When you think about home cleaning, you’d hardly think it has changed much over the years. Homeowners and Napa, CA, residential home cleaning professionals have always done it the same way, but is that really the case?
It turns out that there’s a fascinating history behind cleaning, and you’re about to find out all about it. Read on to learn more!
What is the history of cleaning?
How many times have you wanted to postpone cleaning and sanitizing your garage and dealing with a dusty attic? The lack of motivation associated with housework hasn’t changed since ancient times. People were also reluctant to do chores, but many other things have changed.
Here’s a quick overview of the history of cleaning to help you understand what we do differently nowadays:
Invention of cleaning
Cleaning goes back to around 2800 BC in ancient Babylon. Scientists discovered that this civilization started making soap in this period, as they found soap-like materials and cylinders. It’s widely accepted that they used these materials for cleaning.
Beginning of spring cleaning
Many historians believe spring cleaning originated in Ancient Persia. However, people back then used a different term – shaking the house. They believed removing clutter from their homes and sweeping up dust would prevent misfortune in the upcoming period.
It’s interesting that spring cleaning came from a region that doesn’t even have spring as one of the seasons.
Cleaning in Ancient Greece
Like many other ancient civilizations, ancient Greeks cleaned their properties. However, the wealthy didn’t do housework on their own. Instead, they had slaves who were responsible for dusting and sweeping.
Unlike today’s homeowners, they didn’t use many cleaning supplies. They mainly relied on water to remove stains from common surfaces. They also addressed murals and statues that had to remain in mint condition. These required a bit more elbow grease than tables and chairs.
Large-scale soap production
Large-scale soap production started in the 19th century. But before this, Nicholas Leblanc set the stage for the process when he patented a procedure for manufacturing soda ash from salt. Soda ash was derived from ashes, and people combined it with fat to create soap.
Although Leblanc was French, his work helped make America one of the most well-developed industries by the middle of the 19th century.
Invention of the vacuum cleaner
The rudimentary vacuum cleaner was invented in 1901 by Hubert Cecil Booth. In the next 5-6 years, the machine underwent major changes:
- 1905 – Walter Griffiths invented the first vacuum cleaner that could be carried around. It had a flexible pipe to suck up dust.
- 1906 – Jim Kirby invented the Domestic Cyclone. It was another version of a portable vacuum that used water instead of filters to separate dirt.
- 1907 – James Spangler invented the first vacuum cleaner with a motor.
First liquid-bleach facility
In 1913, California businessmen invested $500 to fund the first liquid-bleach factory in the USA, using brine from salt ponds. The primary ingredient was sodium hypochlorite, and the product was dubbed Clorox.
The company took off when the founders started giving away free samples to promote customer loyalty. It also revolutionized the process of cleaning, as it allowed people to not just clean, but also disinfect their houses.
Modern breakthroughs
Cleaning has come a long way since its humble beginnings. You can now find cutting-edge vacuum cleaners and robots that do most of the work for you. These can shorten the duration of housework to just a few minutes, which was unimaginable back in the day.
Looking to revamp your home? Reach out to pre-eminent Napa, CA, residential home cleaning services!
Although it’s possible, it’s hard to have fun while cleaning your house. A relaxing trip to the Napa Valley AVA sounds much better, so why not enjoy your adventure in peace? Let someone else take care of the job, and Valencia Pro Cleaning is here to ensure this.
Get in touch with us, and we’ll dispatch highly committed professionals who’ll work their magic in your abode. They’ll scrub your place thoroughly, so you don’t have to waste time and energy.
Reach out to us today! You’ll receive unparalleled services.