Having a clean and healthy environment to live in makes people feel mentally and physically better
The popularity of online influencers like Mrs Hinch has shown that, contrary to popular belief, cleaning is an activity that a lot of people feel enthusiastic and positive about.
But as well as just being the latest social media craze, keeping a clean, tidy and organised home can be hugely beneficial for our physical and mental health. Here are some of the key reasons why…
Physical exercise
One of the simplest and most obvious benefits of cleaning is that it encourages physical activity. Cleaning your house might not be comparable to running a marathon or doing a triathlon, but it can’t be denied that vacuuming, polishing, buffing up floors and similar tasks are all physically intensive activities that get your heart pumping and your muscles working.
Research has shown that physical exercise promotes the production of endorphins, dopamine and serotonin in the brain. These chemicals can help to reduce perceptions of pain, improve your mood and even create a sense of euphoria.
If you want to make sure you’re cleaning efficiently (and not wasting effort), use this professional house cleaning checklist.
Happy to host
Maintaining relationships with friends and family is a hugely important part of people’s overall mental health, and there are few things more satisfying and enjoyable than being able to host loved ones in your own home.
If you have a neat, tidy and presentable house, you will feel much happier and more confident to invite people over and spend a pleasant, relaxing few hours with them.
The people closest to you probably won’t be overly concerned about how clean your home is and won’t make judgements about it, but on a personal level it’s always nice to have everything tidy and in order when you’re expecting guests. If you’re preparing for visitors, this guide can help: preparing your home for summer guests: a cleaning checklist.
A more hygienic home
From a basic physical health perspective, the cleaner your home is, the lower the risk of you picking up infections and illnesses from the germs and bacteria that commonly build up in areas like the kitchen and bathroom. For practical steps, see our advice on keeping high-touch surfaces clean and safe and review bathroom cleaning tips.
It’s impossible for any house to stay entirely germ-free all the time, of course, but a basic level of cleanliness can help you keep colds and bugs at bay. This could be particularly important if you have recently started a family or have young children who are prone to coughs and colds.
Cleaning is stress-busting
Stress is a problem millions of people all over the world have to contend with every single day. It’s particularly common among those who have busy lives and don’t feel they have enough time or energy to keep up with their various commitments.
The practice of cleaning can go a long way towards alleviating stress, for various reasons. Firstly, it can help you take your mind off other worries while you focus on tasks that are relatively simple, but important and ultimately fulfilling.
Cleaning your home can give you a huge sense of achievement when you are able to look around and see the results of all your hard work. If you’re trying to build a routine that keeps things under control, follow daily, weekly, and monthly cleaning plans and these cleaning frequency guidelines.
Come home happy
Perhaps most importantly of all, having a clean, tidy and hygienic household means you can come home at the end of a busy day and feel content and happy.
There is nothing worse than getting back from a day at work or an exhausting excursion with the kids to find you have a mountain of housework to do.
