2020 has been messy. Who could have predicted that the year’s hot topics would include toilet paper hoarding and homemade hand sanitizer? Add smoke pollution from wildfires into the context of an airborne pandemic, and it can feel like danger is literally in the air we breathe. While there is much we cannot control, sometimes the simple things go a long way to create a sense of order and peace. By practicing the three c’s—clean, contain, and create—you can foster a thankful atmosphere in your home.
Clean
Our first “c” is clean. You may have heard of Jordan Peterson, the internationally renowned psychologist who gave advice to millennials seeking to change the world. “First,” he says, “Clean your room.” He argues that doing this ensures that you have the confidence and competence to manage bigger things. Paraphrasing Peterson, Derek Beres says,
“In a distracted age, our inability to pay attention to our environment is leading to increased rates of anxiety and depression.”
Of course, not everyone’s standards of cleanliness are the same, and striving for perfection would only create stress. But perhaps it is true that prioritizing our environment in our own way can make it a bit easier to be thankful.
Start with the floor. If you’re short on time and wondering where to start with a cleaner home, the obvious answer is under your feet. Having to overlook stains and smells can take a subconscious toll. But it’s hard not to feel prepared and confident when you feel and see clean carpet or tile beneath you.
Regular vacuuming and maintenance is important, but accidents and spills are inevitable. Here’s what you need to know to deal with these common incidents:
- Red wine spills. These spills are intimidating, but rest assured that since wine is organic, it is actually easier to remove than liquid containing red food dye such as Kool-Aid. You can mix a few drop of dish soap with water and sponge the stain with the solution. Blot with an absorbent cloth until the liquid is absorbed. Finally, sponge it again with cold water and blot dry.
Gravy spills. Hopefully the gravy stays put on your plate, but if it winds up on your carpet or upholstery, follow these steps: 1) Scrape off excess gravy. 2) Sprinkle baking soda or cornstarch on the stain. 3) Let stand for 10 to 15 minutes, and then vacuum. 4) Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with a dry-cleaning solvent. 5) Blot until the solvent is absorbed. 6) Repeat steps 3 and 4 until the stain disappears or is no longer absorbed into the cloth. For more on stain removal, Good Housekeeping Stain Rescue is a handy resource.
Pet stains. Absorb urine from carpet with a towel as quickly as possible. If you discover the accident after 10 minutes, you’ll need to use water to remove it. Be cautious using chemical cleaners, as some are notorious for damaging carpet. Ask about our spot remover!
Contain
The second “C” in our list of practical ways to foster thankfulness in our homes is to contain the clutter. Most organizational experts suggest that containment is the key to keep from being overrun with our own stuff. It’s true that some people are more bothered by clutter than others. Even if you don’t mind it, most likely someone in your household does. Keeping it in check could really benefit the people you live with.
In general, organization gives people a sense of confidence and control, because it makes it easier to find and access the things you need. As the saying goes, “a place for everything, and everything in its place.” Bins and labels are your friend here.
Singer-songwriter Jon Troast describes how organization can change how thankful you feel:
When you feel helpless, you’re life’s a mess
You’re so tired, but you can’t rest
When you’ve gone crazy, you’ve lost control
Your feet can’t find the floor
Just find one little corner, put it in order
Stay there till you feel like you’re alright
Then look out to the others, soon you’ll discover
All the peaceful little corners of your life
Create
Our Thankful Thoughts About You
Even though it’s been a messy year, we are more thankful than ever for you, our customers! Thank you for letting us be a part of cleaning, restoring, and renovating your homes and offices. We hope for you and those you love, a peaceful, thankful place this Thanksgiving. Give us a call if we can help.
Happy Thanksgiving,
Your friends at Commercial Cleaning and Restoration
