The Dirty Floor Sniffer

Taking pride in a job well done

I had the carpets steam-cleaned here at the Myers Manor yesterday. It was long overdue. Dirt, spills, and pet stains really add up over the years. If you have children (or fur babies), you know the struggle. Unfortunately, my daughter’s favorite pastime is rolling around the floor. She rubs her body up and down every carpet fiber like she’s trying to grind her scent into the floor. It reminds me of a Grizzly bear rubbing itself against a tree. I’ve even watched her make “snow” angels in the middle of the living room. Each time, I shudder thinking of how often our cat threw up on those very spots. *gag reflex initiated*

So, when the carpet cleaning guy arrived, the germaphobe within me breathed a sigh of relief. His name was Zach. He asked me to show him around. I gave him a tour of the various carpets that needed cleaning. His level of interest was far beyond what I expected. He hung on my every word, asking questions about the carpets. How old were they? Was I ever planning to replace them? How much foot traffic does each room endure? Which room was in the worst shape?

I took him to ground zero - the basement. It’s where my cat tends to have the most “biological incidents” (that’s what Zach called it, anyway.) Downstairs, he really came to life. He closed my window blinds and turned off the basement lights. Then, he pulled a flashlight from its holster like it was a pistol and he was a sheriff in the Old West.

Before I knew what was happening, Zach was on his hands and knees, inspecting every square foot with a black light. His nose was pressed to the carpet, and he inhaled deep whiffs of odors embedded in the fibers. His breaths were deep and labored, reminding me of a basset hound or bloodhound who was tracking a scent. At one point, Zack dropped to his belly and crept along the floor like a military soldier advancing through enemy territory. I couldn’t help but think of all the pet accidents I’d cleaned in those spots. *gag reflex initiated again*

He used his fingers to delicately separate individual carpet fibers. I’m not sure exactly what he was looking for, but it reminded me of how chimpanzees groom each other while looking for bugs to eat off the other one’s back. At one point, it looked like Zach touched his tongue to the carpet and smacked his lips together repeatedly… like he was getting a real taste for what kind of cleaning was needed. Obviously, there’s an art to inspecting carpets. And Zach is Michelangelo.

Once he got to work, my carpets looked brand new in less than an hour. Before he left, I was hoping he’d take out his flashlight one more time and spin it in circles before holstering it… you know, like a Wild West deputy. Sadly, he didn’t. But I still gave him a five-star review and told his company that he deserves a raise.

Working with integrity and taking pride in one’s job. I thought this was a lost art. It’s refreshing to know there are still people like Zach out there in the world. It gives me hope. Considering his salary is probably modest, the whole experience is nothing short of inspiring.

Maybe we can all learn a thing from Zach, the carpet cleaner. Call me old-fashioned, but I believe doing a job to the best of our abilities isn’t just a reflection of our work ethic; it’s a reflection of our character. I suppose drive and motivation are qualities that some people have in abundance. I’ll probably never cross paths with Zach again, but I won’t soon forget him. He’ll undoubtedly succeed in everything he applies himself to. Thomas Edison once said, “Genius is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration.” Hard work goes a long way, regardless of a person’s chosen profession.

This morning, I noticed my cat couldn’t keep his breakfast down. The pristine basement carpet took a direct hit. After saying a few choice words under my breath, I rolled up my sleeves and began cleaning the spot. I found myself putting a little extra oomph into the scrubbing. After all, any job worth doing is worth doing right.

My daughter Sky asked if she could make “snow” angels on the living room floor when she returns from school today. I said yes. In fact, I might join her. Might as well enjoy the clean carpets while we still have them. If we get another cat in the future, I’ll be replacing them with hardwood floors.

Adios amigos,

Andy

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