Beech Tree News Network

Is cleaning the same throughout the year? I think my winter cleaning is generally more superficial than the cleaning during other seasons. I get the weekly cleanings done, but I do very little deep cleaning during the first months of the year. I just don’t want to do more.

Thinking about this, I searched for information about cleaning on the Internet. I found a Country Living article (“How Spring Cleaning Became an Annual Tradition,” Maria Carter, April 28, 2016) that suggested human nature may affect our cleaning habits. The author explained that winter makes humans sleepier and more sluggish. During winter, the fewer hours of daylight trigger the release of melatonin (a hormone causing sleepiness) in our brains. We don't have as much energy to deep clean during colder months. However, when the days begin to get longer, we are energized by more sunlight, and melatonin production subsides. Also, the sunlight streaming through the windows may make the dust in our houses a little more visible. Carter’s explanation makes sense.

While I was reading information about cleaning, I also came across some tips in a Better Homes & Gardens article (“Should You Clean, Disinfect, or Toss These Household Items?” Alyssa Shaffer, December 6, 2024). One cleaning suggestion was to run a cycle of vinegar and water through coffee makers weekly.  A disinfection tip was to give the refrigerator handles a spritz of disinfectant daily and twice a day during cold and flu season. Interestingly, a toilet bowl brush should be disinfected after every use and replaced every six to eight months. Brushes with nylon bristles should be replaced more often than those with silicone bristles. Shaffer’s suggestions are logical and included some things I don’t often consider.

Finally, I came across some cleaning quotes and chose just a few to share:

-Clutter is nothing more than postponed decisions. – Barbara Hemphill

-You can’t get much done in life if you only work on days when you feel good. – Jerry West

-Outer order contributes to inner calm. – Gretchen Ruben

-You don’t get anything clean without getting something else dirty. – Cecil Baxter

Recently, a friend said she “straightened house” during the winter months – a good descriptive phrase. I also can relate to the saying, “Happiness is a freshly cleaned house.” Cleaning is definitely an ongoing activity – I’m just slower during the winter months.