When the history of cleaning became the topic of conversation, the first thing that crossed my mind was the poignant scene in Jerusalem some 3,000 years ago. Looking like a Rembrandt nude, a beautiful young woman named Bathsheba bathed on the roof at dusk.
Although the English word ‘bath’ did not originate from her name, Bath – from the German word ‘Baden’ meaning ‘warm’ – is associated with cleaning.
Before we delve into the history of cleaning, here are some interesting trivia:
- Did you know that in the 1500s, people used stale human urine as a cleaning agent for laundry?
- Did you know that in 1912, Lysol came to America from Germany?
The advertisement helped stop the Spanish Influenza epidemic. It also promoted birth control and a feminine hygiene product.
- Did you know that freshly cut grass swept carpets?
- Did you know that soap got its name from the Roman legend about Mount Sapo?
Rain coming down the mountain would mix with animal fats and ashes, resulting in a clay mixture used for cleaning.
- Did you know that ‘soap operas’ originated from Proctor and Gamble?
In 1933, P&G designed a brilliant marketing strategy by sponsoring a radio drama advertising Oxydol soap powder.
Did you wonder how our ancestors cleaned themselves?
- They cleaned themselves by washing with water. A vast majority of European caves are short distances from natural springs.
- These people wiped themselves down with oils and fats.
- They neither had issues with bad breath nor oral decay. In addition, the absence of sugar in the diet made their teeth healthier than us.
How did the history of cleaning evolve?
Based on online research, here is the evolution of cleaning.
Ancient history
Ancient Babylonians knew the art of making soap. Archeologists have discovered soap-like materials in clay cylinders from this time. Also, ‘fats boiled with ashes’ was understood to be the method of making soap.
During the time of Moses, he gave the Israelites laws regarding personal hygiene. Cleanliness is related to health and religious purification.
The ancient Egyptians combined animal and vegetable oils with alkaline salts to form a soap-like material used for washing.
The ancient Greeks cleaned their bodies with blocks of clay, sand, pumice, and ashes. They also used oil with ashes and scraped off oil and dirt with a metal instrument known as a strigil.
The history of public baths began in Greece in the 6th century BC.
At this time, men and women washed in basins. The ancient Greeks also used chamber pots until around the 18th century.
Romans bathed regularly. They used soap to keep clean.
Wealthy Romans used wool and rosewater in their toilet habits. Then about 100 years later, the more common Romans used a sponge soaked in saltwater.
After the Fall of Rome in 467 AD, bathing habits declined in Europe. As a result, the Middle Ages witnessed widespread unsanitary practices that led to various illnesses, including Black Death.
Italy, Spain, and France began to manufacture soap. They had a ready supply of sourcing like oil from olive trees.
American colonies began making commercial soap for household cleaning purposes.
Modern history
Cleanliness and bathing started to come back in most of Europe, especially in wealthier areas. In 1791, French chemist Nicholas Leblanc invented soda ash from salt. He combined soda ash with fat to form soap.
The discovery by French chemist Nicholas Leblanc paved the way for large-scale soap-making to be one of America’s fastest-growing industries by 1850.
There was a shortage of animal and vegetable fats and oils used in making soap. Thus, German scientists made other raw materials ‘synthesized’ into chemicals with similar properties. It then resulted in what is now known as detergents. Soaps are detergents.
America’s first commercial liquid- bleach factory used brine extracted from salt ponds. That is, with sodium hypochlorite as its main ingredient, the result was Clorox.
Dr. Otto Rhom, a German chemist, invented laundry detergent.
Stain removers and laundry powders with enzymes
Liquid hand soaps and fabric conditioners
Dishwashing liquid and concentrated laundry powder
Concentrated powder, liquid fabric softener, dishwashing gels, and cleaning product refills
There was product development in the form of different laundry packets.
What will the future bring for cleaning?
Will there be a new invention to halt the deadly covid-19 virus from mutating? How about inventing eyewear that could ‘see’ the virus or a chemical that could instantly kill the virus on air? It largely depends on the next generation of scientists and budding entrepreneurs. With advanced technology, nothing is impossible.
Using top-notch cleaning materials and state-of-the-art cleaning equipment, Prestige Property Services is your best choice for Los Angeles and Orange County commercial cleaning services.
Now is the time to take advantage of our free consultation and estimate. Our highly skilled cleaning crew will help keep the deadly viruses away. So call us at (714)224-0301 to speak with a representative today.