Did you know that Italians have the cleanest homes in Europe?
That’s rather daunting for a slacker like me. Yes, I admit it, I don’t have the cleanest house around and I definitely don’t measure up to the rest of the Italians. So, it’s no surprise when I say that I feel rather self-conscious when we have company. If it’s a planned visit, I try to go around beforehand and clean as much as possible to give the impression that the place is spotless, but a 2 year old toddler usually ruins all of my preparations anyway.
Before you get the wrong idea though, my house is not a virtual pigsty either. I just don’t spend my entire life cleaning which is what a lot of Italian women seem to do. I don’t have the time to get up on a ladder or a chair and polish the light fixtures every few days. No, I’m not exaggerating.
It may sound incredible, but there are quite a few Italian women who start cleaning their houses from top to bottom on Monday – and when I say top to bottom I mean top to bottom, what we would call spring cleaning – then when they finish, they start all over again. That’s all they do. So, what else do they do besides work and clean? Beats me.
I can’t do it. I would go crazy. Besides the fact that I need to work and the fact that I have a toddler who I would rather spend time with than clean, I also need to have some intellectual pursuits or I will dissolve.
So, my stainless steel sink doesn’t shine like a mirror, instead it has lots of water spots on it. My oven door and kitchen cabinets have toddler fingerprints, there are toys scattered here and there and my “office” is the catch-all for everything that doesn’t have it’s own place, the ironing that I don’t have time to do and all of the things I have to keep out of sight of Luigi. Enter at your own risk.
I may not have the cleanest house in the world, but I made my son giggle today, read him a story, read some information that I found interesting on the internet, wrote a blog post and did some other work. Now, I just have to remember to tell myself that, the next time I have a surprise visit and notice that there are some crumbs on the floor. Horrors!
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I love the graphic. I need an Italian version to hang outside my door so that visitors won’t be shocked by the ‘mess’ inside.
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Mary Reply:
August 26th, 2010 at 4:59 pm
I know KC. Ever since I first saw it I’ve been seriously considering translating it and making a refrigerator magnet or something.
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After reading that article, I, too, am feeling pretty self-conscious about my failure to measure up to Italian cleaning AND ironing standards!! You are right, however, there are more important things in life, and I enjoy them!!!
Anne´s last [type] ..C is for Cucumbers!
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Mary Reply:
August 26th, 2010 at 4:58 pm
Ironing, what’s that? Actually, I have a pile that is calling my name that needs to be done. The thing I hate is the fact that I have to iron t-shirts!
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Hi Mary- my husband, another couple and I are traveling to Abruzzo in a few weeks (Sept 12-18) and are renting a house in Roccacasale. I have been to Italy several times but never to Abruzzo, and would love any advice you might have about off-the-beaten-path towns and sites to visit, restaurants to try, etc. Could you let us know a few of your favorites?
Thanks so much!
Best,
Katey
kateyherman@gmail.com
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Mary Reply:
August 26th, 2010 at 4:52 pm
Hi Katey. Check your email for a message.
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I think you have the right idea. There are more important things to do besides cleaning. Children grow up so fast, so enjoy them as much as possible. By the way, your house was very clean when I saw it!
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Mary Reply:
August 26th, 2010 at 4:51 pm
Thanks Rosemary. It seems I’ve accumulated a lot of clutter now that I have a child though. But, I doubt that’s anything truly unusual!
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I think we are not alone. Have you seen those ads for products that clean away mineral deposits? Have you noticed how filthy the sinks/baths/showers are before they spray the stuff on? I always think, “How would one ever let things get to that point?” and shudder.
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Mary Reply:
August 26th, 2010 at 4:50 pm
I often think that myself. Believe me, my house isn’t anywhere near that bad.
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It looks like thanks to italytutto I have found another Italy blog to read:)
I have just had a quick browse for now but I will be back.
I was amazed at the number of cleaning products available when we first moved here!!
I also find it strange that the Italians who are so houseproud, do not seem to think twice about rubbish in the countryside!!
LindyLouMac´s last [type] ..Sunday Song – Gianni Morandi
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Mary Reply:
September 3rd, 2010 at 10:28 am
That’s one of my pet peeves LindyLou – all the rubbish left in the park. In the morning, before the crew gets a chance to clean it, it’s just horrible with all the potato chip bags, iced tea containers, bottles and paper left laying around.
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I’m with you there are so many other things I’d rather do with my life than clean.
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Mary Reply:
September 3rd, 2010 at 10:26 am
Definitely!
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My cousins in Italy intimidate me with their glistening kitchens and spotless homes. Of course they also lack the clutter that dominates our life here. I have a cousin who irons every day. EVERY day. I can’t imagine. In fact, I can’t remember the last time I ironed.
Nice blog you have here
mimi torchia boothby watercolors´s last [type] ..A murder of crows
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Mary Reply:
September 3rd, 2010 at 10:26 am
Hanging clothes outside to dry means ironing, a lot. Even t-shirts, to my dismay. I never used to mind ironing….
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Not all the Italians clean all day long, (I’m a slacker) I prefer doing other things, like blogging
Alessandra´s last [type] ..Angels
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