The origins of spring cleaning date back to The Iranian New Year,
Nowruz, whose literally translation from Farsi as New Day, falls on the first
day of Spring. To this very day, Iranians continue the age-old practice of Khooneh Tekouni otherwise
known as shaking the house just
before the New Year.
However…they’re not the only ones that lay claim to the ancient
springtime tradition.
Some claim the custom of spring cleaning in fact can be traced
back to the Jewish festival of Passover…where Jews are not only forbidden to
eat leavened foodstuff during the festival (known as chametz), but likewise are
expressly commanded to rid their homes of chametz crumbs on the evening before
the holiday begins midway through the Spring season.
Scots and those of Scottish origin argue that the tradition in
fact lays its roots in Hogmanay’s customary New Year Clean.
Regardless of its origin, the custom quickly took root in Europe
and America, whose continental climates meant the timing of the spring clean
had immense practical value…being the first time since the winter that it was
warm enough for homeowners to open their windows to dust without letting in
insect, while high winds allowed the dust to be carried out at the same time…a
god send before the birth of vacuum cleaners!
A tradition that claims origin in 3 continents and numerous
cultures, spring cleaning therefore has an illustrious history that not many
would know about…even at Washforce we certainly can’t be said to be experts in
its true source! However, while our history may be a little rusty, the same
can’t be said for our cutting edge wash service, which use the latest technology
and equipment! From gutter clearance to window cleaning and pressure washing,
we’ll help you out the old and bring in the new spring with home exteriors that
shine!
