Would it surprise you to learn about the health benefits of a clean home? Your mom probably made you clean your room (and the bathroom, and maybe even the cat litter box) growing up, just as her mom probably did before her.
Today, you try to keep your home clean, but some days you wonder: How bad would it be if you pushed aside that cleaning planner you downloaded off Pinterest and just took a break from cleaning for a bit? How important is a clean house? To answer that, today we will share just a few of the many ways that keeping your home clean can actually benefit your health and the health of the ones you love—ways that may surprise you.
Health Benefit Number 1: Keeping Your Bedroom Clean May Lead to Better Sleep
Having a hard time getting a restful sleep? You aren’t alone. A recent study by the National Sleep Foundation showed that 45 percent of Americans experience poor sleep. It’s a wonder, with our constant on-the-go lifestyles, that we all don’t fall into bed and conk out until morning—but that isn’t the case. The truth is, our minds are full, and of course we think of all the things left undone as we try to fall asleep, including all of the mess around us in our bedrooms.
The National Sleep Foundation also ran a survey that clearly showed those with clean sheets and clean rooms had an easier time sleeping. Clean house, clean mind!
Health Benefit Number 2: A Clean, Clutter-free Space Can Improve Your Mental Health
When every surface is covered in clutter, laundry is in an unknown state—clean? dirty?—kids’ school papers, dirty cups and who even knows what lies beneath it all along with dust, crusted spills, pet hair… It’s overwhelming and can actually contribute to stress, anxiety, and depression. Over time, parts of our brain shut off the mess and we become “clutter blind,” but other parts become overwhelmed. All it sees is the untidy mess, the unfinished piles, leaving a part of your brain ticking away as it thinks about that unfinished business. A Princeton University study concluded that clutter can actually overwhelm the visual cortex, making it more difficult to process the task at hand. That wasn’t the only study showing the effects of clutter on mental health. Many psychology studies have shown that an uncluttered, clean space can help us focus better and feel calmer, less depressed, and less anxious in general.
Health Benefit Number 3: A Clean Home Can Lead to Healthier Food Choices
Why is cleaning important? Here’s another reason: It’s been well established that cluttered, dirty, and even off-smelling spaces make us feel anxious and stressed, and it’s no secret that many of us tend to make poor food choices when we are stressed. When you look at it that way, it’s easy to see the reverse, that a clean and tidy home may lead you to better eating habits and a generally healthier lifestyle. Science backs up this thinking. A 2010 study published in the journal Psychological Science showed that people in a more orderly, clean environment made smarter, healthier snacking choices than those attempting to work in more cluttered, messy spaces. A messy, grungy kitchen is no fun to cook or eat in, either, so those who have cleaner, neater kitchens may be more likely to make healthier food at home, rather than avoid their kitchens altogether and go out to eat. This may not seem like a big deal, but it does add up quickly. The average fast-food meal weighs in at about 1,800 calories, whereas a home-cooked dinner comes in at about 550.
Health Benefit Number 4: A Clean Home Can Ease Seasonal Allergy Symptoms
If you suffer from seasonal outdoor allergies like pollen and molds or indoor allergies such as dust, dust mites, pet dander, and hair, keeping a clean home can reduce your symptoms. Outdoor allergens like pollen and mold can be brought in on feet and clothing, worsening allergy symptoms. Accumulated dust, animal hair, and other allergens can irritate your nose, eyes, and sinuses, causing discomfort. Regular vacuuming with a high-powered HEPA filter vacuum, paying special attention to areas prone to mold growth, minimizing airborne dust by using a moist cloth to dust, changing bed sheets regularly, and cleaning window dressings can significantly reduce allergy symptoms.
Health Benefit Number 5: A Consistently Clean and Tidy Home Saves Money
Maintaining a clean home can save you money in several ways. By staying on top of regular cleaning tasks and minimizing clutter, you reduce the need for expensive, extra-strength cleaning products. Clean surfaces are less likely to become damaged, extending their lifespan and reducing the need for repairs or replacements.
Additionally, clean appliances work more efficiently and last longer, saving you money in the long run. Keeping clutter at bay can prevent unnecessary spending on items that you already own but cannot find due to disorganization.
Cleaning for Health
Having a clean, organized space offers many benefits, from reducing the spread of germs to enhancing your overall happiness and reducing stress levels. For some people, however, creating and maintaining a clean home can be just as stressful as dealing with the mess itself.
Hiring a house cleaning service can provide you with a clean, healthy space without the stress of cleaning it yourself, offering the benefits of a clean house without the hassle. DJO Home Cleaning offers affordable, high-quality cleaning services in the Bothell area. Whether you need a deep clean to kickstart regular cleaning or want to schedule ongoing maintenance cleaning, we've got you covered.
Request a quote today and start enjoying the clean home.
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