While discussing spring cleaning with a colleague who works out of Texas, I was surprised when she said it isn’t as much of a “thing” Down South. I had always thought spring cleaning was a “thing” everywhere. But when I considered it, her reasoning Dawned on me. Without the long, harsh winters that keep people cooped up inside, there might be less of a need for a big seasonal refresh.
Her comment made me wonder where the tradition began and if it’s really a “thing” around the world. Curious to find out more, I did some research. The internet confirmed my suspicions—I think my coworker might have just been trying to get out of cleaning!
According to cleaninginstitute.org, 80% of American households participate in some form of annual spring cleaning, which is defined as a thorough, top-to-bottom cleaning of the home, tackling areas often overlooked in daily tidying. 78% of those who take on the quest during this Windex of opportunity spend an average of six days on the task.
Cleaner-uppers who resolve (with a capital R) to take part in the cleanse, report that kitchens, bedrooms, and bathrooms are the top priorities, while windows, floors, and toilets rank as the dirtiest areas to Finish.
The tradition of spring cleaning has deep cultural and religious roots. One of the earliest references comes from the Jewish observance of Passover, when homes are meticulously cleared of all leavened bread.
Catholics also embrace spring cleaning by preparing church altars ahead of Good Friday. In China, a thorough cleaning before the Lunar New Year is believed to sweep away bad luck and welcome prosperity.
This is just a glimpse into the many cultural traditions linked to the origins of spring cleaning. (Trust me, I went down a dust bunny rabbit hole!)
These days there is an official “National Cleaning Week” that kicks off the fourth week of March to get us to do a bit more than just Tide-y up. This year’s theme is “Cleaning for Health.”
It’s a fitting theme. Cleaning isn’t just about appearances—it has real health benefits. Removing dust and allergens that build up over winter can improve air quality, helping you to breathe easier and Febreze the day with a fresh start.
Decluttering brings a sense of order and control, offering a therapeutic effect. Plus, a cleaner space can boost focus by eliminating distractions and even help households run more smoothly on an Oxi-Clean slate.
If you need help getting organized, internet resources can offer you a Lysol-ution to messes. You’ll find plenty of Bounty-ful spring-cleaning checklists online, many created by cleaning product companies eager to boost sales this time of year. Most lists break tasks down by room, covering everything from clearing cobwebs in ceiling corners to dusting baseboards.
I’m definitely a list-checker-offer, so checklists keep me motivated. I’ll admit, I might get a little carried away with adding extra tasks just to cross more off. Like, I might add “find the duster” to my dusting list. If I already know where it is, it’s an easy win!
Of course, it’s all about those small victories. Plus, checking off each task gives me a sense of progress and helps to Gain momentum. By the time I get to the big stuff— like scrubbing the floors or cleaning out the fridge—hopefully I’m already feeling accomplished and ready to tackle it all.
Sometimes the cleaning process feels like it’s making a bigger mess before it gets better. When I start pulling everything out to reorganize or deep clean, it feels like the clutter multiplies. The living room floor ends up covered in piles of stuff I’m sorting through, and suddenly I’m surrounded by chaos.
It’s a crazy cleaning paradox that makes me want to Shout! But I try to remind myself that it’s just part of the process—things always look messier before they look cleaner. My eyes have to stay on the prize that I Pine-Sol for, a refreshed home ready to take on the season.
However you Pledge to “celebrate” the spring cleaning thing, I hope you embrace the chance to sweep out the bad luck and make way for prosperity this Spring!
