Why Cleaning is Not Just a Chore

11/1/2018 (Permalink)

Cleaning is Healthy

Why Cleaning Isn't Just a Chore: The Health Benefits of Housework

Most people hate the idea of having to do housework. Cleaning and organizing the home isn’t fun compared to spending time with loved ones, going to the movies, or doing any of the various activities we consider enjoyable. However, there are unexpected benefits to cleaning—and learning about them may just change the way you think about dusting and doing the dishes the next time your house is looking dirty.

Breathe Easier 

Indoor air pollution is making us sick, but not enough people seem to be talking about it. As HomeAdvisor notes, “Issues like mold, radon and carbon dioxide are hazards to your health. If your home contains one or more of these elements, you may be at risk for that could have been avoided!” You can help reduce irritants in your home by doing things like avoiding products that contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs). But one of the best things you can do to improve indoor air quality is clean regularly. Cleaning your home reduces dust, pet dander, mold, and mildew that can make you and your family sick.

Cleaning tips for healthier air:

• Take off shoes before entering the house to keep outside dirt and dust from coming in.
• Keep pets groomed to reduce shedding and dander in the air.
• Change air filters regularly based on your household needs.
• Prevent mold and mildew by using fans in the bathroom that move moisture outside.
• Open windows on nice days to air out the home and increase ventilation.

Sleep Better 

Your bedroom should be a sanctuary where you can leave the stress and anxiety from your day behind and transition into peaceful slumber. After all, regularly getting a full night’s worth of sleep is critical in maintaining our overall health. However, when you have dirty clothes slung across the floor and cobwebs in the corners, it’s not easy to fall asleep. Rather, you’re stuck there in bed thinking about how cleaning the bedroom is one more thing you’ll have to put on your to-do list.

Research suggests that being clean and organized can actually improve sleep. According to survey information collected by the National Sleep Foundation, 75 percent of people say they sleep better with clean sheets. Furthermore, people who make their beds in the morning are reportedly 19 percent more likely to say they get a good night’s rest. And it’s not just about keeping the bedroom tidy—experts say that staying organized in other parts of your life can prevent anxiety-induced insomnia. 

Reduce Stress 

Clutter causes stress. So, if you struggle with stress and anxiety, picking up around the house may actually help improve your mental health. A clean and organized home serves as a respite from the chaos of the outside world. Furthermore, taking a messy house and turning it into something you would see featured in a Better Homes & Gardens editorial provides you with a sense of control, especially when our lives seem completely chaotic. Next time you’re feeling like the cortisol levels in your body are out of control, try tackling one thing on your cleaning to-do list and see how it makes you feel. Chances are, you’ll be moving on to the next one and chasing that sense of relief from anxiety.

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Cleaning may not be at the top of the list of your favorite activities, but housework has some surprising physical and mental health benefits. For one, your home may be making you sick. Indoor air pollution is often worse than it is outside. When you clean regularly, you reduce the amount of irritants that contribute to allergies and pulmonary illness. Being clean and organized can also improve sleep since it makes you more comfortable and less likely to fret over your to-do list at night. Finally, a clean home is a less stressful home. Clutter in the house equals clutter in the mind and many people find that tackling a mess is an effective release from anxiety.