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The last time we wrote about the Facebook group 'Things designed by people who don't have to clean them', it had 40,000 members. But since then, this online community has more than doubled and is approaching the 100,000 mark, so it's about time we release an update on them.

"The design and maintenance of our spaces are deeply political," the group writes in its 'About' section. "The entire point of 'Things designed by people who don't have to clean them' is that those who design and those who maintain are not the same. Because we spend most of our time in designed spaces this disconnect has a huge impact, especially on those who traditionally don't have power in society."

So they're here, shaking things up, trying to remind everyone about the hidden tax attached to Swarovski-encrusted toilets and rock-covered sinks, and that is the amount of headache and time people will spend cleaning them.

More info: Facebook

#1

Just Stay In The 70s. Thanks

Just Stay In The 70s. Thanks

Barby Km Report

For our earlier article, we got in touch with the founder of the group, Will Feetham. He described the content you see on 'Things designed by people who don't have to clean them' as design-focused critical analysis.

Even though it has grown tremendously, the group remains private and you have to answer a few political questions to get in. Feetham has had pushback from the applicants about this as the group seems anything but political, however, he believes that the design and maintenance of our spaces are deeply political. "The entire point of 'Things designed by people who don't have to clean them' is that those who design and those who maintain are not the same," he told Bored Panda. "Because we spend most of our time in spaces [designed by others], this disconnect has a huge impact, especially on those who traditionally don't have power in society."

#4

This Belongs Here

This Belongs Here

Ashley Nichole Frodsham Report

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Otter
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is why losing my fertility to a medical emergency didn't bother me one bit.

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lara
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

OK, there is a product "Odormute". It is for just this type of thing, urine. Dogs, cats, humans, it destroys all types of urine odor. Mix it up, let it sit for about five minutes and then drench the area that stinks. This is wood, which means the urine has been absorbed. Pour the Odormute into the vent. That's it. Rub down the outside with the Odormute. The mixture will immediately eliminate the odor. If it is in a carpet, once you drench the area, then lay several heavy towels on top and weight them down with something really heavy. After the liquid is absorbed [I usually leave it overnight] take the towels off. If you can still smell it, it means you missed some. Use more Odormute on those areas. IF YOU HAVE NOT USED ANOTHER CHEMICAL CLEANER it will not smell any longer. Odormute is an enzyme that destroys the urine. Any other chemical trace, such as bleach, will destroy the Odormute. In the vent, it will just evaporate and you should be odor free.

dons avatar
Calypso poet
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I will have to look into that. I cleaned best I could but I'm sure I am used to the odor and others can notice. Early last year (winter in Ohio with furnace going) our 17 year old cat started peeing in the register behind the couch where I sit. He had a growth in his belly. We put down pee pads next to the register which he used until we could schedule during the pandemic for him to go in peace. We did not want to do biopsy and surgery. That cat was #

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klynch4 avatar
Loki’s Lil Butter Knife
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sometimes when I feel like a failure for not being married and having children like my other family members or friends, I read posts like this and suddenly feel better.

funkycherry81 avatar
The Redhead
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why would any designers make a vent cover that couldn't be removed? Aside from incidents like above dirt and dust get in there; what if you just want to vacuum it out from time to time.

nfrlprdpr avatar
Mazer
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A box cutter and shop vac are probably a good start. I caught a kid getting ready to urinate in an ice machines overflow catchment box at a hotel. Nothing is sacred anymore

jeffrequier_1 avatar
Requiem
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Its not "sealed" as there is a rectangular crack all around it. Dont be useless and take it out.

thandeit avatar
Random Panda
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Could be the vent was glued shut and that's why they can't open it?

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Rick
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I highly recommend that you jam like 50-100 of those tree shaped air fresheners down the pee pee vent!

bettye000 avatar
Bettye McKee
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Get some of that solution that (allegedly) neutralizes pet odors.

mtnpacrat avatar
Les Izmore
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Try cutting around the edge, then pry it out. There's a good reason why vent covers are not sealed in

ceciledesjardins avatar
Cecile Desjardins
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I thought vents should not be sealed in, so ,( in normal situations), theycould be vacuumed

beatyruth avatar
mamafrog
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Had a cat do this one time, took me forever to get the smell out. Lots of cleaning and several applications of various products.

