoy coming home to a fresh environment.  It sets the mood for a relaxing evening for him to unwind with his family.  Again, the main thing is peace, joy, and love in a home.  Clean homes are a second on the list.  BTW, my home gets trashed after each meal.  We just clean it up.  Homes that looked lived in are great.  Do not feel condemned.  I am not saying your home should be perfectly clean, there are a lot of other things that are more important than a clean home.  But learning some cleaning strategies are great for anyone.  So hop on my blog each tuesday and I hope to impart some great tips for cleaning.   

****Here is a positive note.  Have some cleaning buddies.  I have 5.  And my daughters are now cleaning other peoples homes to make money.  They love cleaning.  I started teaching them to clean when they were 3 years old and I guess I made cleaning fun for them.  You can try that too.  It would not hurt.  

Some women also argue that they want to spend more quality time with their children.  Hey, you can spend a lot of time with your children cleaning with them!  That is a part of our family time.  As soon as my kids could walk, they were my cleaning buddies.  They learned so early that cleaning was just a part of daily living.  It was not a mountain to climb, it was just a few short steps each morning.   It brings such a feeling of working as a team.  We all live here, we all clean here!  The more kids a person has, the more cleaning buddies.  The older kids can buddy up with the younger children in their chores to pass on their skills.  It is a win/win situation.  Building relationships while creating a haven of refreshing beauty!

Learning to Clean…
Maybe a person can get used to filth and it just does not affect their wellbeing but that would be an exception to the rule.  Everyone is different, but EVERYONE can learn to be a good cleaner.  It is not a gift.  It is not even a personality trait.  It is just good common sense.  It is just a good thing to know.  God calls us to be keepers of the home.  Not all women have been taught to clean.  I get that.  I know I have offended many people by this post.  I am sorry for that, my intentions were pure.  I actually was hoping to help people, being a blessing and encouragement and not a burden.  Trying to make your life easier in the long run.  
I plan to make a step by step video tutorial on house cleaning among other things useful to the housekeeper, wife, and mother.  I realize people just have fallen through the cracks.  They need encouragement and the tools to know where to begin.

Each week I will focus on one room and post some youtube videos to go with my blog posts.  I will do my best to share what I know about cleaning in hopes to help you enjoy the blessing of a clean home.

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41 thoughts on “The Clean Home Clear Up ”

  1. Thank you for this post and for your cleaning videos. You are right, Erin, not all women were taught how to clean and keep a home. I was not and I am still learning at age 51. I look to women like you to be my teachers and my example. 🙂

  2. I just started reading your blog. And I can clearly hear your heart in the post you have written and see you have a heart for people. So, no worries, I don’t feel your intentions were to be ungracious but to just try to encourage us to step up and take responsibility for keeping a clean and orderly home. God’s blessings on your blog, your family and your ministry.

  3. Your first post was honest and spoken in love – It was motivation to keep this home extra clean for my husband and girls – we need to learn to receive edification and rebuke where necessary and not let the world dictate our standards.

  4. I would like to say that I wasn’t taught anything about housecleaning either. My mother is a hoarder and I lived in a house of filth and fleas. However I promised myself when I married that I would try my very best to keep a clean home for my husband and children. It has been 2 steps forward, one step back the whole way, but over the years so much progress has been made. I read all the books, and all the websites, I am constantly learning. So don’t let not having that example get you down. That’s why we desperately NEED people like Erin to teach us what she knows. No one comes into adulthood with everything figured out. But when you’re ready to learn and work, the teachers appear. Each person must ask themselves if they’re doing the best they can, and if the answer is yes, then it’s enough! But if the answer is no, then it’s time to work towards learning and improving.

      1. Lol! I thought the first injustice that womans mom did was give her a boys name! It is like a boy name Sue 😉 it is hard when your mom teaches you nothing ir poor cleaning hanits my mom was queen of the quick clean up hide everything in drawers and closets, laundry baskets were the victim of dump everything there a hide in closet, literally Lord help me I have two baskets that never see laundry I am always struggling to clear them out! I have trying to be better about retraining myself not to do it but the last minute phone call of some one popping by kicks me into quick clean mode. That is why everything needs a place in the home. Excited about Erin’s teachings for sure.

