By Briana Bass, Christian Romance Author, Devotional Writer & Certified Professional Coach

Before we get started, I want to make a few things clear. First, there is no shame in being a housewife, househusband, or housespouse. As long as that person in the relationship made the choice freely and willingly, it can be a noble occupation. Second, I do not intend to romanticize the 1950s. While there are attitudes and concepts we can and should adopt today, there are many harmful ideals that should stay in the past. The sexism, racism, and classism of mid-century America have no place in the 21^st century.

That being said, 1950s housewives were on to something. Keeping a clean home is good for your health. Meal planning can help you select nutritious options instead of eating junk food. So I put together this blog post to encourage college students and everyone else to learn from our grandmothers. Then I realized this post was way too long and I split it in two parts. Still, the point remains the same: when it comes to taking care of ourselves, our material possessions, and our living quarters, 1950s housewives knew what they were doing.

But 1950s housewives are not twenty-first-century college students. Trying to find time between classes, jobs, and extracurriculars to deep-clean and cook from scratch isn’t always realistic. That’s why I’m focusing on steps young people can take that actually fit a college schedule and lifestyle. Hopefully, you’ll also build good habits that will follow you through other stages of your life. Let the lessons begin!

Cleanliness is Next to Godliness

You may have spent the past few years arguing with your parents about cleaning your room. Sorry to say, but your parents were right. Now that you’re on your own, perhaps in a dorm room or an apartment, there’s no one to badger you about keeping your space clean. Well, your virtual big sister is here to tell you to CLEAN YOUR ROOM.

Listen, no one is going to come into your space with a white glove and check for dust. But your friends might hesitate to hang out in your room if it’s dirty. You don’t want to be embarrassed because your room isn’t clean. You also don’t want to get sick or make other people sick. Yep, a dirty room is a breeding ground for germs and bacteria. Gross!

God cares about cleanliness, too. In fact there are loads of rules surrounding cleanliness in Deuteronomy and Leviticus. While some come off as harsh, or no longer apply due to advances in medicine and technology, we can still recognize that God implemented those rules to encourage good hygiene and promote good physical health. So if God thinks cleanliness is important, maybe you should, too.

Here are some cleaning practices followed by 1950s housewives that you can implement today:

1. Air out your bed. Throw the covers back when you wake up and leave the bed alone for at least one hour. This will help reduce any lingering smells (you know which ones I’m talking about) and also helps reduce moisture which, if left unchecked, can lead to mold and mildew. Gross.
2. Make your bed. I know it sounds like a chore, but studies have shown it can help improve your overall mental health. You’ll finish with a sense of accomplishment and it may even help you sleep better at night.
3. Open the curtains and blinds. Natural light is a good thing, so let in! It’s a great mood booster. Seeing the world outside your dorm room can help you feel more connected, leading to a deeper sense of gratitude. And studies have shown that sunlight can kill microbes and bacteria that live in dust.
4. Clean your microwave, coffeemaker, and fridge. Food will splatter in the microwave. That’s just a fact. Wipe it out daily with a wet paper towel. Wipe out your refrigerator and clean up spells as soon as they happen. Put a small box of baking soda in the fridge to help reduce odors. Wash the coffee carafe every day and wipe down the appliance itself, plus the surface it sits on. Food and drink particles are notorious for bacteria and germs. A quick daily wipe will keep them at bay!
5. Dust your room. Grab a duster and do a sweep of every surface including the windowsill. You don’t have to take every item off the shelves every time you dust-you can dust around them-so it shouldn’t take long to finish the task.

With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility

You have been given a responsibility to care for the items in your possession. This includes your vehicle (if you have one), your dorm room or apartment, your clothes, your appliances and devices, and your money. Who else is going to handle these things? Not your roommate or your partner. Not your professors or your supervisor. Not even your parents. It’s not their responsibility. It all falls squarely on your shoulders.

Please don’t feel overwhelmed. This responsibility shouldn’t be scary. It should actually give you a sense of pride. Yes, I know, pride can be a sin, but in this instance, taking pride in what you have is an excellent motivator. You’ll want your dorm room to look neat and tidy if your friends compliment you on it. You’ll be excited to make your clothes last longer when you remember it will save you money. Stewardship doesn’t have to be completely selfless. There are definitely benefits!

Be a good steward of the things you have. Read Matthew 25:14-30, the Parable of the Talents, for a refresher on stewardship. God has blessed you, but you don’t want to take advantage of that blessing. Practice gratitude by caring for what you have been given.

Here are some ways you can be a good steward of what you have:

1. Tidy your room. Your dorm room or apartment is an extension of you. Don’t you want to make a good impression? Pick up any dirty clothes and put them in a hamper. Take out the trash. Line up your shoes so you and your guests don’t trip over them. A space that looks and feels lived-in is one thing; a messy space is another.
2. Make and stick to a budget. You should be aware of how much is going into and out of your bank account. There’s nothing wrong with treating yourself occasionally, but keep in mind that impulse buys add up. Look for sales, discounts, and coupons. Buy store brand instead of name brand items. Shop around and price compare. Taking a few minutes to search the internet can save you money in the long run.
3. Take care of your clothes. Do your laundry regularly. Remove stains quickly with cold water and stain removers. Keep a sewing kit on hand to replace buttons or fix a tear. Hang your clothes in your wardrobe or fold them neatly in your dresser. When you put in the effort, your clothes will typically last longer and you can save money by not replacing them as often.
4. Take care of your vehicle. Clean out the trash. Dust the dash and wash the windows. Run it through a carwash if you can. Replace your windshield wipers (or put them on your Christmas list. You’re an adult now, and you will get excited by grown-up presents. Trust me.). Change your oil every year or every 5000 miles, whichever comes first. Vacuum your floormats and seats. Check the air in your tires. Your vehicle can last a lot longer if you take care of it.

Embrace Your Inner Housewife

I practice what I preach. Everything I listed above is on my personal to-do list. I really do air out my bed and wipe down my coffeemaker every day. One Christmas I received windshield wipers as a gift and I was ecstatic. And I still wear sweaters that I bought fifteen years ago. I realize that I have been blessed with what I have, and that I bear a responsibility to take care of those things.

Our modern world would rather throw something away than try to fix it. What a waste of money and resources. Culture also doesn’t care how clean or dirty our homes are. Now, I agree that cleanliness isn’t something to obsess over, but keeping a healthy home should be a priority. Let’s set an example, my Christian siblings, and be good stewards of what God has given us, including our material goods, homes, and bodies.