The origins of spring cleaning are not entirely clear, but it is believed to have originated in several ancient cultures. This includes the Persian New Year’s tradition of “shaking the house,” the Jewish tradition of Passover cleaning, and the Chinese tradition of sweeping away bad luck and welcoming good luck for the new year.
In the West, the tradition may have originated during the time when homes were heated with coal or wood, which left a layer of soot and ash on furniture and floors during the winter months. With the arrival of spring, people would open their windows and doors to let in fresh air and sunshine and take the opportunity to thoroughly clean their homes.
The practice of spring cleaning became more popular in the 19th century when the advent of industrialization led to higher standards of cleanliness and sanitation. With the development of new cleaning products and technologies, people were able to more easily and effectively clean their homes, leading to the tradition of spring cleaning as we know it today.
According to a survey by the American Cleaning Institute, 77% of Americans engage in spring cleaning, with the top three areas of focus being bedrooms, bathrooms, and kitchens. The most commonly used cleaning tools are sponges, cleaning cloths, and mops, while the top five cleaning products used are all-purpose cleaner, glass cleaner, disinfectant spray, furniture polish, and toilet bowl cleaner.
In conclusion, spring cleaning is a time-honored tradition that has evolved over time. The growing demand for cleaning products and tools has made it easier than ever to deep clean and organize one’s home. Whether you’re tackling your entire home or just focusing on a few key areas, the benefits of spring cleaning are clear: a clean, organized home can improve your mental and physical well-being and help you feel more productive and focused in other areas of your life.