Why do We Clean in Spring?
Have you ever wondered why we are annually seized by a sudden urge to air out the house, banish dust, organize closets, clean out cabinets, scrub floors, wash windows and organize our garages, attics and basements? It turns out there are biological, social and psychological reasons for the spring cleaning ritual… and that’s a good thing.
Biological Reasons
During winter, days are shorter and melatonin production (the hormone that produces drowsiness and enables us to fall asleep) is increased, making us want to relax and sleep more. Our mood tends to be more subdued and energy levels are lower. Housekeeping habits may slip. We spend more time indoors. Added indoor activities, coupled with the fact that we tend to keep doors and windows closed result in soil and contaminant build-up.
Then, the first day of spring comes in late March. When it arrives most of us are ready for the renewed energy and freshness that spring brings. Days get progressively longer and nights are shorter. The additional daylight suppresses production of melatonin. The more daylight we are exposed to, the less melatonin we produce and the more alert, energetic and active we feel.
Emotional Reasons
Once the winter doldrums pass, we become more aware of the less-thanideal condition of our surroundings. The energy and optimism of spring prompts us to improve our environment. It’s easier to be enthusiastic about cleaning and organizing in the springtime. You feel a sense of accomplishment upon completing a task. Your self-esteem increases. Endorphins are released into your body, increasing your sense of wellbeing.
In addition, you feel pride of ownership when your home is clean and organized, further improving your mood. Few things make you feel more positive than living in a home that is clean, fresh and neatly organized.
Historical Reasons
The history of early America also provides a basis for the spring cleaning custom. In the winter, fireplaces, oil lamps and wood stoves created a fine layer of oily soot, ashes and dust on floors, walls, ceilings, rugs and windows. As temperatures increased and days got longer, use of these heat and light sources decreased.
Spring was the perfect time to fling open windows and doors and clean everything. Rugs were beaten and aired out. Walls, ceilings and floors were swept and scrubbed. It’s a tradition.
Logical Reasons
Spring has always been a time of change. Americans tend to have two distinct wardrobes: one for warm weather and one for cool weather. Since closet space is limited, we often clean and organize closets this time of year.
The type of work and play activities change, so we put away winter toys and tools and get out the ones for warmer weather. Now we need to clean out and organize our garages, basements and attics. An organized home is more efficient, resulting in less wasted time and frustration.
Health Reasons
A clean home is a healthy home. Cleaning is the process of removing soils and contaminants from an environment or material. This results in better indoor air quality, a reduction of microbial growth and the added benefit that your carpet and other furnishings will last longer.
All of these biological, psychological and social reasons mean that we are basically hard-wired for spring cleaning. However, it is easy to become overwhelmed with all of the things you want to clean and organize. Don’t try to do it all by yourself. Call Hansen Steam Way to help you with the big jobs. Hansen Steam Way is the smart choice to clean your carpets, upholstery and more. You’ll spend less time feeling the joy of cleaning and more time enjoying the feeling of clean.