Spring Cleaning 101: History, Psychology, and Tips
When you see the frantic wiping of countertops and hear the sounds of aggressive vacuuming, that’s when you know it’s time for every parent’s most beloved tradition: spring cleaning.
As the rain becomes sparse and the sunshine becomes frequent, it seems like everyone instantly goes into cleaning mode. However, spring cleaning is actually a hallmark in multiple cultural and faith traditions. The Hebrew Bible, known as the Torah, requests that there is “not a crumb of leaven” in the house during the holiday of Passover, which occurs during spring. Therefore, many people thoroughly clean their homes in preparation for Passover. Songkran, also known as Thai New Year, is a Buddhist custom celebrated in April. Songkran rituals are centered around purification, whether that be pouring water on one another or tidying homes and local temples. Additionally, Khāne-takānī, an Iranian spring practice of cleaning, originates from the Zoroastrianism belief that cleanliness repels ill fortune and evil.
There is a psychology behind the exercise of spring cleaning. An untidy home has been found to produce extra cortisol, the stress hormone. On the other hand, organizing an overwhelming environment can decrease stress and increase productivity. It also teaches a valuable lesson about material goods. Clutter is often formed through hoarding, and donating or selling items we don’t need would not just open space for us, but also give our items a new life with someone who truly needs them. Spring cleaning is a win for all!
However, cleaning probably doesn’t sound like the most thrilling springtime activity — but it can be! Here are a few tips that make spring cleaning seamless, efficient, and fun:
Turn on some music, play a podcast, or call a friend whilst you clean. Suddenly, menial tasks like scrubbing and mopping will become much more enjoyable.
Devise a plan of attack. Break your area down into sections, and assign specific time slots for cleaning each section. This structure turns cleaning into many smaller goals, rather than one big goal. It takes the pressure and intimidation out of what can seem like a strenuous procedure, as well as instilling you with a sense of accomplishment after you finish each section.
Follow a systematic pattern. Clean a space from top to bottom, instead of bottom to top. Otherwise, dust and dirt from the top could fall to the bottom that you just cleaned. Choose whether to clean from left to right or from right to left. Consistently following a methodical arrangement speeds up the process through fewer distractions.
Now that you know spring cleaning’s history, psychological benefits, and tips and tricks, the sense of dread that comes with a family member asking you to dust might fade away. Enjoy your spring cleaning!
