From the earliest days of your childhood, you’ve probably been taught that cleaning is essential in people’s lives. It aims to restore order in people’s houses, remove dirt and grime, and kill germs. But do you remember what products were popular back then and how they differ from the ones you use now?
Throughout history, housekeeping products have weaved an incredible narrative reflecting the rapidly transforming dynamics of our societies. The supplies we use to clean our living spaces have evolved significantly, mirroring changes in our cultures, technology, and lifestyles. But how did our ancestors tend to their dwellings, and what products did they use? Napa, CA, professionals who offer housekeeping services in the area will guide you through a fascinating history of cleaning today. Read on!
How did people clean before chemicals?
Imagine there are no modern gadgets and no store-bought agents. How would you clean your home? You’d probably resort to nature and try to find a reasonable solution there. Well, that is what our predecessors did. Let’s see what they used to spruce up their living spaces:
Water
Cleaning has always relied heavily on water. People rinsed, soaked, and scrubbed with water to remove dirt and stains. Water is indispensable in home maintenance today as well.
Sand and ash
If people had to face stubborn grime and stains, they relied on abrasive materials found in their surroundings, such as ash and sand. These helped remove dirt through mechanical action.
Rudimentary soap
The first civilizations didn’t only rely on what was readily available in nature. They also combined different ingredients to obtain the best possible solutions.
For instance, ancient Babylonians were the first to make soap by mixing ash and animal fat. Compared to the modern soap, it was rather primitive, but it’s a significant breakthrough in housekeeping history.
Vinegar
Babylonians take the credit for making the first vinegar, too. The legend says that they did it by accident. They stored some wine in containers and forgot about it. When they found it, it went sour. Their ancient scrolls indicate they applied vinegar for various purposes. It was a medicine, a powerful degreaser, and a preservative.
What is the history of housekeeping products?
The history of housekeeping products provides insight into the thought-provoking evolution of technology, societies, and shifting cultural attitudes toward cleanliness. Let’s look at the following short overview:
- Ancient civilizations (Babylonians, Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans) relied on natural substances (ash, sand, herbs, etc.). They even experimented and invented the first-ever-made soap. Babylonians were the pioneers in soap making, and they combined animal fat and ash. Egyptians used natron and mixed it with the oil to obtain their soap.
- During medieval times, cleanliness was usually connected with social status. Poor people mostly lived in very unhygienic conditions that led to numerous contagious disease outbreaks. The animal fat and ash mixture was still widely used. Finally, people also used fire to sterilize and remove contaminated items.
- Renaissance witnessed revolutionary changes in all spheres of human existence, including cleanliness. Scientific discoveries indicated a link between hygiene and illnesses, and the soap’s popularity boomed.
- The Industrial Revolution brought a significant change in most people’s lives: mass soap production commenced, and this product wasn’t a luxury anymore. Also, scientists invented the first synthetic cleaning solutions, such as washing soda, borax, ammonia, and bleach.
- Thanks to the continuation of scientific research and advancements, modern times see numerous cleaning products and approaches. The market abounds with products designed for different maintenance challenges, the cleaning terminology has become standardized, and tools are far from primitive. They’ve become automated, so people can now buy robotic mops and vacuum cleaners. Also, the accent has been placed on the preservation of nature and human health, so eco-friendly cleaning practices have come to the fore.
Where in Napa, CA, can I find reliable housekeeping services?
Meditating and cleaning don’t go together in your mind, do they? Do you struggle to find motivation to spruce up your home in Napa? Don’t stress yourself anymore. Valencia Pro Cleaning is coming to your rescue.
The professionals we cooperate with will do everything for you. They can make your kitchen and bathroom sparkle, restore order in your living room, and much more. Go hiking at Skyline Wilderness Park while qualified cleaners tackle your home from wall to wall. Call now!