Q. What is the history of spring cleaning?
A. Spring cleaning has been around since ancient times. Cleansing the home, particularly the kitchen, is part of the Jewish celebration of Passover involving removing any traces of leavened bread products. Many cultures have long celebrated this season with tidying up, including Catholics cleaning the church altar and their homes as part of Holy Week. It has traditionally been a time of renewal, when the home as well as the mind can be reduced of clutter and start again with a clean slate.
Cleaning in springtime also had very practical implications. When homes were lit with oil or heated with wood or coal, spring was an opportunity to remove soot from the home that had collected over the winter. And, given that spring often brings with it nicer weather, it continues to be a good time to leave windows open for dusting and airing out the indoors.
Today, spring cleaning is a widespread practice with 80% of American households taking part each year.
Motivated to spring clean? Get started with our tips and checklists.
Posted: March 12, 2026