Have you ever wondered why we spring clean our homes?

You may be surprised to learn that spring cleaning is much more than just a yearly chore. It’s a ritual with deep historical roots and cultural significance.

Thoroughly cleaning your home from top to bottom as spring transitions from the cold, dark winter months, is embraced by many cultures around the world and can symbolize renewal, health, and preparation for new beginnings.

Historically, the origins of spring cleaning can be traced back through several cultures and religions, each with its own interpretation and reasons. In Persia, the tradition of khooneh tekouni, which translates to ‘shaking the house,’ coincides with the Persian New Year on the first day of spring. This involves everything from washing carpets and curtains to decluttering. A symbolic gesture of leaving the past year’s troubles behind and starting afresh with a clean slate.

In the Jewish tradition, the process of thoroughly cleaning the home is linked to the holiday of Passover, which celebrates the Hebrews’ liberation from Egyptian slavery. It falls on the 14th day of the Hebrew month of Nisan (in late March or April) and lasts seven or eight days. To commemorate this event, homes are cleaned in great detail to remove any speck of chametz (leavened bread), which is forbidden to Jews during this time. There is a traditional hunt for chametz crumbs by candlelight the evening before the Passover holiday begins.

The Catholic church also has a tradition of cleaning the church alter and everything around it on Maundy Thursday, the day before Good Friday. Other Orthodox Christian faiths also set great store by a thorough spring clean.

In temperate climates, those with a cold season, the need for spring cleaning was practical, until modern heating systems were introduced. After a long winter with homes sealed tight against the cold and heated by coal, wood, and oil, the arrival of warmer spring weather presented an opportunity to open up the windows, let in fresh air, and clean out all the soot and grime which had accumulated over the colder months.

Today, spring cleaning continues to give us a sense of refreshing our homes in readiness for the warmer and longer days ahead. It creates an opportunity to declutter both physically and mentally, fostering a healthier living environment and making room for fresh opportunities and experiences.

While methods and motivations might have evolved, spring cleaning remains a timeless and popular tradition, reflecting our desire for renewal and growth as we welcome the promise of spring.

Spring cleaning may conjure up thoughts of a battle through clutter, dust-bunnies, and long-neglected drawers and cupboards.

While it’s true that the thought of tackling every corner of your home may not spur excitement, there’s something oddly satisfying and refreshing about embarking on this annual ritual. As the warmer, brighter days of spring arrive, a clean, organized space can reflect new beginnings in more ways than one.

Take the first step: The most important step in spring cleaning? Simply getting started. It may sound obvious, but the act of beginning is often the biggest hurdle. Once you’re in motion, you’ll notice tasks that need attention, which can otherwise be overwhelming, if you dwell on them beforehand.

Declutter first: Before you even think about donning your rubber gloves and filling a bucket with soapy water, decluttering should be your first step. Removing unwanted or unneeded items from your home can drastically simplify the cleaning process. Go through cupboards, drawers, and cabinets. If you haven’t used it in the past year, consider donating or discarding it. A clutter-free home is not only easier to clean, but also brings a sense of calm and order.

Prepare your tools and equipment: Nothing stalls cleaning momentum quite like having to stop and search for the right cleaning supplies. Before tackling any room, gather all the cleaning materials you’ll need. This might include multi-surface cleaners, dusters, your vacuum-cleaner, and a step-ladder for those hard-to-reach places. A bucket or basket can be handy for carrying supplies from room to room. Don't forget to clean the filters of your vacuum-cleaner if it has them - a dirty filter can give off a nasty pong - and undermine all your hard work.

Tackle each room methodically: The most efficient way to spring clean is to go room by room. This approach ensures that you’re focusing your efforts, and not getting side-tracked. Start at the top and work your way down. Dust light fittings, tops of cabinets or other high furniture first.

Gradually move down to furniture, skirting boards and, finally, the floors. This top-to-bottom method ensures you’re not knocking dust onto already cleaned surfaces. Don’t forget the walls, which you can wipe down quickly with a damp towel. You may be surprised just how much dust has gathered on those vertical surfaces. Windows are another important feature. Cleaning them will let more light in – so you can properly see all your newly-cleaned surfaces.

Enjoy the fruits of your labours: Spring cleaning is an opportunity to hit the reset button on the environment you live in. By decluttering, preparing your tools, and adopting a systematic approach, you can make this task not only manageable, but perhaps even enjoyable. It is certainly satisfying to see grimy rooms transformed into tidy, clean-smelling areas that you and your family can enjoy.

The local companies supporting this feature are all able to help you in one way or another to get the most out of your spring cleaning efforts to refresh and beautify your home.

Here’s to a cleaner, brighter home that’s ready to welcome all the beauty and opportunity that spring has to offer.