Home Spring Cleaning from Cultural Perspectives

Home Spring Cleaning from Cultural Perspectives

Spring cleaning in our living space benefits not only our health from a scientific standpoint, but also from cultural perspectives.

Studies have shown that cleaner homes report better health level compared to more cluttered homes. The absence of clutter enables increased focus and the ability to concentrate.1 A study in the Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin found that women who felt their homes were restful and restorative had lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol than women who described their homes as cluttered or full of unfinished projects.2 There are also physical and environmental health benefits, such as reduced allergens, improved indoor air quality, and a lower risk of illness due to the elimination of germs and bacteria.3

Now that we’ve established the many perks of spring cleaning, what about its cultural significance? Interestingly, spring cleaning is also a tradition ingrained worldwide. It crosses continents and cultures with one common thread—driving away “bad luck” and welcoming in new, positive energy.

Positive Chi through Feng Shui

In Chinese culture, spring cleaning is a vital part of Feng Shui, which is the art of harmonising the environment. The Chinese characters for “dust (尘)” and “old (陈)” sound alike, symbolising that the clearing of dust is like sweeping away the old.

That is also why spring cleaning is carried out before the Lunar New Year. It is regarded as a practice of making way for the new year’s good luck and prosperity. From cleaning the surroundings to washing various household items, putting up a fresh set of curtains and bedding, wiping windows and washing the floor, dusting, and repairing or replacing broken items, most families clean their homes to welcome the arrival of the Lunar New Year.

Here are some of the common practices:

●    Deep cleaning: A thorough cleaning purifies your space, encouraging the flow of positive energy, or “chi”. While cleaning your entire home can be a monumental task but the benefits are multifold. Alternatively, you can hire professional cleaning providers to help you out, from cleaning the windows to deep cleaning the carpets.  

●   Clearing clutter: By removing unnecessary items from your home, you also remove stagnation and negative energy, allowing energy to circulate and promote a harmonious environment. Organise items and put them in their proper places, and walk through your home to make sure that you have clear paths and living spaces.


Inviting Prosperity and Health through Vastu Shastra

The principles of Vastu Shastra are similar to Feng Shui, emphasising the importance of decluttering and cleanliness. Deepavali, the festival of lights, is also a time for thorough cleaning, symbolising a fresh start and inviting prosperity and health into the home.

Here are some tips to maintain a good energy flow in the house:

●    Open spaces: Adequate open spaces, windows, and ventilation are essential in Vastu Shastra. With good airflow and natural light, your family will live in a healthier and vibrant environment.

●    Decluttering: Regular cleaning and organising enhance the positive energy in your home. It’s undeniable that by clearing and reorganising items in our home, we create more positive surroundings. Decluttering unused items can also clear up mental space.4

Physical Cleanliness and Spiritual Renewal from Islamic Perspective

In Islam, cleanliness is both a physical and spiritual necessity. The books of Hadith and the Fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence) start with a chapter on cleanliness, which indicates the importance of cleanliness. There are two terms used in Islamic literature—taharah and nazafah.5 Taharah literally means cleanliness from physical impurities, while nazafah, meaning neatness, is a desirable attribute. Spring cleaning is an opportunity to fulfil the concept of taharah by promoting a clean and purified environment.

Muslims engage in spring cleaning during special occasions such as Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Hari Haji, before Ramadan, weddings, and special family events. This thorough cleaning goes beyond just physical tidiness, serving as a means of spiritual renewal. It fosters well-being and symbolises a fresh beginning. Apart from deep cleaning, decluttering the home and donating items to charity not only clears up space, but also fulfils the important Islamic principle of helping those in need.


Professional Spring Cleaning for Residential Houses and Commercial Premises

Spring cleaning can certainly set up your home for a healthier and harmonious environment. Maclean can help you achieve this, as we’re a full-fledged expert in cleaning for residential houses, as well as commercial premises. Be it the walls, floors, toilets, gutters, carpets, or hard-to-reach areas, leave it to us to perform a proper and thorough clean.  

