Thanks for the inspiration Monkey. Very cute...both of you!

I hate cleaning. But I'll do it for monkey.

Groan. I washed the floors on Saturday and made the flat a total mess for many hours. Think Kitchen Cure behind fridge and oven... And I'm still nowhere near done with cleaning and reorganizing the kitchen cabinets either, but on a positive note we finally drilled up the second cupboard in the office corner and now there's only a shelf that's missing. I just can't clean today, so I voted "Ugh..." Although Monkey is really cute.

I like to keep the windows open resulting in daily dusting of the bedroom. Can you use an air purifier if you have your windows open all of the time?

The video won't play.

I'm definitely not feeling low energy today. I finally have a working kitchen sink (yay!) and I started cleaning up my sewing room (a nightmare). I spent about 4 hours last night cleaning and organizing, but turning the lights on this morning and having the whole floor and every surface clear made it all worth it! Today I'll be surface cleaning the living room and making some curtains for my sewing room.

I'll do it for black sheep though I hate cleaning the kid's room most. Such a mess there!

Oh I got it to play now. Good video I feel motivated now!

I wish we could have a video every day Maxwell- Very inspiring!

I'm on a roll! Got a couple rooms deep-cleaned b/c out-of-town company was coming. Unfortunately, the company didn't make it, but I did get a lot accomplished. Words to the wise, though - after work, then play as Maxwell says, but after play - REST! We don't take enough rest time, and that makes it all the harder! Let's hear it for REGENERATION! (Which is so much easier in clean, comfortable surroundings ;)

Does anyone else think "monkey" looks like a dog?

Yes! Monkey does look like a dog! But then again, all of my nephew's animals are called "Guy", regardless of gender or species. :)
Love this focus on cleaning! So therapeutic, and I love coming home from a long day, to a clean house!

Fine...!!!
for the monkey it is....
:)

hahaha love the monkey-voice ;) you are so adorable max..great job. I have always used cleaning as a simple yet most effective therapeutic exercise..somehow when we clean up our enivroment, we end up cleaning our head space too.

Weird...I'm getting the musical interludes but not the voice...

I'm doing the cleaning for my grandmother who is coming for a 4 days visit three days from now... but I enjoyed the video ! Next time is for monkey.

It's funny how the air purifier is a typical American thing. I've lived in Paris for five years, and I've never ever heard of anyone having an air purifier, even though it's a big polluted city. I still don't get it: is it supposed to help with pollution particles in the air ? With dust ? Doesn't the noise annoy you ?
From here, it's just a waste of space, plus a positively ugly (useless ??) appliance. For now, I'm sticking with living with my windows open all the time, one or two anti-toxic plants, and a regular cleaning. But I'm willing to change my mind if I understand the use of that monstrous thing...

Oh, let's take a pre-cleaning moment to congratulate Maxwell for:
- OMG, an Intro! With Soundtrack!
- Titles in the Video! Now we know where they belong even later!
- Using a mic! So much clear voice all the time!

And again, great humor... The videos are improving each day, JUST LIKE MY HOUSE! :D

I have a visitor coming on Wednesday, so I guess this will be a deeper cleaning with more than 20 minutes. But I will think of the Monkey!

Now, important question:
Does the air purifier also helps like a humidifier does? Can I get a purifier and forget the humidifier? I don't want to have both in the bedroom...

@Dots LaHots: I envy your enthusiasm and productivity. I have to vote "Ugh!"

Ahhh ... it is hard to get started with the cleaning. Especially knowing that I'll be doing mine after work and the gym and some other stuff. But, I can do 20 minutes. And, I think I will do our downstairs, since we just moved some stuff around down there ... and I won't do it for Monkey ... I'll be doing it for Lily the bunny :-)

Spent about 40 minutes doing a much-needed deeper than surface clean in my kitchen. Looks lovely, and I'm proud to say that I did it all with my 1 year old underfoot!

cute! I thought I was going to hate videos...but I'm finding them inspiring and I'm learning more than I would have in a "typed" post.

I ended up doing a deep clean of the bedroom on Sunday--slept much better knowing that even the floors under the dressers were clean.

Do it for the monkey--a new battle cry!

MONKEY! 'Nuff said.

I'm very excited to start another week. I didn't get any cleaning done this weekend but did get some long thought of projects out of the way (like making a new dog bed - and since she got a bath and clean blankets all on the same day, maybe it was AT dog day. :)) It rained all weekend and although usually that inspires me to putter around, this weekend it inspired naps and lots of bagel eating.

Tonight! We tackle the kitchen. Don't forget to clean the fronts of your cabinets...

I totally didn't clean or organize this weekend as I had planned. We swept when the garbage bag exploded and we re-organized so the Costco purchases would have a home. But "The Girl Who Played With Fire" got in the way of both household work and work-work. Maybe I'll attack some surfaces in the office and bedroom tonight.

