There’s a lot of buzz about home cleanliness in 2020, thanks in part to the pandemic. Influencers are recommending cleaning products and home disinfecting routines. Brands are boasting about their product’s ability to kill certain germs and viruses. Cleaning services show that homeowners are willing to put money into keeping their houses clean.
Even before the pandemic, there’s been a long-standing obsession with clean, pristine homes and a lot of talk about how cleanliness benefits both physical and mental health. Is there any scientific basis for this claim? Let’s find out.
The psychology of a clean space
Thankfully, science has already weighed in on this debate. A series of studies between 2010 to 2014 has concluded that being in a clean and neat room, or partaking in tasks like washing dishes, led to an overall decrease in nervousness as well as an increase in focus. Meanwhile, people in a cluttered room were more likely to experience distractions, and an increase in stress hormones.
However, psychologists remind us that these results are generalizations and don’t speak for every human alive. Some people prefer and even thrive in, a chaotic space. Some people may have obsessive-compulsive disorders, who keep their houses clean to irrational, and even detrimental, levels. As with everything in life, cleanliness should be done in moderation, and only if you feel more comfortable in a clean space.
The physical effects of cleanliness
A cleaner space has a lot of benefits for your physical well-being as well. Reduced dust and mold mean fewer allergens are present in your home, allowing people with allergies or respiratory ailments to breathe easier. A cleaner house also means fewer viruses and bacteria, which is obviously important for all homes right now, considering the pandemic. Less clutter on the floor means fewer chances of injury due to stepping on loose items. Regularly washing your dishes, clearing the sink, and taking out the trash discourages disease-carrying pests since they have no food source.
Tips for a cleaner home
The first thing about keeping your home clean is to keep as little as possible. Having less clutter means less to clean up. Donate old toys, clothes, shoes, and other items that aren’t being used anymore. If they are in poor condition, throw them away alongside expired cosmetics, food items, and toiletries with the help of Evergreen Junk Removal.
Second, develop neater habits. When you use something, make sure to put it back in its place. Determine a consistent cleaning routine like vacuuming every Saturday or changing the sheets twice a month.
Maintaining a clean house isn’t easy, especially if you have kids who seem to bring in a new mess every day or roommates whose preferences don’t align with yours. In such cases, it’s better to communicate gently. Maybe you can tell your kids to be more mindful about their mess or make an agreement with your roommate about keeping shared spaces clean. Cleanliness is meant to be a positive thing. Don’t let your obsession with it disrupt your relationships at home.