Spring-cleaning” seems a quaint, outdated idea now, something that only 1940’s housewives would have considered — hauling rugs outside to beat on the line, expertly flipping mattresses and squeaking windows clean with vinegar and old newspapers. And although a few cultural traditions encourage a domestic freshening around the March equinox, historically, an annual deep clean was a matter of sheer practicality.
Homes that were sealed up all winter and heated by wood or coal naturally acquired a thick layer of grime that blackened interior walls and needed to be laboriously scoured off. This usually
ended up happening in the spring because
the change in light made the dirt more noticeable and windows could be opened.
Just thinking about all this makes me want to lie down, but when we consider that these poor women still had to make bread every day (by hand, in house), and deal with multitudes of hungry, unruly children at the same time (by hand, in house) it’s not surprising that carpet beating was so popular.
Nowadays, it’s true that not everyone will feel an urge to pull out the lemony-fresh cleansers as the days grow warmer and the air smells sweet with new earth and rain; however, perhaps in other, more subtle ways, this green and hopeful time of year may still have an influence on us.
Just as the grime from those sooty fires gradually revealed itself in the spring to our not-so-distant ancestors, so too, can the wall colour in our own homes suddenly look tired, maybe a bit dated. A casual trip to the paint store will provide a mesmerizing array of colours, all on an upright, litmus-test-style display. Choosing wisely is a huge responsibility and not for those with decision fatigue.
Perhaps the best and simplest way to welcome spring is by snapping open a folding chair and sitting outside amongst the first weak rays of sunshine with a glass or cup of something cheering.
I once knew a co-worker who re-decorated her house frequently and insisted that her colleagues come along for the ride. Should she choose Almond, Bone, Biscuit — or maybe French Vanilla? She spoke knowledgably — and at length — of taupe and greenish undertones and the effect of slanting morning light on pink. There were fabric swatches too, passed around on a circular metal ring.
(And I can personally testify that this is an excellent way to make one’s coffee break seem much, MUCH longer …)
Of course, it’s a closely guarded secret that there is no such thing as ONE decorating project, no matter what you earnestly promise yourself, your budget or your significant other.
The Decorating-Domino Effect is real and should be anticipated: once the paint colours have been chosen there will be window treatments to consider, possibly new flooring and when you pass through the (now shabby-looking) kitchen, you may hear whispers about cosmetic procedures there too, nothing too drastic of course …
A number of years ago, I arranged for the hallway in our older home to be “freshened up” with a new coat of paint. When I returned home, the painters were somewhat distraught as the ceiling was visibly see-sawing as they moved their rollers back and forth. Closer examination showed that it was only being held in place by strands of the horsehair plaster beneath. Something would have to be done, but the painters were reassuring since they “knew a guy” who could help. I readily agreed. What I did not understand was that by 5 pm the entire length of the hallway would be reduced to rubble and the original ceiling would be around my ankles. The-Guy-Who-Could-Help was certainly efficient, but to me it looked like he had reached for a grenade instead of a crowbar. To be fair, the end result was magnificent — once they were actually able to start painting, I mean.
Spring may also allow us to shake free of procrastination’s grip and tackle long neglected projects that can be quickly completed. Small changes to organize a bathroom can prove very helpful, such as filling glass jars with cleansing pads or corralling cotton swabs to one specific area.
It’s easy to get carried away with all this labelling and decanting though and suddenly the bathroom counter has acquired a kind of MASH unit vibe, which might not be the feel you were going for.
Perhaps the best and simplest way to welcome spring is by snapping open a folding chair and sitting outside amongst the first weak rays of sunshine with a glass or cup of something cheering. I personally do this every year. Wear a sweater, if necessary!
(Tip: If you watch a YouTube highlighting the best way to clean [anything] at the same time, I’m pretty sure this counts as research.)
