It is customary among many cultures to end the year by giving the house a thorough cleaning; sweeping out the bad luck from the past year making way for a fresh start.
However, in the past the cleaning was probably more symbolic than real.
People were more confined during the winter months and unable to disinfect their clothes and home furnishings by airing them outdoors.
For many months the smoke from a coal or wood burning stove polluted the air and bacteria flourished.
But after winter came spring, a time of renewal and new energy.
People shook off the lethargy caused by short daylight hours and removed the layers of clothes used to bundle up against the cold.
Springtime and warmer weather provided the best time for a thorough house cleaning.
In these days modern conveniences abound and there is no need to wait for a specific month or time of year to clean house.
One can choose to clean anytime, day or night.
Wash clothes regularly even if you don't have a washer and dryer in your home.
There are probably several laundromats in the neighborhood.
If you don't have an vacuüm cleaner there are any number of sweepers or brooms and dusters available.
For major house cleaning it's easy to organize your chores if you have a checklist.
Use this suggested plan to proceed.
Look around the room for items to re-locate.
Consider donating anything that you can no longer use.
Recycle whatever you can.
Toss broken fixtures and junk mail.
Consider adding a tray on a hall table to place loose change, keys or mail to sort, if you don't have a designated spot.
If the curtains need changing because of the new season check the fabric.
If the material is not machine washable then take them to the dry cleaners.
Dusty window blinds need cleaning and the floors polished.
Gather the cleaning supplies you will use.
Dust the shelves after removing all the books and collectables, and wipe off each item before putting it back.
Use furniture spray or glass spray as needed.
Have plenty of clean rags or wipes to use for these chores.
Sweep the floors and decide whether you'll be washing the floor or using floor polish to clean, buff and shine.
Shake the grit and dust off area rugs before vacuuming, and use carpet cleaner to remove stains and freshen carpeted areas.
Finally, apply the finishing touches to a room that add color, fresh smells and visual appeal.
Spring is always around the corner.
However, in the past the cleaning was probably more symbolic than real.
People were more confined during the winter months and unable to disinfect their clothes and home furnishings by airing them outdoors.
For many months the smoke from a coal or wood burning stove polluted the air and bacteria flourished.
But after winter came spring, a time of renewal and new energy.
People shook off the lethargy caused by short daylight hours and removed the layers of clothes used to bundle up against the cold.
Springtime and warmer weather provided the best time for a thorough house cleaning.
In these days modern conveniences abound and there is no need to wait for a specific month or time of year to clean house.
One can choose to clean anytime, day or night.
Wash clothes regularly even if you don't have a washer and dryer in your home.
There are probably several laundromats in the neighborhood.
If you don't have an vacuüm cleaner there are any number of sweepers or brooms and dusters available.
For major house cleaning it's easy to organize your chores if you have a checklist.
Use this suggested plan to proceed.
Look around the room for items to re-locate.
Consider donating anything that you can no longer use.
Recycle whatever you can.
Toss broken fixtures and junk mail.
Consider adding a tray on a hall table to place loose change, keys or mail to sort, if you don't have a designated spot.
If the curtains need changing because of the new season check the fabric.
If the material is not machine washable then take them to the dry cleaners.
Dusty window blinds need cleaning and the floors polished.
Gather the cleaning supplies you will use.
Dust the shelves after removing all the books and collectables, and wipe off each item before putting it back.
Use furniture spray or glass spray as needed.
Have plenty of clean rags or wipes to use for these chores.
Sweep the floors and decide whether you'll be washing the floor or using floor polish to clean, buff and shine.
Shake the grit and dust off area rugs before vacuuming, and use carpet cleaner to remove stains and freshen carpeted areas.
Finally, apply the finishing touches to a room that add color, fresh smells and visual appeal.
Spring is always around the corner.
Source...