harold_houfek avatar
Harold Houfek
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You were a kid once weren't you ??? Hate people who speak like this. If you parents know you talk like this then they should of used a condom

drh95051 avatar
Doris Bennett
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You're gotta need a whole new furnace, or just sell your house and move out of state.

tootall89 avatar
Jeff Bunn
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Go to your nearest PetSmart store and buy some UrineGone or other odor destroying chemical used for cat spray!!

pmnovack avatar
Kanga9ine
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

He can get fully equipped with a little Haz-Mat suit and a a personalized potty chair from the Kids Kleaning Krew Kollection 2021/22 Katalog. There's a Kooking section, PetKare, and a Whole Kit and Kaboodle chapter with all kinds of kool stuff. 2020 was a year everybody had to learn new things and teach kids how to be ready and able to go to college and actually do their own laundry and cook in an oven without the word microwave in front of the word oven. Skills they should be taught at home. School handle the other stuff. Real life skills like sharing, not leaving a mess for someone else, respect for others stuff. A sense of right and wrong and to question everything. To not be afraid to ask the hard questions. And demand truth even when it hurts to hear. Years from now the occasional whiff of the little boy who became one heck of a man will be a stank you'll cherish. More so because for the most part, it's gone. There's a limit to how sappy a part we can play.

kschmo7177 avatar
KAREN-LEIGH SCHMOCKER
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I had a an old cat that would lie on the vents when she had pain (before I knew she was in pain) and just let go down the vent.

dutchvanzandt avatar
Oskar vanZandt
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Simple. Get a jigsaw and cut it out. Replace with a metal one... all of them throughout the house.

ltjocson avatar
TJay
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They should use some enzyme cleaner...that should help

melissamiller_2 avatar
Melissa Miller
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Call Air Duct Cleaners, they'll will clean them along with any dirt, grime or mold all at once.

itzelbastian avatar
Itzel Bastian
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Cheap impromptu, I'd pour vinegar down or spray it for days until the smell is gone, vinegar cleans well and it will get rid of the smell, you'll smell the vinegar at first too, but it's okay to breath vinegar, is not hurtful.

mallee49 avatar
Anne Mitchell
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Try sprinkling some bicarb soda down the vent, or preferably, spraying white vinegar into the vent. Both absorb odours, but the white vinegar probably works quicker. Repeat if necessary. If white vinegar rids a floor mat of cat pee smell and a car of cigarette stench it will certainly work in this scenario,

bumblebee_4 avatar
bumble bee
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How about you get on your knees and clean it yourself! Find a way it builds character

angelanagel avatar
Yoga Kitty
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Try "Bactador", it removes stains and odours biologically - I can really recommend it!

jjdubsw avatar
jjdubs W
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

OMG. My cousins did this when they were little (yes, plural --there were two of them!).

scottspencer113 avatar
samsara world
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

8 - After reading this post I feel as if you might be my favourite writer. Useful articles give knowledge of fashion . I regularly read this blog. This blog publishes different categories of articles. https://www.samsara-world.com/blog/

jmchoto avatar
Jo Choto
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh, just spray some air freshener down there until it all dries out. Or, as a punishment, sit the toddler on the vent when the heat is on and make him contain his own stank.

kathrynbaylis_1 avatar
Kathryn Baylis
Community Member
2 years ago

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I would go after whoever installed the floor without cleaning the vent first—-the smell had to have been noticeable to them at the time.

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Sunflowercray
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Lol. Are you thinking the kid peed before the floor/vent cover was installed? If this was sarcasm, it wasn't conveyed very well.

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Steve Barnett
Community Member
2 years ago

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Why is the vent sealed? Why is a 3 yr. old unattended long enough to pee into it and who also might break a toe in the gaps?

zora24_1 avatar
Trillian
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Unattended? In your own home? I don't follow my kids around everywhere, how would that even work. Some things you just don't think of beforehand and it's not a hazard to break anything. At least not on a kid.

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"Looking at bad design helps highlight the importance of good design, and thinking about who will clean what we design makes us focus on the importance of inclusion in the design process. As a tag group, we can inject a bit of thought about these issues into a lot of different conversations which makes me so happy."

Feetham got the idea for the group from a picture of a topographical relief sink modeled after a lake, which he has been told is in the California state library. "It's beautiful, and the concept is both insightful and educational. In the execution, though, the designer didn't consider the people who would have to clean the installation. Clearly, a lot of thought went into the concept, but that thoughtfulness doesn't seem to have extended to maintenance. 'Things designed by people who don’t have to clean them' just popped into my head."

