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Scientists think we spring clean because humans produce more melatonin during the winter, which makes us sleepier. So we tend to want to get cosy and stay warm. In the spring we produce less melatonin and have much more energy. So, it may be a mixture of feeling more awake and with the sun shining, a natural response to rejuvenate our homes.
Studies have shown that a clean home makes us feel happier. But the traditional idea of spring cleaning has its roots in religious and cultural beliefs.
Prior to Passover, Jewish law says that the home must be chametz free. Chametz are foods that contain leavening agents, such as yeast. Jewish people must not own, eat or benefit from chametz during Passover. Even overlooked crumbs lurking in hard to get to places down the back of the sofa count.
Nowruz is another religious celebration where deep cleaning the home before-hand is very important. Nowruz is celebrated in the Middle East, Central Asia and all around the world. It falls on the first day of spring and is the first day of the Persian calendar. Before Nowruz can commence a cleaning ritual is performed. This is known as Khaneh-Tekani, which translates to “shaking house”. The entire house is deep cleaned. Especially, things that don’t usually get cleaned such as carpets and furniture.
In Guatemala on 7th December they celebrate Quema del Diablo. Which translates to “burning the devil”. Just like grime, pathogens and other nasties he lurks under the bed, in corners, deep down in carpets and furnishings and in clutter. To get the devil out of your house Guatemalans sweep their rubbish outside and set fire to it. Thus cleansing the home before the holy holidays arrive. Ok so not exactly in the spring, but this just shows the importance of cleaning the home, across the world. Now to China.
Chinese new year marks the end of winter. And there is a cleaning ritual that takes place before the first day of the new year. A thorough deep clean of the home rids it of any bad luck from the past year and makes space to fill the home with the good luck that will arrive during the new one. Rooms are swept from the entrance to the centre. All dirt and rubbish are taken out of the back door, because the front door is reserved for the good luck to come in.
Spring Cleaning Made Easy
At Knight & Doyle we do much more than you would expect from a professional carpet cleaner in Lichfield. If you really want to remove the chametz from your carpets and upholstery. Make room for good luck to enter or shame the devil with impeccable cleanliness we can help. We have the trained technicians and equipment for all your carpet, hard flooring and upholstery cleaning needs. Please contact us.