WhatsApp us at 019-292 1105 or email enquire@maclean.com.my to learn more about our spring cleaning services.

References:

1. Hidaya A. (Jan 18, 2022). Investigating the Link between Cleaning and Mental Health.
2.
Darby E. S., Rena R. (Nov 23, 2009). No Place Like Home: Home Tours Correlate With Daily Patterns of Mood and Cortisol. DOI: 10.1177/ 0146167209352864.
3.
Harvard Health Publishing (Feb 15, 2021). Easy ways you can improve indoor air quality.
4.
Acharya C. G. (2000). Understanding the Core Principles of Vastu Shastra.
5.
Najwa M. (April 10, 2015). Know the principles of cleanliness in Islam.

Beyond Cost Effective Solutions

“Thank you, Maclean team, for the good support and on time completion of the cleaning activities as required at the Phase 2 cafeteria and Phase 2 new wing office floor without any delays which met client satisfaction.”

Manufacturing

“The final cleaning has come to an end today. We appreciate your team's full commitment and cooperation in ensuring the successful completion of the cleaning work at Plot H. Your site person in charge and his team has performed well throughout the cleaning period. Their prompt response and action as well as their workmanship on the end-product satisfied us.”

Construction

“I would like to take this opportunity to first, thank you for the 9 years of services to the hospital. Maclean has offered a top-level cleaning service with the magnificent team of client service right down to the cleaner.

I am particularly writing to appreciate the cleaner, namely BAL BAHADUR, M. SUMON and MASLINDAH for their professionalism and exceptional work ethic. They are punctual, dependable and presented with more than what has been asked of them.”

Hospital

“We are writing to express my sincere appreciation for the exceptional work of the cleaning crew who was responsible for maintaining the cleanliness of our office premises. Over the past few weeks, we have observed the excellent work that Nur Alom has been doing, and we must say that his dedication and professionalism are truly commendable.

I have personally witnessed Nur Alom going the extra miles to ensure that the office is clean and hygienic especially during these challenging times post pandemic. His commitment to maintaining a clean and safe environment has been exceptional, and he has made a significant contribution to keep our workplace safe and healthy for all employees. “

Office

“We would like to express our thanks towards janitor Suriakala for excellent cleaning services rendered during Deep Cleaning activities on 14th and 28th January 2023. As well, we find her job deliverance is excellent and committed on daily routine tasks.

Hereby, we extend our thanks to Bobby, Fahmi for their prompt response of any inquiries and replacement planning during janitor's absence. We are also thankful to be supported by the Maclean team for

  • deep cleaning upholstery office chairs, sofa
  • fabric wall meeting rooms
  • fabric cubicle – employee workstation areas
  • lobby reception, breakout area, workstation area
  • floor scrubbing at carpeted area total approximately 3,617sqft
  • floor scrubbing at pantry vinyl floor area"
Office

“Excellent cleaning services. Prompt response of any inquiries and fast planning during your janitor on leave”

Hypermarket

“Excellent service during the summer break for the school opening preparations - efficient, gracious customer service, the level of detail and accountability you have demonstrated on the housekeeping service.”

Education

Our Supervisors and Crew Are Well Trained

“I received a verbal compliment from client on Crew’s performance & improvement after we had engagement meeting. Well done and keep up the good work!”

Office

“Services provided by the crew on site was good and amazing, especially the head of the crew obviously showing his excellent performance on managing his team that provided high quality cleanliness service throughout the year. They have shown a great team spirit and hope this can continue and maintained in future. I would also take this opportunity to congratulate Miss Nadia who trained such a good team and of course your good services to our company as well.”

Retail

“Thank you very much for the team you lead! Professional and high efficiency!”

Education

“Convey our outmost appreciations for the excellent service provided to our team in Bayan Lepas. Your team, which is Samy and his supportive team, have been doing great jobs & supported us. Samy has been committed to all the tasks given with fast response from him & the teams.”

