02/16/2025
The eco-friendly tradition of beating rugs in the snow is now a rare sight. From the 1970s to the 1990s, it was a common practice in the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe to clean rugs outdoors in the winter. Rugs were spread on fresh snow and beaten to remove dust and dirt, which the snow absorbed without staining. The cold temperatures also naturally killed bacteria and mites. This affordable and sustainable cleaning method was widely used before the advent of modern vacuum cleaners. It was often a communal activity, with neighbors gathering outdoors to clean their carpets together.