  5. I honestly cannot understand why people take everything so personally. If the article doesn’t speak to that person’s heart they should simply MOVE ON and find another blog to read that won’t teach them anything. I see this all the time on blogs, and get seriously annoyed. If people don’t want to learn, fine. But there are a lot of us who DO want to learn and want to hear the writer’s unedited thoughts, because we aren’t pansies who can’t handle a simple conversation about housecleaning. People if you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen. And don’t bother doing the dishes while you’re at it.

  6. Erin, Unfortunately, you can not please everyone. Some people will always have a negative comment or take things the wrong way. I personally feel you did not need to apologize. I did not find anything wrong with your first post. It is very important to keep the house clean. I’m a perfectionist in that department. But, I also do not go crazy with it. Especially since I am unable to do any of the cleaning myself due to my handicap status, and we are too poor to hire help.. That is really hard on me, as the house is not cleaned for a week, sometimes more, and I’m at home all day looking at the messes that need to be cleaned and can do nothing about it!
    It is very important to teach your children young to help out around the house. A woman will become too exhausted doing everything by herself. I still marvel at all of the work that goes into caring for the home properly when I think back to the 19th century when our grandmothers did not have dishwashers washing machines and dryers! Everything took twice as long as it does today. The children helped with chores both in and outside the home. And like you, started them as soon as they could walk. The Proverbs 31 woman had a clean home and still found time to do other things. She made sure that everything was clean – not cold and unwelcoming like a hospital, but clean and comfortable for her family and visitors. When you have small children, especially toddlers, you must be extra careful, as they put everything in their mouth. Kids and adults can get sick from living in a dirty home. I know from experience. My first apartment that my first husband and i had, when we were on welfare, the apartment was swarming in cock roaches! We cleaned and sprayed and cleaned, but other people did not keep their apartments clean so they kept multiplying. My son had a cockroach stuck in his ear and had to be removed by the doctor. I became ill from all of the toxic fumes and now i am highly allergic to them, along with other chemicals. Thankfully, we moved out of there a few years later when our finances grew, but it was really bad for those first few years of our lives. I had two small children plus I babysat a child too.
    It is important that you spend time each morning and evening in communion with God, before your day and work begin. Have worship each evening as a family, let Dad, the head of the household, lead the family in worship. All of this is very important.
    Erin, you are doing a fantastic job! LOVE Everything about your website and posts! Look forward to reading more from you!

  7. Erin @ Keeper of the Homestead

    I can not reply to all of your kind comments, but I would like to share a heart felt thank you for all that have taken the time from their busy lives and families to let me know how you feel. Each word written has given me inspiration to keep writing and making videos.
    Being a transparent person in the public does come with a share of responsibility. I really need to always speak the truth even if it comes across in an offensive way but use temperance and wisdom with each word so that my words reflect Christ and not just my opinions. I appreciate your prayers as I go forth, that the Lord would always give me wisdom, truth, a clear mind, a gentle spirit, humility, and grace with each word that He allows me to breathe or to type. Let my will be Thine, oh Lord.
    Your words are so precious to me. I appreciate each one of you and pray for all of you out there that are reading my words and taking them to your heart. Always take each word with prayer and also to your husband, because I am surely not perfect. I also would also like to note that I have always read each of blog posts to my husband as well. He always edits for me and approves my words before I post them to the public. There are many times he has me change things or delete things.
    When I showed him the offenses, he was actually pretty shocked because he approved that original post. We both worked on this clear up together with a heavy heart, knowing we are in a spot where we do influence others. We only want to be a good influence and edify the body of Christ. To God be all the Glory!

