Perhaps this is fitting since many believe the ritual has roots in religious practices. In the Christian tradition, for instance, it’s no coincidence that spring cleaning takes place during Lent, the 40-day period of penitence and spiritual cleansing before Easter. Other faiths and cultures also maintain observances regarding the importance of purifying oneself and one’s home around the beginning of spring.  

Cleanliness in the Home and the Head 

No matter where the tradition of spring cleaning came from – and no matter how much we may dread the work it requires –  you can’t deny that it makes us feel better, especially once it’s over. A 2018 survey conducted by Clorox reported that 72% of adults say they sleep better in a clean house while 80% said they felt more relaxed after cleaning their abode.  

Yes, we know it doesn't take a detective to see that a major cleaning supply manufacturer like Clorox might have some bias in conducting such a survey, but there’s plenty more scientific evidence to support that not only does living in a clean space, obviously, improve our overall health but also that the practice of cleaning benefits our physical and mental health. Studies demonstrate positive health benefits connected to several “side effects” of large-scale cleaning projects like, for example, feeling a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment at having completed a multi-faceted task, having an improved ability to focus in an orderly, de-cluttered space, and getting physical exercise through the small, repeated movements cleaning requires. 

In an article published on Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist’s website entitled, “Can Spring Cleaning Make You Happier?” Steve Scoggin, Interim Chair of Psychiatry at Wake Forest Baptist Health said, “Those that are affected more by their external factors would be the type to gain happiness in the form of a clean and organized home. Getting rid of items that no longer add value to your life can serve as a symbol of control and release to many. Removing dust, dirt, and disorder from your environment provides you with a cleaner, more comfortable atmosphere so you can feel happier and more relaxed.” 

According to the American Psychiatric Association, approximately 5% of the United States’ adult population experiences SAD, or Seasonal Affective Disorder. This form of winter depression can last up to 40% of the year. For individuals experiencing SAD, as well as for anyone who feels that they’re ready to leave behind the lagging winter doldrums for friendlier warm-weather days, a thorough spring-cleaning session might provide a point of mental and emotional separation.  

Photo credit: Theodor Horydczak Collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division. Electric Institute of Washington, Woman Cleaning Oven, ca. 1920-ca. 1950.

Warmer, Brighter, Cleaner Days Ahead 

Now, if you’re ready to start cleaning but are still looking for a place to start, don’t worry! It’s most daunting right before you begin any large project. To set your course, behavioral scientist Dr. Alain Samson writes in an article for Psychology Today that you should – first and foremost – make a plan from the outset of any major endeavor. 

“Being clear about objectives and getting organized is the first step on the path to success,” Samson writes. 

Read on HERE for his other tips to get the job done. 

When it comes to cleaning tips specifically, however, there’s one source we trust above all others: Her Royal Highness of Hostesses and the Queen of Clean herself, Martha Stewart. 

In a recent article on MarthaStewart.com, editor Madeline Buiano provides a cleaning materials checklist, maps out room-by-room, attic-to-basement everyday but often neglected features that require special attention, and details floor-to-ceiling chores from scrubbing baseboards to cleaning upholstery to polishing hardware in each space. This PIECE approaches spring cleaning with Martha’s trademark attention to detail, and it’s a must-read for your preparation.  

Here are a few of our own cleaning suggestions: 

Just as you begin cleaning, open all the windows. Even if it's a little chilly, this lets out “stale” house air and draws in a fresh breeze that reduces the odor of chemical cleaners and helps to tame any aggravated allergens. It's particularly useful as you are vacuuming, dusting blinds, and wiping out the window sills.  

If you can get your mattress out of the bedroom, you can freshen it up by letting the sun take care of the funny smells that can accumulate over time. You can also mix 1 part water with 1 part white vinegar in a spray bottle and lightly mist the mattress and let it air dry (inside or in the sun) to alleviate odors. 

To freshen your carpet, first, thoroughly vacuum the carpet, then sprinkle baking soda on it, and let it set for 15 minutes or overnight for even more effectiveness. Finally, vacuum it again to get up the baking soda.  

Spring is a good time to wash your walls. Start by dusting to remove any debris on the paint. In a bucket, add warm water and just a few drops of liquid soap. Use a soft rag, so you don't damage your paint. 

In addition to advice, Mast General Store is an excellent resource to stock up for your family’s spring cleaning-palooza. At Mast Store Online, you’ll see categories for housewares and household cleaning supplies alike. 

A few of our favorite necessities are...  

Swedish Dishcloth and Kitchen Towel Sets by Abbott 
These ultra-absorbent, reusable towels produce glowing, streak-free results. Wash them until they’ve seen better days, then dispose of them without a second thought because their biodegradable composition is 100% earth-friendly. Even better, toss used ones in your compost bin, and they’ll decompose to nourish your spring garden! 

Seventh Generation Lemongrass Dish Soap 
A versatile, chemical-free cleaner, Seventh Generation Dish Soap can be used to clean more than what’s in your sink. This soap is Made in the USA and is free from dyes and synthetic fragrances. Use it as an all-natural alternative in your homemade cleaning solutions. 

Old Craftsmen’s Brand Lemon Oil with Bees Wax Furniture Polish 
So true to the shelves of the Mast Store that we use it to polish the very wood our shelves are made of! This classic Made in USA polish releases an exhilarating yet comforting lemon scent. With each use it builds a velvety beeswax coat on even the most aged wood for a refined finish. Take the advice of a Mast Store associate who recommends applying the polish with a wool sock, which applies just enough friction to buff thoroughly without scratching. 

As you set about this year’s spring cleaning, keep in mind that cleaning is less of a purge and more of a practice. Sure, you can scrap lots of old, unnecessary things as you go along. Culling out is sometimes helpful, after all. But, most of all, focus on taking small steps as you go room to room tidying, putting away, and organizing. Through the ritual of cleaning, we see drastic change is best achieved by steady, measured actions. Anything more merely stirs up dust.