There are many benefits to having a clean home. Not only is it associated with improved physical health, but also mental health. 

Research conducted by physical activity expert NiCole Keith at Indiana University discovered a correlation between having a clean home and good physical health. The study looked at multiple factors in the participants' residential environments including outdoor air quality, traffic noise, and sidewalk conditions. However, Keith found that “at the end of the day, the interior condition of their house seemed to be the only thing affecting their physical activity.”¹

Cleaning is necessary for any home or business.

It's estimated that Americans spend six hours per week cleaning their houses. But if you don’t have time to clean your own home, you can hire someone to do it. The cleaning industry is so popular that it currently employs more than 1.7 million people with a predicted yearly growth rate of 6%.²

Having a clean environment is important whether you do it yourself or hire someone to do it. Here are six reasons why having a clean home is good for you and your loved ones. 

1. Improves Overall Productivity

It’s true, having a clean home helps you have a clear mind. When your environment is clean, you are more inclined to feel productive and be productive. If dirt and clutter are occupying the space around you, you'll have less desire to spend time in it.

For example, if your kitchen is filled with dishes and hasn’t been cleaned in a week, you’ll have less motivation to cook dinner in it. When your space is dirty, it adds one more thing to the to-do list before you can tackle your tasks for the day. 

But, when your environment is clean, you can focus on urgent tasks instead of the pile of dishes on your counter. 

2. Reduces Allergies 

Dust and pet hair are common triggers for those who suffer from allergies and asthma. Cleaning your home regularly will help eliminate problem-causing pesky allergens. To ensure you’re getting rid of them, use a vacuum with a HEPA filter once or twice a week. The HEPA filter will make sure that even the extremely small allergens get sucked up. 

Another helpful cleaning tip is to wash your sheets weekly with 130˚F (54.4˚C) water. Washing your sheets at this temperature will kill off any dust mites that might be triggering your runny nose.³

Pro tip: If you are prone to allergies, try using a mask and unscented products when cleaning your home. It will help prevent any allergy flare-ups. 

3. Reduces Mold Growth

Mold can induce a variety of health problems when inhaled. Molds produce irritants, allergens, and even toxic substances in some severe cases. Mold exposure can lead to respiratory problems and irritate the eyes and nose in both sensitive and non-sensitive individuals.⁴ 

Mold commonly grows indoors after mold spores land on wet surfaces. Moisture is required for mold to grow, so the best way to prevent mold is to make sure your home is clean and dry. Try to incorporate the washing of windows and other high-condensation surfaces into your cleaning routine. This will help prevent the growth of mold while keeping your loved ones safe. 

For more information on how to prevent mold in the house, check out Mold Busters. 

4. Stops the Spread of Germs

Germs have the ability to grow and spread throughout your home. Cleaning helps reduce the amount of soil, dirt, and microbes on surfaces. Studies have found that some cleaning methods cause a 90-99.9% reduction in microbe levels.⁵ 

By decreasing the number of germs in your home, you are decreasing the risk of getting sick. Remember to use a disinfectant throughout your house to make sure you are cleaning effectively. Disinfecting surfaces will kill off any remaining microbes and help put a stop to future microbial growth.⁶ 

To help keep your home germ-free, try putting a hand sanitizer dispenser by your front door. The Triden dispensers are a perfect way to provide sanitation to guests while maintaining your home aesthetic. 

By supplying sanitizer to people before they enter your home, you stop the introduction of new germs. This ensures anyone who enters your home is entering a safe and healthy environment

5. Decreases Feelings of Stress and Anxiety

Having a clean home is linked to decreased feelings of anxiety and depression. A study performed by a group of researchers in 2009 looked at the linkage between home environment and patterns of mood and cortisol. They found that individuals with clutter-filled homes were more likely to experience feelings of fatigue and depression. 

The researchers also found that women with clutter-filled houses also had higher levels of cortisol.⁷ Cortisol is a hormone released when the body undergoes times of stress. It leads to increased blood pressure, blood glucose, and heart rate.⁸

Maintaining a clean and tidy home will help decrease cortisol levels, stress, and other negative moods. Additionally, it creates a relaxing environment that fosters positive emotions. 

6. Helps You Take Control of Your Life

For some people cleaning is an excellent coping strategy. When people experience feelings of disorder and stress, cleaning can help to alleviate their negative emotions. Tidying is a neutral and mindful activity that anchors your attention on a specific task for a period of time.  

In addition to occupying your attention, cleaning also provides a means of instant reward. When you clean something, you get to watch it transform from a messy state to an orderly one. Experiencing this almost instantaneous transformation often sparks feelings of satisfaction and control. 

Results from a study performed by the University of Connecticut found that people default to repetitive behaviours like cleaning during times of high stress. People default to cleaning because it offers individuals a sense of control when they’re undergoing feelings of chaos.⁹

The Takeaway

Cleaning your home is beneficial for your mental wellbeing and your physical health. It helps create a safe and germ-free environment that keeps your loved ones healthy.

The next time you need to clear your head, try tidying your home. Not only is it a healthy coping mechanism, but it is also linked to decreased cortisol and anxiety levels.