  8. Erin @ Keeper of the Homestead

    I can not reply to all of your kind comments, but I would like to share a heart felt thank you for all that have taken the time from their busy lives and families to let me know how you feel. Each word written has given me inspiration to keep writing and making videos.
    Being a transparent person in the public does come with a share of responsibility. I really need to always speak the truth even if it comes across in an offensive way but use temperance and wisdom with each word so that my words reflect Christ and not just my opinions. I appreciate your prayers as I go forth, that the Lord would always give me wisdom, truth, a clear mind, a gentle spirit, humility, and grace with each word that He allows me to breathe or to type. Let my will be Thine, oh Lord.
    Your words are so precious to me. I appreciate each one of you and pray for all of you out there that are reading my words and taking them to your heart. Always take each word with prayer and also to your husband, because I am surely not perfect. I also would also like to note that I have always read each of blog posts to my husband as well. He always edits for me and approves my words before I post them to the public. There are many times he has me change things or delete things.
    When I showed him the offenses, he was actually pretty shocked because he approved that original post. We both worked on this clear up together with a heavy heart, knowing we are in a spot where we do influence others. We only want to be a good influence and edify the body of Christ. To God be all the Glory!

  9. Erin @ Keeper of the Homestead

    I can not reply to all of your kind comments, but I would like to share a heart felt thank you for all that have taken the time from their busy lives and families to let me know how you feel. Each word written has given me inspiration to keep writing and making videos.
    Being a transparent person in the public does come with a share of responsibility. I really need to always speak the truth even if it comes across in an offensive way but use temperance and wisdom with each word so that my words reflect Christ and not just my opinions. I appreciate your prayers as I go forth, that the Lord would always give me wisdom, truth, a clear mind, a gentle spirit, humility, and grace with each word that He allows me to breathe or to type. Let my will be Thine, oh Lord.
    Your words are so precious to me. I appreciate each one of you and pray for all of you out there that are reading my words and taking them to your heart. Always take each word with prayer and also to your husband, because I am surely not perfect. I also would also like to note that I have always read each of blog posts to my husband as well. He always edits for me and approves my words before I post them to the public. There are many times he has me change things or delete things.
    When I showed him the offenses, he was actually pretty shocked because he approved that original post. We both worked on this clear up together with a heavy heart, knowing we are in a spot where we do influence others. We only want to be a good influence and edify the body of Christ. To God be all the Glory!

  10. Erin @ Keeper of the Homestead

    I can not reply to all of your kind comments, but I would like to share a heart felt thank you for all that have taken the time from their busy lives and families to let me know how you feel. Each word written has given me inspiration to keep writing and making videos.
    Being a transparent person in the public does come with a share of responsibility. I really need to always speak the truth even if it comes across in an offensive way but use temperance and wisdom with each word so that my words reflect Christ and not just my opinions. I appreciate your prayers as I go forth, that the Lord would always give me wisdom, truth, a clear mind, a gentle spirit, humility, and grace with each word that He allows me to breathe or to type. Let my will be Thine, oh Lord.
    Your words are so precious to me. I appreciate each one of you and pray for all of you out there that are reading my words and taking them to your heart. Always take each word with prayer and also to your husband, because I am surely not perfect. I also would also like to note that I have always read each of blog posts to my husband as well. He always edits for me and approves my words before I post them to the public. There are many times he has me change things or delete things.
    When I showed him the offenses, he was actually pretty shocked because he approved that original post. We both worked on this clear up together with a heavy heart, knowing we are in a spot where we do influence others. We only want to be a good influence and edify the body of Christ. To God be all the Glory!

  11. Erin @ Keeper of the Homestead

    I can not reply to all of your kind comments, but I would like to share a heart felt thank you for all that have taken the time from their busy lives and families to let me know how you feel. Each word written has given me inspiration to keep writing and making videos.
    Being a transparent person in the public does come with a share of responsibility. I really need to always speak the truth even if it comes across in an offensive way but use temperance and wisdom with each word so that my words reflect Christ and not just my opinions. I appreciate your prayers as I go forth, that the Lord would always give me wisdom, truth, a clear mind, a gentle spirit, humility, and grace with each word that He allows me to breathe or to type. Let my will be Thine, oh Lord.
    Your words are so precious to me. I appreciate each one of you and pray for all of you out there that are reading my words and taking them to your heart. Always take each word with prayer and also to your husband, because I am surely not perfect. I also would also like to note that I have always read each of blog posts to my husband as well. He always edits for me and approves my words before I post them to the public. There are many times he has me change things or delete things.
    When I showed him the offenses, he was actually pretty shocked because he approved that original post. We both worked on this clear up together with a heavy heart, knowing we are in a spot where we do influence others. We only want to be a good influence and edify the body of Christ. To God be all the Glory!