#6

This Is My Ceiling Light. It’s New, And I Loved It Til I Joined This Group And Realized I Have No Idea How To Clean It

This Is My Ceiling Light. It’s New, And I Loved It Til I Joined This Group And Realized I Have No Idea How To Clean It

Elana Kehoe Report

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#9

Saw This Sink In A Bathroom Showroom And Thought Of You My Friends. It Has Actual Fish In It

Saw This Sink In A Bathroom Showroom And Thought Of You My Friends. It Has Actual Fish In It

Maryum Farhan Report

As you could guess, Feetham himself doesn't like cleaning. "As a cisgender man in our patriarchal culture, I have been allowed to do less than my share of household chores at many points in my life," he said. "Equality is deeply important to me, and I have come to understand the many ways, large and small, that the caring and cleaning work that forms the foundation of our daily existence is minimized."

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According to him, our society tends to devalue the invisible service class, who are often women and people of color. So they are left to pick up the pieces, literally, and tend to the performative aesthetics of our consumer culture.

#10

Bride Decided This Was The Best Way To Display Her Dress After The Wedding

Bride Decided This Was The Best Way To Display Her Dress After The Wedding

Lindy Pearce Report

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KJ
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Imagine getting up for the loo in the middle of the night if you were a guest, wouldn't need to go all the way to the loo.

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#11

I Finally Have A Contribution!! Reminds Me Of The Fuzzy Skeleton Someone Shared The Other Day…maybe This One Could Be Thrown In The Washer?

I Finally Have A Contribution!! Reminds Me Of The Fuzzy Skeleton Someone Shared The Other Day…maybe This One Could Be Thrown In The Washer?

Melissa Smith Report

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F. H.
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's an art installation. How to clean it will be the concern of future conservators.

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#12

Omfg, This Is Giving Me The Shivers

Omfg, This Is Giving Me The Shivers

Miguel G. Bouças Report

#14

I Present To You My Desk Chair

I Present To You My Desk Chair

I hate it. It was here when I got here. The bumps are hard plastic and extremely uncomfortable also the back has no give whatsoever. I work in the office part of a warehouse and everything gets super dirty here. Not looking forward to cleaning it which I can imagine will be done with a toothbrush.

Patience Hawkins Report

#15

This Was A Sink In A Public Bathroom That I Used Yesterday

This Was A Sink In A Public Bathroom That I Used Yesterday

(it does have a drain, it’s just hard to see under the bubbles) it’s flat, theres ridges in it that go about an inch deep into the sink to resemble rock or something. It’s obviously covered in grime and soap residue. Might have been cool in someone’s house, but not in a public bathroom like this

Holly Hass Report

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May
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I can practically see the germs that are living of all that residue

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#16

My Toes And Shins Hurt Just Looking At This. Hope You Like Cobwebs

My Toes And Shins Hurt Just Looking At This. Hope You Like Cobwebs

Scott Martin Report

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Ara
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Are there candles in there? If so, cleaning may not be the issue it at first appears to be.

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#17

Indoor Beach. Oof

Indoor Beach. Oof

Cammie Burns Report

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A B C
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Lol, I read the two signs on the floor as "sure, sand" as in "yeah sure, why not?" - famous last words.

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#18

Seletti: Monkey Chandelier By Marcantonio

Seletti: Monkey Chandelier By Marcantonio

I wish I had it but DAMN.
(also, it cost too much for me.)
(BUT ANYWAY DAMN!!!)

Andrea Ashton Caprifogli Report

#19

Found In The Wild. My Mom, Who Has No Knowledge Of Facebook Or This Group, Her First Words Were "Try Cleaning That."

Found In The Wild. My Mom, Who Has No Knowledge Of Facebook Or This Group, Her First Words Were "Try Cleaning That."

Becky Brinkman Report

#21

Just.... Why?! Even If The Bowl Is Smooth, The Outside Is Just...

Just.... Why?! Even If The Bowl Is Smooth, The Outside Is Just...

Jessica Helanne Report

#22

Yeah, It's An Art Installation. Very Ugly Art

Yeah, It's An Art Installation. Very Ugly Art

Eli Westerfield Report

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A B C
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Couldn't fit the chairs any closer to the table because they'd crush some Swarovskis otherwise, huh? This is just stupid.