I am planning to do my kitchen. I painted the eating area side of it over the weekend, so it really all needs to be put back together.

A bit more than a surface cleaning, but since everything is all jumbled anyway, I may as well take advantage of it.

I really love the new video format. I was thinking of doing the cure, but was kinda dreading it at the same time. The vids make it more "bite-size. And they add a touch of humanity to the whole adventure.

I did a good surface cleaning in my kitchen last night, but now... I think I'm going to tackle my bathroom! (Getting my energy up for it... Thanks monkey!)

Nice video. Definitely like the intro. I was wondering wouldn't it be better if Maxwell cleaned the room with Ursula together, just give her something to do, like putting back all her toys...

I purchased today eco-friendly all-purpose cleaner and dishwashing liquid...

These videos are so cute--and inspiring. I love the newsprint/window-washing idea. I will definitely be giving that a try.

Hate to break the news, Maxwell, but that Bla Bla doll is a dog. But hey I could call it a monkey if that helps me clean my room!

It is a dog, but I guess they named it Monkey because it kinda looks like one. Notice when he talks about the doll, he doesn't use "the" article.

@Michael W.: Check the left/right balance on your speakers/headphones-- I could only hear the voice in my left ear.

@Maxwell: I love these videos, "doing it for Monkey" is just what I needed for today. And I see that the mike is a new addition-- but I could only hear your voice in my left ear of my headphones at work :(

How can I concentrate on cleaning when all I'm thinking is that monkey is a dog?! : )

I'm getting a late start, but today I chose the living room as it's the biggest room and I have someone coming over today. I vacuumed, dusted and wiped down surfaces and watered my plants. I had bought fresh flowers yesterday, so now it's looking pretty good. Except for the HUGE pile of stuff in the outbox area. I call it the outpile. Thanks Maxwell, the videos are SO CUTE and inspiring.

I will working on my livingroom because it is a disaster and all the more so because our kitchen is still being remodeled. There are dishes everywhere in the diningroom table which connects to the livingroom (open concept) and there is clean laundry that needs to be folded and put away just sitting in a chair. I will do it for Monkey!

I'm doing cupboards instead of rooms... surface cleaning rooms is part of my weekly routine anyway, but my cupboards are overflowing and in dire need of reorganizing. Today I cleaned out the tea/coffee/bickies/snacks cupboard and the cereal/pasta/rice/flour drawer... last week I only did the spices/canned stuff cupboard. By the end of this my kitchen will be christmas cookie baking ready :D

NYG

I am so low energy today. But I did water mop 400 sq ft of genuine imitation wood floors over the weekend. Does that count? They look great!!

I am going to clean the kitchen, and clean out the refrigerator. I have to. Tomorrow is grocery day, and I like a clean orderly kitchen when fresh groceries arrive. I already have the Wet Swiffer out and ready to mop the kitchen floor.

I love the cure. It has really motivated me to get little jobs complete. I am touching up the paint in the bathroom, and adjusted the new electrical covers to fit properly after the plugs and switches were replaced. I got a new shower rod, and after the paint is dry, I am going to hang a wall of sheers (I already have) over the glass shower doors.

AND I found a reasonable framer for the dozen or more pieces I want to hang in my bedroom.

AND, I have decided to move around some furniture, so I have arranged for two movers this weekend. I am so motivated. Thanks AT!

Another great video! I am feeling low on energy today and it's pouring rain but rather than head to bed with a book, I'm going to get my clean on!

Happy Monday people!

I'm proud of you Maxwell, You were a teacher from your Mother's womb. sincerely, mary

I can hear the music but not the talking. I am sad...:(

@Village : ... I found a reasonable framer for the dozen or more pieces I want to hang in my bedroom.

--------------

I assume you are in NYC... If so could you please post the framer's website address if he has one? Thanks...

I cleaned the "stuff room" which really meant throw things in proper bins and vacuum. Can't reach the windows in there since the kayaks cover it up.

Happy monday and I'm off to buy flowers tomorrow!

I'm so glad it isn't just me! The sound isn't working for me either...no voice, just music. Maxwell.....heeeeellllllpppppp!! (help please?)

I fell behind. I'm catching up today. Everyone here is so motivated!

I worked an very full day yesterday and had to come home and go to bed. My husband was so kind to do the 20 minutes.:) He took care of the bathroom and did a full clean. Yay!

I did make an effort to put everything in its place when I walked through the door. This effort alone saves on clutter and eventual disaster. Looking forward to cleaning up the landing strip on its assignment day.

Loooong interesting! With small gestures can change the look of a room and therefore improve the physical and mental condition of a person with very good aspects of his private life and work.
I Invite you to visit the blog on http://fengshuiitaliantranslation.blogspot.com in a completely new and applicable with simple precautions.