    1. Amen! May the Lord temper you and refine you all the more as you seek His will in sharing, speaking the truth in love and reinforcing and bringing to light His word regarding our rolls as women in the home.
      Blessings sister!

  12. Hi Erin,
    I found your blog after reading an article by you in No Greater Joy. I have enjoyed reading it because of the practical advise and encouragement you give. I also appreciate that you have had hard times and struggled with being a joyful wife and with keeping a clean, decluttered house. It gives me hope as I truly try hard but with four small kids and not having the best example growing up I struggle to keep up with all the demands. My oldest daughter (8) and I watched your cleaning video yesterday and we are looking forward to cleaning the house together. I was not offended by your original post, but do appreciate your clarifying some points.

  13. I just found your blog and am enjoying looking around! The original post was an encouraging one for me, leading me to assess whether or not I am doing all I can to keep my home a haven for my family. I was able to read through to your intent, which I believed to be pure. I’m so thankful I found your encouraging blog! Oh, and I can’t wait for the next video 🙂
    Blessings!

  14. I loved your first post! It was just what women need.
    Some people just love to have an issue with everything. They are not used to someone being honest about the roles of women and what we SHOULD be doing as wives and mothers. Honesty hurts their feelings and they have a hard time seeing the intent of your post because offense has blocked their vision.
    I pray this isn’t going to cause you make excuses for everything you say on your blog from here on out, for fear of backlash from critical women. There are plenty of women who support you.
    Far too often, people beat around the bush with touchy subjects. And one thing I love about your blog is your straightforward approach to writing about those issues.
    God bless you and you blog. I pray you will be encouraged and continue in your vision to reach out to women.

  15. I agree with all of those positive posts above. Your willingness to be transparent and open with us is such a blessing! Thank you!

  16. Your posts are wonderful, don’t let negative feedback stop you. I for one enjoy the challenge! And your tone and intention is by no means nasty or judgemental!!

  17. I want to tell you how much your posts have encouraged me!! I am due with our third child next month and living in Canada, this years winter was particularly hard…I struggled with my home and wondered if after nearly six years of marriage I could ever conquer keeping it clean and inviting and shuddered to think of the atrocious clutter accumulating in every cupboard and drawer. The sunshine slowly melted the snow and I read your article the seven days of spring cleaning. I felt a surge of hope and I sat down and wrote out each and every place that needed to be decluttered with a check box beside it, I knew that it had to be done before I could spring clean like you layed out. Well, quite behind my self imposed schedule, but yesterday I CHECKED OFF THE LAST BOX! Next week I will begin my seven days of cleaning. I could almost cry with relief, I feel like I can do this!!! I now feel like my mind is relieved of a huge burden and I can actually think about organizing healthy, delicious meals for my husband, doing little special extras for him, doing more fun things with my kids without the gloom of my home hanging over me…and what’s more though I know there are always down days where the dishes and laundry pile up, I wont have to cringe when someone “pops” by, thinking about the piles of clutter and filthy floors that are hard not to notice. So…just a big Thank You from the bottom of my heart!! (Hey, I think I now have the extra time to look into purchasing a mini cow for the family – a long time dream I’ve wondered if I could ever manage. 🙂

  18. I agree with so many of these posts – people are so quick to be offended by every little thing. I think the silent majority (like me) support your position. We should at least TRY to have a comfortable, clean home to honor the Lord – not to compare ourselves with other women. For so many women to jump on the defensive means they feel guilty about this part of their life. They felt convicted. Keep up the good work – love your posts!!

    1. I agree keeping a clean home For our family honors God and is good stewardship of what God has blessed us with. Sometimes when I get overwhelmed by my piles of stuff I feel a little over blessed 😉 but really I am just being a poor steward.

