Here in New Jersey it’s spring.

The trees and blooms are springing forward from their winter hibernation. Once the weather starts to warm up and things start to bloom - we all seem to turn our attention to the yearly act of Spring Cleaning. Giving our homes a deep cleaning from top to bottom by Dusting, Washing and Wiping down every surface and decluttering.

I thought it’d be fun to look at where this custom stems from.

The history of spring cleaning

What is spring cleaning?

Spring cleaning is the annual tradition of deep cleaning your home from top to bottom. This includes areas you do not clean on a regular basis, such as cleaning beneath carpets, furniture, the tops of bookshelves, removing draperies and having them cleaned. This might also include washing and swapping out heavier bed linens and coverlets for lighter versions for the warmer weather. This time of year is also when people switch out their heavy winter wardrobe for lighter clothing.

Where does it come from?

During the 1800s, people would clean each room to rid their homes of dust and soot that had built up during winter. A thorough cleaning meant opening windows and letting in fresh air, something that could happen only in the warmer months.

This ritual has roots in a number of religions and cultures:

The Iranian festival of Nowruz, also known as Persian New Year, happens on the first day of spring. It’s celebrated by “khooneh tekouni” or “shaking the house” when people spend time cleaning their homes.
In Jewish custom, people clean their homes in preparation for Passover, which happens in springtime. It began as a way of removing any yeast bread or chametz crumbs from the home.
The Catholic Church cleans the altar after Holy Thursday mass prior to the Easter Vigil.
The Greek Orthodox Church spring clean on the first day of Lent, known as Clean Monday.

Is spring cleaning in our human nature?

Spring cleaning has a lot to do with human biology. During the winter months in the Northern Hemisphere your brain produces less melatonin because of lack of sunlight and more darkness. We simply may not have the energy to clean. When the days grow longer and the weather warms up - we feel energized to tackle this job.

Why should you do it?

There are several advantages to deep cleaning - not just aesthetically, it can also provide health benefits.

Supports your immune system – indoor pollution - spring cleaning gets rid of allergy triggers, such as dust, mold, germs and pet danger.
Increases your productivity – when we feel good about our surroundings, we are more productive. Cleaning and decluttering can lead to greater work output.
Reduces your stress levels – for many cleaning is a happy task. The sense of a refreshed environment brings a sense of accomplishment. Taking action to remove excess items from your home can provide not only joy but enables calm.

“To spring clean means to clean up dirt from your ceiling all the way to your floor.”

CHECK LIST:

Rooms: Dust rag, swiffer, cleaning polish, vinegar, vacuum.
Kitchen: vinegar, baking soda, bar keepers friend, stainless steel polish, granite polish and rubbing alcohol.

Bath: vinegar, baking soda, bar keepers friend, seventh generation spray.

Air-pods or speaker with music, podcast or audio book to Enjoy! If it’s a nice day open the windows.

Rooms

Clean shelves by removing all items/books dusting each and shelf.
Clean framed artwork/photos - removing from wall if possible. Spray solution on cleaning cloth not directly onto glass.
Dust air vents.
Remove draperies/curtains. Shake out/air outside or clean professionally.
Clean window sills and baseboards.
Wash windows.
Dust ceiling light fixtures, lamps and lampshades. Carefully vacuum lampshades monthly with hand-held attachment. A lint brush can also be used.
Move furniture to vacuum carpets. Use attachments to vacuum under beds. Shake out Area Rugs - preferably outside.
Clean floors with vacuum hand-held attachment. For tile I recommend vinegar. for hardwood floors I use liquid sparingly. Since we are shoe free our floors are not that dirty, so I use a damp with water towel on my hands and knees.
Organize your pantry reevaluate food items.
Air out pillows.
Swap-out heavy winter bedding. Wash or clean professionally and store. Remove mattress pad and launder, flip mattress if applicable.
Kitchen
Clean the kitchen from the top starting with light fixtures.
Clean cabinets tops or open ledge areas.
Dust air vents.
Remove draperies/curtains. Shake out/air outside or clean professionally.
Clean window sills and baseboards.
Wash windows.
Wipe down cabinets.
Wash small counter or stove items: Fruit Bowls, Teapots.
Polish appliances, faucet and sink.
Clean floors with vacuum hand-held attachment. For tile I recommend vinegar. for hardwood floors I use liquid sparingly. Since we are shoe free our floors are not that dirty, so I use a damp with water towel on my hands and knees - of course if this is your kitchen floor you may have spills you need to address. i caution the use of spray-jet cleaners or steamers. You can harm them with too much liquid.
Remove everything from the refrigerator and clean interior.
Organize pantry reevaluate food items.
Clean under the kitchen sink.
Clean and sanitize garbage and recycling receptacles.
Bath
Clean the Bath from the top starting with light fixtures.
Dust air vents.
Remove draperies/curtains. Shake out/air outside or clean professionally.
Clean window sills and baseboards.
Wash windows.
Wipe down the shower walls.
Wash shower curtain. Wipe curtain rod. replace shower liner if needed.
Wipe down cabinet.
Polish faucet and sink.
Clean floors with vacuum hand-held attachment. For tile I recommend vinegar.
Clean and sanitize garbage can.
Clean toothbrush holder.
Wipe down soap dispenser
Wipe down towel bars.
After you have cleaned every room
Organize linen closet reevaluate items - especially towels.
Remove clutter to a central location. Create a donate pile. Get family involved - spring cleaning/decluttering is not a solo endeavor. Put items on Facebook - a few options: local Curb Alert/Buy Nothing Page, Freecycle or local Selling page. Take to Consignment, Goodwill or Swap.
Clean your vacuum and filter. Change bag if there is one.
Replace batteries in smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors.
Replace fire extinguishers if needed.
Update first aid kits.
Seasonal Clothing
If you swap out clothing seasonally tackle this next. Pull winter wardrobe from closets/cupboards/dressers. review what should be washed or professionally cleaned before it is stored. Moths attack dirty items. Also review all clothing and donate what you will not use. If you never wore last winter chances are you will not next year.
As you place your lighter wardrobe in it’s home for the season straighten and organize. Use upright folding methods (makes it a breeze to find a particular shirt) same style of hangers, add bins in closets for ease of locating items such as: bathing suits, cover-ups, pj’s, small purses/wallets. my son uses a large tote bag hanging on a hook inside his closet for bathing suits and rash shirts.

Before the Industrial Revolution some of the most common cleaners used were lime juice, tea leaves, vinegar, salt and even Gin was mentioned in an 1850 cleaning manual as a solution for polishing mirrors. Here is a look at what I use to clean the Chalet.