I enlisted my hubby to help do a 20-minute clean last night. He worked in our kitchen/living room and I worked in our main bathroom. Got a LOT done in 20!! I gave the bathroom a lovely surface clean, swished and swiped the toilet, shook the rugs, and even mopped the floors. Also did the kitchen floor with the mop and all dishes are put away or in the dishwasher. Then I had to dash to a little evening meeting while dinner cooked — hubby was going to vacuum to complete our upstairs floor clean. Instead, he got inspired (!!!!) and pulled out our carpet cleaner (!!!) and did the traffic patterns (!!!!!!!!) ... carpet looks LOVELY!!! Can you tell I'm excited? LOL

Just a note about cleaning supplies from your favorite professional cleaner -
You can clean anything with a spray bottle of vinegar, some Seventh Generation dish soap, baking soda, a sponge, and some towels. If you want to get really fancy, you can mix some extra bottles of vinegar with couple drops of essential oil (tea tree is my favorite). Using newspaper to wipe down windows can leave some nasty residue on your hands and propelled in the air. The ink they use isn't the nicest to inhale. I'd recommend flour sack towels. They leave no lint behind and are reusable. Setting yourself up with these basics saves a lot of money compared to buying different eco products for every surface, and can save space, too!

Love the videos, Maxwell!

I cleaned alright, but to the whole apartment! We're going on vacation tomorrow and I didn't want to come home to any messes. I guess I'll have to finish the rest of the cure when I get back!

Pretty sure the Chinese says they received your letter and will reply shortly. Sounds like an out of office message?

Loved today's video.

I am so not in the mood to clean today, but I will. I choose the kitchen. It has the greatest opportunity for change. HAHA It's a mess.

I'm so sick today... guess I caught a terrible caught sometime earlier. I've had a high fever all night, so I planned on changing my sheets tonight. Well, considering how my head aches, I'll be doing a 40 minutes slow-paced bedroom cleaning. And go to sleep at 8.

Monkey should have told you that plain tap water (on a newspaper) is more than enough to clean the glass of the windows (not enough for the frame, though!). Try it!

Please tell us more about the small inexpensive air filter you mentioned. I live in a dusty part of New Mexico, which blows in the doors and windows, plus my dog brings in all sorts of dust in addition to the hair she drops. It seems I can barely keep up.

Feel like death warmed up today. But this afternoon I wiped down the surfaces in the living and dining rooms, vacuumed and recycled the weeks news papers. I still feel a bit icky, but it's much nicer to be icky in a clean, nice smelling home :)

Cleaning my kitchen. Dont have too much to do but I have a problem area. My corner kitchen cabinet above and underneath. Its my largest cabinet in a small kitchen 3 cabinets top 3 on the bottom. I keep my oversize items in the top..wok, blender etc.- can't fit anywhere else. I can only see what is directly in front of the door not on the sides.

Underneath cabinet is large without shelves but the sink piping drops low underneath leaving space only on both sides how can I utilize the space better. I've thought about those pull out space saver shelves. Any suggestions.

I'm hosting a potluck tonight and not much gets me (and a lot of people, I think) motivated any better than folks coming over!

Since my kitchen/dining floors are actually large, and quite dirty, I did it yesterday. I'm finishing with the surfaces today. Already feeling better about the place.
Cheers!

You make cleaning windows look easy and I like the simple homemade recipe from Re-nest for the formula plus the newspaper trick. Going to pick a room after Halloween.

I received my book and have been following with the videos. I think I mentioned in an earlier email that I am unable to follow along to a T, due to physical issues. I have someone to clean for me every 3 weeks, and in between, I do what I can. I can't mop, but I can run a dust mop and sometimes vacuum a little. I can buy flowers. I can give something away. I can make a note to buy green products next time. I can do some of the suggestions, others, I just can't. Does this count, Maxwell?

I'd vote for "Somewhere in the middle" I'm not UGH, but I'm not YEA! I really need to clean under the sink and I know its disgusting under there. There is no point in cleaning the floow and then having that stuff dirty it again. REALLY not looking forward to that.

Maybe this has been covered, but what do people do first, sweep & mop or vacume? I'm thinking vacume, sweep & mop and vacume again.

that's cleaning the FLOOR...

And JessPins, I'm with you... sometimes I invite people over just so I have to clean. :)

Completely a day late, but still going to catch up tonight!! Thanks for the motivation!

My husband mopped the floor Sunday, so I just wiped the kitchen sink area with vinegar on a sponge for :25. It'll be interesting to see whether vinegar erases ant trail scents as well as rubbing alcohol does. Vinegar brightened the dishwasher exterior especially nicely. I'm back on schedule with the cure, yeah!

Results--Rubbing alcohol definitely disorganizes ants longer than vinegar does, a benefit to be weighed against the nontoxicity of vinegar. I finished surface-cleaning the kitchen by working :35 more on it as an alternate cure on Wednesday, 11/3.

Oops, I meant Wednesday, 11/2.