  19. Thanks for clearing this up Erin. While I wasn’t upset about the original post, it did leave me thinking about a few things (including challenged about how I keep our home clean).
    I do have a friend much like you described (except without the dogs). I can understand where your post came from.
    Oh & I just want to encourage you how much I LOVE your video on cleaning. My thoughts where that although I have a wonderful mother who loves me dearly, the one area she never taught me was generalised cleaning. I have stumbled along over the years, but I have appreciated seeing how someone else does on your video. Also I found it very motivational & straight away I cleaned part of my kitchen! I think I should watch it again and get the rest done… 🙂
    Have a wonderful day. Your blog is such an encouragement!
    Blessings
    Renata:)

  20. I was not offended by the original post, in fact, I was encouraged and motivated!!! Sometimes we all need a little nudge to get us back on track……thank you for your honest and sincere heart. You and your blog have been such a blessing!!

  21. Wow! This correction post is the first email post I got from your blog I just signed up today after watch the cleaning cabinet video to get postings feel like I stepped into a lot of drama like being on facebook or something.
    I guess I will throw my two cents in. I can see how the first post struck a never. I would say you are trying to cover a very sensitive subject for a lot of women I would say atleast 80% of the women in my life struggle to keep a clean house and beat back the clutter. Clutter is very overwhelming and depressing I feel the Lord has been working with me on this one for years, I get spurts where I get rid of stuff not being used and couldn’t find when I needed it and now own a new one grrrrr! My goal is to be free of piles, to be able to find thinks and own my stuff and it not own me. Now I think your granny was a bit over the top, that kind of house I have never felt comfortable because I was afraid to breathe and move a muscle for fear I would ruin something or upset the owner. I agree though things should have a spot other wise there is clutter. Urine and fecal matter is never exceptable that just plain filthy but dust, being dust free is like holding your breathe with in minutes you will be gasping for air and yup there will be particals back on you furnature. My house is surrounded by dirt it is a losing battle I sweep and with in hours its back so you sweep a few time a week and it is what it is.
    Your corrections clarify that you are speaking of extreme cases that seemed to throw everyone with a little dust and clutter into the slob box and whoo being called a slob cuts deep I can see why some feathers got ruffled. Keep bloggin and us with tough skin will gleen from what you share. I personally love that you are doing the videos I need the play by play. I am a hands on and visual learner. Thanks you cage rattler 😉

  22. Erin, I totally understood your blogpost. I think that a clean, orderly house is inviting and welcoming for family and guests. My mother-in-law is not so tidy and orderly and there is dust everywhere and when we sleep in their house with our children we always get sick there. We catch colds of sore throats etc. But my mother always learned me how to clean, and I’m really thankful for that. I learn my young kids how to clean and organise too, because I know how very important this is in your whole life. A house does’nt have to be spotless, but an organised and tidy house is really nice for everyone. Keep up the blogposts about cleaning and be not discouraged because I think that the most people that send your the negative comment feel a little quilty about the state their house is in. But I’m thankful you answered thrm with grace and dignity. Greetings from the Netherlands!!

  23. “Let all things be done decently and in order.” God said it first! It is possible to keep a clean house without being obsessive over it. I know clutter stresses me. However, there is a difference between a house having a “lived-in” look and being a mess. I have also been in houses where I would be afraid to walk in my stocking/bare feet, and where I was afraid to sit on anything other than a wooden kitchen chair. I do not feel you were out of line at all in how you originally handled this subject.

  24. Susan Robinson

    I, too, am sorry you received so much flack for what was a very helpful article. I look forward to this series and appreciate all the work it takes to prepare it. Thanks for all you do!

  25. Ladies are sensitive because that is the nature of ladies. I find your articles very helpful. Thank you for ministering to ladies in such a way as to show respect to our sensibilities. That is something I myself have limited patience for, but I should have more.

