03 May THE DIRTY HISTORY OF CLEAN – FROM ITS ORIGINS TO TODAY
The history of cleanliness begins hundreds and hundreds of years ago, when rudimentary hygienic practices were often associated with religious and purification rituals.
In 220 B.C., Greek philosophers analysed and even questioned the reasons for cleaning. “Why clean and cleanse? To change what is not beautiful in nature, to give order to the disordered and to give or have a better appearance!” It is from these very words that our current visual sensation of cleanliness with this graphic appearance of sparkle and shine originates. The Greeks exported and passed on the articulated concept of cleanliness as a mark of an evolved civilisation, giving it a higher status than all others.
Over the centuries, the perception of cleanliness has changed considerably from a symbolic practice to a sanitary necessity. Cleaning has often been used as an instrument of social control and power, from the highest castes that distinguished themselves for their level of cleanliness during the Middle Ages, to the hygiene campaigns of the 19th century that tried to civilise and ‘cleanse’ the masses, making it also a political and social issue
It was not until the late 1800s, however, that the common belief was born that it is bacteria and microscopic germs that do great damage. People begin to realise that invisible threats hide everywhere and that dirt and dust can accumulate and transmit them.
The history of ‘cleaning’ has therefore been characterised by considerable changes. Since the Industrial Revolution, the concept of cleaning has shifted from being focused on purely aesthetic aspects, such as the removal of visible dirt, to a greater emphasis on health and hygiene, including the cleaning of contaminants invisible to the human eye.
In the beginning, both domestic and industrial cleaning methods were rudimentary, mainly limited to the use of brooms and simple tools. However, the birth of the hoover, attributed to James Murray Spangler, marked a turning point. This tool greatly improved the ability to remove dirt, meeting both aesthetic needs and more profound hygienic considerations.
In the 20th century, polishers, sweepers and scrubbers continued to refine the concept of cleaning. New technologies made it possible to effectively remove not only visible dirt, but also hidden contaminants and debris, improving the health of workers and the quality of the environment. The emergence of floor scrubbers introduced the efficiency of cleaning and drying in a single step, making environments more safe. The digital age has further revolutionised industrial cleaning by introducing automatic and robotic machines.
These innovations have made cleaning more effective and sustainable, removing not only visible dirt, but also germs and bacteria, thus improving health and safety.
Besides the evolution of cleaning machines, chemical detergents have also changed significantly. Initially, water was the main element used for cleaning, often combined with simple detergents. Over time, however, specialised products were developed to deal with different types of dirt and surfaces, offering greater effectiveness in removing stains, bacteria and contaminants. These specialised cleaners are formulated for specific needs, from glass to wood surfaces, providing deep and targeted cleaning.
In parallel, cleaning tools have also changed. Traditional mops have been replaced by more efficient materials such as microfibres, which retain dirt better and require less detergent. In addition, the use of disposable paper for cleaning has offered a hygienic and convenient alternative, eliminating the risk of cross-contamination. This evolution has helped make cleaning more effective and meet a variety of needs, both aesthetic and hygienic.
In the context of the evolution of cleaning systems, the cleaning trolley is also included. In the past, these were simple trolleys mainly used to transport material. However, as technology and requirements have advanced, cleaning trolleys have become essential tools for optimising working time and efficiently organising cleaning operations. They are designed to be functional and efficient, allowing easy organisation and access to cleaning tools and materials. This not only improves operational efficiency, but also contributes to more effective and organised cleaning. Furthermore, as cleaning trolleys are often visible in workplaces and public spaces, aesthetics have become a crucial issue. Companies now design cleaning trolleys that are aesthetically attractive as well as functional. This change reflects an increasing focus not only on effectiveness, but also on image and the environment in which work is carried out.
Technology has consequently greatly improved cleaning results, making them more effective and reducing the time needed to achieve them. However, to make the most of these innovations, it is essential to turn to qualified professionals who can recommend the right products and solutions.
The E.S.Pro. team is dedicated to providing a specialised consultancy service to distributors in the hygiene sector.
We offer partnerships with manufacturers of articles that ensure a high, effective and safe level of professional hygiene, guaranteeing added value for both operators and their customers.