Today, people usually take cleaning products for granted as they’re readily available whenever we need them. You probably just pick them up from a store without giving them too much thought, right? But can you imagine your life without them? And have you ever wondered how it all began?
Cleaning products have been around as long as civilization itself, reflecting humanity’s never-ending search for hygiene. So, would you like to learn more about it and discover what the first products were and how they evolved through time? Keep reading the article below as experts in deep house cleaning in Lafayette, IN, reveal the intricate history of home maintenance products. Read on!
What was the first cleaning product?
The need to tend to living spaces has always been part of human lives. Early on, people relied on materials found in nature. Our ancestors mostly lived around water sources. They understood the dirt-removing power of water and used it for personal hygiene and the maintenance of their dwellings and tools.
The first civilizations, such as ancient Egyptians, relied on natural abrasive materials such as ashes and sand to scrub surfaces and make them shine. These primitive substances helped remove stains and dirt physically, providing a rudimentary but efficient maintenance method.
The turning point in the history of hygiene and home maintenance was the creation of the first soap-like substance. Archeological evidence indicates that ancient Babylonians were the first to make a cleaning product intentionally around 2800 BC. They combined water, wood ash, and animal fat in clay cylinders and used the mixture to wash cotton and wool for textile manufacturing purposes.
How did cleaning products change over time?
The evolution of cleaning products has been rather turbulent. It reflects the progress humans have made in technology and chemistry and indicates modern people’s changing needs.
Let’s look at the following short overview:
The birth of soap
Ancient Babylonians take credit for inventing the first soap around 2800 BC. Other civilizations had their soap alternatives. For instance, ancient Egyptians combined vegetable and animal oils with alkaline salts. They used this blend to wash and treat skin diseases.
Roman refinements
Ancient Romans improved the soap-making process. They mixed animal fat and ashes to create soaps and popularized their use. The public baths were a crucial part of their culture and featured soap prominently, emphasizing its significance in everyday personal and living space hygiene.
Medieval times and Renaissance
Medieval times saw a drop in hygiene standards, but the Renaissance popularized personal and home hygiene again. The invention of the microscope indicated a connection between cleanliness and illness and contributed to further soap-making advancements.
Cities such as Marseille in France and Castile in Spain saw further soap-making refinements. For instance, manufacturers started using olive oil in Castile soap, setting a high soap quality standard that continues to this day.
Modern times
The Industrial Revolution introduced significant improvements to the cleaning products production. Thanks to new chemical processes and large-scale manufacturing, soap became more affordable. The 19th and 20th centuries witnessed the invention of synthetic detergents, boasting incredible dirt-removing properties and versatility compared to old-school soaps.
Nowadays, the market abounds with numerous products, from specialized disinfectants and detergents to biodegradable environmentally friendly alternatives, making home maintenance more sophisticated.
Who provides first-class deep house cleaning in Lafayette, IN?
Are you a senior who finds it challenging to keep your living space clean? Do other obligations get in the way of your home maintenance and does your messy house make you feel stressed? You tried to turn scrubbing into a workout, but it didn’t work out? Relax, we know who can help. Call C&C Cleaning to the rescue.
We offer customized services throughout Lafayette and its vicinity. Whether you need help to deep clean your home or to tackle it regularly, the professionals we cooperate with are there for you. They only use time-tested supplies and methods for ultimate results. Enjoy a relaxing day off at McCaw Park and let experienced maids tackle your space. Call today!