The Decibel The case against cleaning before hosting
26 snips
Dec 3, 2025 
Zosia Bielski, a Time-use reporter at The Globe and Mail, dives into the societal pressures of pre-cleaning before hosting. She discusses how cleaning becomes shame-driven, largely affecting women who spend more time on these tasks. The conversation highlights the impact of spotless homes on social dynamics, revealing that such standards can hinder authentic relationships. Zosia advocates for relaxed hosting styles like potlucks and scruffy hospitality, emphasizing that prioritizing connection over cleanliness can enhance social well-being.
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Cleaning Can Cost Social Time
- Cleaning for guests becomes problematic when it creates shame and comparison instead of connection.
- Zosia Bielski warns overinvestment in prepping reduces time for socializing and increases isolation.
Gendered Time Costs Of Cleaning
- The burden of pre-cleaning still falls mainly on women and slices into their fragmented time.
- Statistics Canada data show women spend about 64 minutes daily on cleaning tasks versus 32 minutes for men.
Pulling Back Led To More Visits
- Catherine Goldstein stopped deep-sanitizing for guests and kept only basic safety and bathroom touches.
- That change led to more frequent visits and greater reciprocity with friends.
