21/04/2026
As the days stretch out and sunlight comes in, many of us feel the urge to throw open the windows and start spring cleaning.
I remember, as a child, my mum saying that it was time for spring cleaning and that it meant a thorough clean of the house. She was good at cleaning and tidying, but not overly strict about it and I loved that about her. I think I’ve carried on in her shoes and so I love the idea of spring cleaning - a home reset we might say nowadays.
But did you know that spring cleaning is a tradition with roots across cultures and centuries?
In ancient Persia, people practised khaneh‑tekani, meaning 'shaking the house,' just before Nowruz, the Persian New Year. Families scrubbed every corner to welcome renewal and good fortune.
In 19th‑century Europe and North America, there was a very practical purpose. Winter meant coal fires, closed windows, and layers of soot. When warmer weather arrived, households could finally air the rooms and wash away months of grime.
Spring cleaning is also central to Songkran, the Thai New Year celebrated each April. Families deep clean their homes and wash Buddha images with fragrant water to invite blessings for the year ahead. As the festival unfolds, the streets erupt into friendly water battles - people welcome the splash, and the spirit of renewal remains at its heart.
Everywhere, spring cleaning may be as much about the mind as the home. We see that decluttering can reduce stress, improve focus, and create a sense of control.
Across cultures and eras, spring cleaning has always been about more than dusting. It’s a moment to pause, refresh, and prepare for a new season with clarity and intention.
Why not share your spring reset with us at Good Life Sorted - what does 'starting afresh' look like for you this year?
