For many Cubans, there's no cleaning quite like splashing buckets of water onto the floor—a widespread practice on the island that many have carried with them upon emigrating. This is precisely the case for a Cuban woman living in Palm Beach, Florida, who has gone viral on TikTok for passionately defending her distinctive cleaning style. "If you don't clean this way, you don't know how to clean," declares the woman, known as @aniadys_aaa, in her video where she outlines her routine. "You have to throw buckets of water, and hose down the furniture," she stresses.
With evident pride, she emphasizes that the cost of the water is her responsibility: “Yes, water is wasted, but I pay for it.” Her cleaning ritual involves dousing "water on the door, the moldings, the cushions, and everything," warning that those who don't adhere to these practices might be living in a "huge mess." The Palm Beach resident doesn't stop at visible surfaces; she also ensures that areas like the driveway and laundry room are spotless, as she explains, "they get dirty."
"If you don't feel like sitting down for a coffee after cleaning, then you didn't clean properly," she concludes, showcasing her pristine patio. The video has sparked numerous reactions from users, who have offered a range of comments: "I live in the USA and my house would fall apart if I poured that much water," one remarked. Another user joked, "If you live in a house, fine, but in an apartment, you can't do that; the first and last time I did it, my downstairs neighbor almost bit me, haha." Some resonated with her approach, saying, "I needed this video. My therapist was about to diagnose me with OCD—no, ma'am, I'm Cuban, and that's how I was raised."
Others expressed nostalgia, stating, "How I miss cleaning like that; it's impossible in these apartments." Meanwhile, some highlighted the challenges of maintaining this practice in the United States: "It's no secret that in the USA, you can't throw water in just any type of house; even the dog knows that" or "It's not about the cost of water, it's about conservation."