Rediscover the Timeless Charm of the Vintage Stair Card
Life in Edinburgh’s Old Town
Edinburgh's Old Town is a labyrinth of narrow wynds and towering tenements, where centuries-old buildings rub shoulders with modern architecture. Back in the day, I lived in a new build flat bang in the centre of this historic area, surrounded by old school tenements, an ancient monastery, and a plethora of storied buildings.
Chores for Pocket Money
As a youngster, I had to do various chores for pocket money - washing dishes, tidying up, hoovering, walking the dog. Most I tolerated for an easy life, but there was one task I genuinely enjoyed: sweeping and mopping the stair.
The Stair Card Tradition
This wasn't just any household chore. It was a social event, a matter of family honor, and a chance to earn the respect of our neighbours. When the stair card arrived through our letterbox, it meant it our neighbour had done their duty two weeks earlier, and it was now our turn to clean the communal areas. And my chance to boost the piggy bank by a fiver!
A Big Job Ahead
The job was no walk in the park. The area to be cleaned was vast: a tiled atrium that could host a small rave, a large back passage, and two sets of chunky concrete steps and landings, that seemed to stretch for miles. And, because we lived in a triplex flat, we had the added responsibility of an extra floor.
Timing Is Everything
Through trial and error, I honed my technique. Timing was crucial - 11 AM on a Saturday proved to be the sweet spot. As much as I enjoyed catching up with the neighbours, I was on as schedule, and some less thoughtful neighbours- you know who you are - had a bad habit of leaving large dirty footprints on my drying floors!
Mastering the Art of Cleaning
The amount of water used was another critical factor. Too much on the tiles, and you'd create an impromptu ice rink; too little, and the dirt would stubbornly cling on.
The key to efficiency lay in the sweeping and mopping technique. I'd position myself in the middle of the floor, wrestler-style, extend the broom or mop out front, then swish side-to-side in a wide arc while walking backwards. The satisfying swish-swish of the mop against the tiles became a rhythm I could work to. There were no Bluetooth head phones back then!
A Sense of Accomplishment
Over time, I whittled down my cleaning time from an hour and a half to a mere 30 minutes, including drying time. Some neighbors were so impressed they offered to pay me to do their turns!
Once finished, I'd close the front and back doors, savouring the gleam of the freshly cleaned surfaces. Then, with a sense of accomplishment, I'd slip the stair card through the next recipient's letterbox, passing on the torch of community responsibility.
Reflecting on Community Values
Years later, hearing about private cleaning companies putting in zero effort, using dirty water, and charging exorbitant fees, I can't help but feel nostalgic for the old stair card system. It wasn't just about keeping the building clean; it was about fostering a sense of community and shared responsibility - valuable lessons that have stayed with me long after I left that flat in the heart of the Old Town.
