The Long & Interesting History of Housekeeping
Housekeeping dates back to ancient Greece and Rome and other early civilizations. It gradually evolved from its outset and turned into a profession in the 19th century. This blog will take you on the fascinating journey of housework with a focus on the turning points in its history.
Household management and handling chores have never been easy. People had to spend a lot of time and energy to keep their homes immaculate in the past, and quality housekeeping was reserved for the privileged. Luckily, the times have changed and residents of Powdersville turn to renowned professionals for a detailed cleaning service. Let’s have a look at what made housekeeping so affordable and accessible!
What is the history of housekeeping?
People have been perfecting the art of keeping their houses clean and tidy since the dawn of civilization. However, there have been several stepping stones in the course of time that revolutionized it:
1. The Industrial revolution
The Industrial revolution caused radical changes in the household. Men started working in factories and women worked at home. However, housekeeping as a profession reached its peak in Victorian England. Domestic upkeep became a paid job which both men and women did.
There were even opportunities for professional advancement within an elaborate hierarchy. Men could be promoted from groom to valet and eventually to steward, whereas women could make headway from maid to housekeeper and take the career path that starts with scrubbing the basement and ends in running the household. The increase in paid domestic work was the result of the middle- and upper-class growth, and the subsequent ability to afford housekeeping assistance.
2. The invention of electricity
The invention of electricity enabled technical developments and led to the manufacture of various labor-saving household appliances such as vacuum cleaners, washing machines, dishwashers, mixers, and the like. These appliances also made most chores less time-consuming. Women no longer had to spend hours sweeping the attic with a broom, washing clothes and dishes, or churning butter. The upkeep of the household and looking after the family and pets became a lot easier.
3. The emancipation of women
In the aftermath of World War II, women got the right to vote in most countries, and more importantly, they started to work outside the house. This reduced the discrepancy between women’s unpaid labor at home and men’s paid labor in factories. However, the issue of cultural expectations that housework is a “women’s job” remains to be resolved.
When was the first cleaning product invented?
Soap was the first hygiene product invented around 2800 BC in Babylon. The word soap stems from the Latin word “sapo” which is related to another Latin word sebum, meaning tallow or animal fat.
The manufacture of soap in the Middle East became industrialized by the 13th century. Persian physician, philosopher, and alchemist, Muhammad ibn Zakariya al-Razi, gave a recipe for producing glycerine from olive oil in the 9th century. One of the outcomes of the Industrial Revolution was the shift of soap manufacture from households to factories. People have perfected the soap so much that now everyone is overrun with options.
Which providers in Powdersville, SC offer reliable cleaning services?
Now that you have taken the trip down memory lane it’s time to come back to the present. As you can see, the complexity of housekeeping hasn’t changed. What has changed is the accessibility of professional residential maintenance. If you want to enjoy the perks of living in the modern era, you can opt for Castle Keepers. Our seasoned pros will clear up your home swiftly and with style. Meanwhile, you can visit the Historic Downtown Norcross or some other interesting site.
Give us a call and check out our amazing offer!
