A card from Fair Play by Eve Rodsky
Cleaning
The pancake batter that fell into the crack on the side of the oven? Last week? It’s still there. The pee all over the toilet seat because your toddler can’t aim? Still there. The trail of sand in your entryway post-playground? Still there. If you have someone to help deep clean your bathroom and kitchen—lucky you. It’s still your responsibility to manage the schedule, task list, payment, etc. Re-deal this card often, as it’s a biggie. Tip! Coordinate with the “Home Goods & Supplies” cardholder so you have cleaning supplies in the house when you need them.
Holding this card means owning all three
Conception
The house needs to be clean
Planning
INSOURCED
- Communicating with “Home Goods & Supplies” cardholder for supplies OUTSOURCED
- Sourcing
- Communicating with “Home Goods & Supplies” cardholder for supplies
- Scheduling
- Interviewing
Execution
- Hiring
- Ongoing communication & supervision
- Making payments
- Reimbursing to purchase supplies DAILY/WEEKLY
- Bed making
- Counter-top cleaning
- Vacuuming floors/carpets/couches
- Bathroom toilet bowl cleaning/floor mopping
- Bathtub/shower tile and glass OCCASIONAL
- Carpets/floor
- Drapes
- Dusting
- Toys
- Window washing
- Defrosting refrigerator/freezer
- Outdoor grill/barbecue/furniture
- Upholstery
Suggested Minimum Standard of Care
Will our home be reasonably clean and safe for our family?
A starting point. You and your partner agree the real standard together, and the holder meets it without reminders.
Holding it well
- The holder owns all of it: noticing, planning and doing. No “just tell me what to do.”
- Agree the Minimum Standard of Care together, then let the holder meet it their way.
- Not working? Bring it to the weekly check-in and re-deal it. Don’t take it back mid-week.
Put this card on your table
Deal it, agree its standard, and see who holds what. Free.