More from my Time in Service: Some skills do transfer to Civilian Life.
Someday, I shall write about what KP was like in the sixties. But today I go with the Basics...mopping floors. And the basic mistake most folks make when mopping, is not changing the mop water enough when doing the prep.
And the most common problem with waxing, is not letting the floor dry thoroughly before waxing, and after the first coat. Dry. Dry. Dry.
Only then can you polish the floor to delight the Inspecting Officer.
So why did this come to mind?
We have wooden floors, they are a laminate, and much easier to clean and wax than our old actual wooden floors. My youngest daughter is bringing our newest grand baby (six months old when they get here) to see us just after Christmas. I am almost healed, and she can crawl now...so I have to get the floors ready for the little scooter tyke.
I started prepping today. And Kathy said: "What are you doing? Just little spots?"
I laughed.
"No Babe, you get the heavy spills and stuff off by hand. Then you wait until they are completely dry. Then you do the general stripping of old wax. Then when that dries, you mop it clean. When that dries...you can then relay the wax."
"Who taught you all that stuff?"
"Well, my Mother first. We did our floors back then, on your hand and knees with a scrub brush and bucket. Hard work, but good results. But then I joined the Army and well, they taught me to use a broom, a mop, and a buffer."
"Kevin, is all that work necessary? I mean lots of folks comment on our shiny floors...but..you are old now. Can't you just use that one step wash and wax stuff?"
I was aghast. Wash and Wax in the same bottle? With the same mop? What Branch of the Military were you in? Substandard. Unacceptable. No way.
So takes me three days to do our tiny house and all its floors. But doggone if they aren't ready for Inspection.
The Army way.