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#23

I'd Like To Personally Say F**k You To Whoever Invented This Damn Kitchen Gadget. You Don't Know How Many Nights It Would Be My Turn To Do The Dishes And This F**ker Always, Always, Ended Up Being Used. I Hate It So Much

I'd Like To Personally Say F**k You To Whoever Invented This Damn Kitchen Gadget. You Don't Know How Many Nights It Would Be My Turn To Do The Dishes And This F**ker Always, Always, Ended Up Being Used. I Hate It So Much

Cheyenne Lynn Report

#24

It's Cute Tho

It's Cute Tho

Tehreem Hassan Report

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Raven Sheridan
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Is this a mug for cat haters? Every time you have tea of coffee, you get to drown the kitty.

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#29

The Pieces That Are Overlapped Would Be A Nuisance To Polish! And As Someone Easily Distracted I Wouldn't Know What Piece Of Mirror To Look In When Using It But That's Just Me

The Pieces That Are Overlapped Would Be A Nuisance To Polish! And As Someone Easily Distracted I Wouldn't Know What Piece Of Mirror To Look In When Using It But That's Just Me

Shauna Cameron Report

#30

Just... Why

Just... Why

Eliška Anna Skurňová Report

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Big Blue Cat
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The idea is fun, but cleaning not so much. Also these thing break so easily I would constantly think I'm drinking glass shards.

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#31

This Chest...the Cuts Are Like 5cm Deep In Some Spots...

This Chest...the Cuts Are Like 5cm Deep In Some Spots...

Daniel Johansson Report

#33

This Mirror I Saw At A Bar In Charleston

This Mirror I Saw At A Bar In Charleston

Kara Maureen Porell Report

#34

“Giant Corn Stool” - There’s A Joke In There Somewhere

“Giant Corn Stool” - There’s A Joke In There Somewhere

Sarah Jane Tabone Report

#35

These Ceiling Mics In The Choir Room At My School

These Ceiling Mics In The Choir Room At My School

You can’t reach them without a ladder and I don’t think they have ever been cleaned.
(I’m not good at descriptions but I tried)
Description: A small black ceiling microphone with a large cobweb wrapped around it.
26

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#36

Things Designed By People Who Don't Have To Clean Them And Bought By The People Who Don't Care About Cleaning Them

Things Designed By People Who Don't Have To Clean Them And Bought By The People Who Don't Care About Cleaning Them

Võ Quốc Bảo Report

#37

I Want This. But I Don't Want The Drama Associated With Cleaning It

I Want This. But I Don't Want The Drama Associated With Cleaning It

Shaniah Moth Pheonixx Report

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F. H.
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have a hand-made pottery cup with a little molded crocodile on the bottom. It's no problem to clean as long as you don't let it dry in. This mug here is much less complicated. I think you could just put it in the dishwasher.

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#38

I Thought This Would Fit Here

I Thought This Would Fit Here

Tary Timót Report

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Becky Samuel
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Copper ball bearings to clean the insides of glassware and decanters without scratching.

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#39

I Found One In The Wild!! About Eight Feet Long, Hanging From A Door Frame. Various Beautiful Sea Shells Tied To A Central Cord. The Angles, Textures, And How Tight They're Strung Together Would Never Allow A Duster Through Properly. The Central Cord Is Hemp So Can't Get It Wet! And The Small Crevasses Are Impossible To Reach, Especially In The Spiral And Hollow Shells. Beautiful Idea, But The Dust Magnet This Is Makes Me Want To Burn It With Fire

I Found One In The Wild!! About Eight Feet Long, Hanging From A Door Frame. Various Beautiful Sea Shells Tied To A Central Cord. The Angles, Textures, And How Tight They're Strung Together Would Never Allow A Duster Through Properly. The Central Cord Is Hemp So Can't Get It Wet! And The Small Crevasses Are Impossible To Reach, Especially In The Spiral And Hollow Shells. Beautiful Idea, But The Dust Magnet This Is Makes Me Want To Burn It With Fire

Kyle Timber Rose Report

#40

Artificial Grass In The Bathroom. I Wonder How Long Before It Ends Up In Yup, That's A Piss Corner Mushroom

Artificial Grass In The Bathroom. I Wonder How Long Before It Ends Up In Yup, That's A Piss Corner Mushroom

Joe Dunn Report

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Paul C.
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As an ex carpet fitter, I can't begin to tell you the number of times I've had to stick it to the side of bath panels. Not my choice, but you're paying.

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