Manufacturing

“Formally and sincerely express our gratitude for the amazing honesty your team shown during recently lost and found case. Nurhayati Binti Abdullah had shown exceptional discipline and dedication to her daily work. Her actions directly impacted our image and Maclean directly benefited the team and company on a greater level. Once again, thank you for the leadership shown by Maclean’s management team – Kak Mis on the diligence and integrity adopted for all the team on the site.”

Office

“Layanan yang sangat baik, berdisiplin, komited, sabar, berbudi bahasa dan sentiasa positif.”

3S Centre

“Thank You for the Good Service. I would like to express my deep appreciation for the women who are doing the cleaning at our premise. I am very satisfied with their work! I would like to thank Diana (supervisor) and Sajib who always monitor and ensure someone to cover when the cleaners go on leave. Good teamwork and dependable.”

Education

We Are Well Versed with Various Industry Compliancy Requirements

“Congratulations “Maclean Team” as all cleaners have successfully passed the EHS training that was conducted on site.

We are satisfied with their service”

Manufacturing

“Thanks for your team’s kind support to maintain the cleanliness of our LMM plant during our two important events:

(1) EHS Corporate Audit

(2) EHS Plan Forum Recognition”

Manufacturing

“Thank you very much for giving 100% support and for ensuring we followed and maintained proper social distancing amid the events.”

Manufacturing

“Gratitude for Maclean’s performance and support during our compliance audit held last October. Maclean’s team has made so much effort in order to keep our business running with full compliance. It's a good image that we comply to every legal requirement that was relevant with Maclean’s help. Maimunah has been key player into this Audit weeks.”

Office

“Many thanks to Zura for the last compliance audit which covered compliance in pharmaceuticals.”

Office

“Our management would like to take the opportunity to sincerely thank you for the excellent service provided to our facility especially for the fresh goods department, for maintaining cleanliness as per our standard.”

Hypermarket

“Able to answer questions from Auditor during ISO Audit.”

Office

Understanding Urgency and Providing Personalised Attention

“We would like to extend our greatest appreciation to you and your team for all the hard work going the extra mile ensuring everything is ready for the event. We know there were a quite a bit of last-minute requests, but you guys managed to extend your excellent service and that made a difference definitely. We appreciate your contribution and management also relay their appreciation and gratitude to all the Janitor team. Thank you so much for being good support for this event and hope this good performance can be maintained.”

Manufacturing

“Hope you are doing great. For the past few months Samy Rau has been supervising our Penang location. We are very grateful that he has been showing his interest and helping me to solve a lot of problems. His presence here during the site visit has made us able to voice up regarding most issues directly. Most pending issues have been resolved. We hope that we will make a better team in future.”

Manufacturing

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Samy and the team, especially Ali Raihan, Sajib Sikdar and all Maclean team members for helping our team on the water leaking issue that happened. Their fast respond to our call during midnight and coming to help us to handle the situation. Keep it up and continue to work together and support our Facilities team.”

Manufacturing

“They are remarkable with their attitudes. The way they go above and beyond to ensure that all our events are presented well, their sense of collaboration and attention to detail is greatly valued.”

Education

“I would like to extend our appreciation for the amazing work done by your team on site especially team leader, Maimunah in supporting several occasions of main event. They have been supportive in terms of logistic, pre-event preparation and on top of that making the event running smoothly.

Please pass my appreciation to Maimunah, Sulaiman, Susilawati and Haipah for their support.”

Office

In addition to the above, we are proud and grateful to receive 2 awards from CBRE:

  • Exceptional Service Award 2022 
  • Best Safety and Covid Response Award 2022

So, try us out and experience the Maclean service first-hand. 

To find out more on how we give you the best value for your budget without compromising your health or safety, please connect with us at 03-7773 0300 or enquire@maclean.com.my.

September 2024
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