What is Frau Holtzapfel known for at the Hubermann's home? How does this effect Liesel?

Frau Holtzpfel was known for spitting on the Hubermann's door. This effected Liesel directly, as she was the one who had to clean the spit off the door.

It was a tradition for Frau Holtzapfel, one of their neighbors, to spit on the Hubermanns’ door every time she walked past. The front door was only meters from the gate, and let’s just say that Frau Holtzapfel had the distance—and the accuracy.

A SMALL QUESTION AND ITS ANSWER And who do you think was made to clean the spit off the door each night? Yes—you got it.
When a woman with an iron fist tells you to get out there and clean spit off the door, you do it. Especially when the iron’s hot.

Infer what has happened just prior to his arrival based on the description of the setting.