At This Moment, Someone Is Cleaning Up [Voices of 6411]

The work behind clean and comfortable spaces is often unseen, but for those who perform it, the reality is physically taxing and emotionally draining. A cleaner, who has worked in various roles from move-in cleaning to motel services and now in a karaoke bar, shares the harsh realities of their profession.

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I don't think cleaning is dirty work. Through various cleaning jobs, I've actually learned a lot. Cleaning requires more labor and effort than you might think.

Tasks include meticulously scraping off construction adhesive from new homes, enduring the biting cold while scrubbing walls, and suffering the persistent knee pain from prolonged squatting. The pressure to match the speed of experienced workers often leads to self-blame. The use of strong chemical cleaners like bleach poses its own dangers, with prolonged exposure leading to a diminished sense of smell, making even simple tasks like seasoning food difficult.

Motel cleaning, often done at night, involves rapidly changing sheets, sanitizing bathrooms, and restocking amenities. The pace is relentless, especially during busy periods, forcing cleaners to rush and sometimes leading to a feeling of being overwhelmed. Some rooms present particularly disheartening scenes of mess and neglect, sparking anger at the disrespect shown by occupants. The work extends beyond cleaning to sorting recyclables and managing laundry.

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People who work in unseen places are behind the spaces people use comfortably. So wherever I go, I try not to use spaces carelessly.

In the current role at a karaoke bar, the cleaner still tackles room tidying, organizing microphones, and clearing away empty bottles and dishes. The lingering smell of vomit and spilled alcohol, along with the danger of broken glass, are constant challenges. Despite these difficulties, the cleaner finds a sense of satisfaction in organizing spaces and aims to be considerate of others' labor. The piece concludes with a reflection on the effort required for cleaning and a plea for users of public and private spaces to be more mindful, emphasizing that small acts of consideration can significantly ease the burden on cleaning staff.

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Even if I can't clean magnificently, I try not to make it difficult for someone else. Just not using it dirtily makes the cleaner's job much easier.