  26. I have to agree with everyone who has posted above. I had to reread it b/c I was surprised you received so much negative feed back. People are too sensitive especially woman who have put too much on their plate and don’t their priorities straight. Love your articles, keep them coming. 🙂

  27. Your post was great. I agree with the above commenter that people are so easily offended and then full of excuses to justify why they do or don’t do something. Spending time on FB, blogs, gossiping on the phone, etc. isn’t an idol or chore but their tune changes when you touch on a topic like keeping house. The simple quote, “You do what you want to do” has been a good motivator for me. I love that my mother was clean and taught my sister and myself to be the same. One of the first things my fiancé mentioned (and has many times since) is how much he appreciates that I look after my place. It does reflect on your guy (and family). Nothing is more inviting than a freshly cleaned house! 🙂 I don’t want my life to be defined by excuses. Many times if you push yourself harder and become more disciplined, you’ll be amazed how much you can accomplish. It’s been true in my life.

  28. I agree with Martina, I struggle with feeling bitterness and anger toward my Mom who was very lazy and didn’t teach me anything about how to manage a home. Oh what I would give to have your grandmother’s and mother’s example! I truly, honestly wonder how in the world your grandma did all that? That is totally amazing to me! My biggest struggle is making work fun for my little ones. I am not a naturally fun person, I tend to be very black and white. My oldest daughter on the other hand, is all the colors of the rainbow! She gets distracted so easily and gets tired of helping me quickly. She is 6. We butte heads a lot! I would LOVE to watch a mom with littles helping her and what she requires of them. My dad was schizophrenic and would get in a mood and have all of us kids cleaning the house til 1 or 2 in the morning. He’d be screaming and hitting us with things. So I honestly have a block when it comes to teaching my kids how to clean and trying to make it fun. I usually end up crying and doing it all myself. To watch someone else include their kids would be so helpful!
    I also want to thank you for all the time and effort you are putting into these videos! They will be such a blessing to so many people! I already know of some I will refer to here! Thank you a thousand times! God bless!

    1. Susan Robinson

      Lisa, your post broke my heart. To see how hard you try with little early training (and dealing with an ill father), makes me want to take you under my wing. How I wish we were neighbors. I’m 65, don’t know nearly enough, but I think we learn more with love than fear and distrust. I hope you have a mentoring older woman in your life to help you. Bless you and your family, dear. You are accomplishing much!

  29. I loved your post, both of them. I was never taught to clean. I know “how to” but doing it continually and keep up on things is SUCH a challenge to me. I loved the encouragement! Thank you!

  30. I think a lot of the negative comments are coming because of bitterness. You write how your Grandmother and Mother were such an example of cleanliness for you, while many of us experienced the lack of such example. Many times when my home just seems to fall apart, I blame my mother who never set an example for me, or the person that seems to have it all together when it comes to cleaning. Out of the “Why cant I have my home clean like her?” comes the bitterness and sometimes even hate, for my own mother who never taught me, and has caused because of her extreme lack of cleaning health problems in my life. (black mold caused severe Allergies for me)

  31. Lori Alexander

    I think the biggest problem, Erin, is that many people are offended WAY too easily. I don’t get offended if people disagree, do things differently than me, or are better at something than I am. I Cor. 13 states that love “does not take offense” I didn’t think your post was offensive AT ALL! I have a cleaner, more organized home because of it.

    1. Thank you Lori for steering me toward’s Erin’s blog. We can all improve and we should be open to being taught by others as from the Lord. I’m 62 years old and (now retired) needed this motivation to get moving and keep organized. Take heart Erin (and Lori) and do not be discouraged by a few loud minority views.

  32. I enjoyed the first post and was not offended by it at all but I also really enjoyed the revised post that explained what you were meaning. I can see why people might have taken offense but I have been following your blog for a long time now and I know from reading them that you would never be judgemental or cruel. Have a wonderful and blessed day.

  33. I am so sorry that you received these comments. I cannot for the life of me understand why everyone is sooo sensitive, to EVERYTHING. I personally think everyone has lost the ability to read between the lines, and I think there is a lot of guilty people out there. I never once felt any of these things that you were told. This is your blog, you can say and write whatever you want, you have no one to please, except the Father. You know you speak the truth and some people can’t accept it. Please don’t change for others.

    1. I agree with Linda. I totally understood your first post. And even though my own home is far from passing a white glove test… it is a comfortable clean that I’m not ashamed of when someone pops in. This is what I gathered from your original post…. don’t let it get out of hand and make it a comfortable place for both your family and visitors!

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