Keeping a sparkling home has long been associated with perseverance and perfection. While some scrub and mop obsessively, many find it a cumbersome chore. But in the aftermath of the global COVID-19 pandemic and amid increasing pollution levels, more people realize the necessity of maintaining cleanliness.
Interestingly, a recent study by the American Cleaning Institute has found that home upkeep can significantly impact your physical and mental health.
The 2025 study found that 91 percent of people felt cleaning positively affects their physical health. A vast majority report that it also benefits their mental health. Understanding these connections can help us maximize the advantages of our daily tidying-up routines, tending to our bodies and souls alongside our homes.
Squeaky Clean Homes for Better Health
The need for regular home maintenance has become better established in the wake of rising pollution and infections. The ACI survey found that more Americans prioritize disinfecting and other hygiene practices to maintain overall health.
Over 50 percent of the respondents routinely wash their hands and sanitize their toilets and showers. Tasks like disinfecting high-traffic areas and running a load of laundry have also become more common – almost half the respondents perform them regularly. These changes indicate a growing understanding of cleaning’s connections to health and wellness.
It is fascinating to see how these habits affect our mental state, which may fluctuate across seasons and life transitions. For instance, winter can decrease your body’s serotonin and cortisol levels while raising melatonin. It isn’t the ideal combination for a decontamination mindset, triggering fatigue and low spirits instead.
On the other hand, many neuroscientists and historians celebrate the benefits of spring cleaning. It can improve your focus and energy, uplifting your mental health. It might sound trite, but focusing mindfully on activities like dishwashing or decluttering can give you a mental boost.
Home Cleaning Tasks That Need More Attention
The Wakefield Research study for ACI also highlighted a few areas that need more attention in our cleanliness routines.
Dusting Regularly and Amid Harsh Weather
Only 22 percent of people place dusting among the top home maintenance tasks.
It is understandable—the task can be tedious and relentless. More dust settles in the moment you scrape off the current layer! People living in storm-prone regions can find it particularly arduous.
However, letting dust fester can have harmful health consequences. The World Economic Forum emphasizes that it can contain allergens and airborne pollutants. These agents exacerbate respiratory conditions. Worse still, indoor dust may also have heavy metals and cigarette smoke. It does not spell good news for people struggling with asthma and allergies.
A relatively straightforward way to tackle the dust problem is to schedule professional intervention. You can pick the frequency of cleaning based on your local requirements and weather conditions.
For example, states like Tennessee often witness severe storms and inclement weather. It subjects homes to debris and dust, posing maintenance challenges for residents.
According to PureClean Knoxville, homeowners can benefit from routine maintenance of gutters and roofs, which are especially susceptible to weather damage. Pressure washing can be an eco-friendly but effective solution to manage dust over time.
Cleaning Focused on the Needs of Older Adults
Home cleaning catering to the health and wellness of senior citizens has emerged as another focus area. This demographic typically finds it more challenging to maintain a neat house because of physical limitations. However, the impact of dust and dirt can be more severe on this section of the population due to preexisting health conditions.
One overarching recommendation is to use sustainable cleaning products that don’t have side effects on one’s health. Many synthetic agents contain volatile organic compounds and other corrosive chemicals that can negatively impact the lungs and skin.
Continuing with the Tennessee example, homeowners can also contact contractors in Knoxville to renovate their homes in a senior-friendly light. Besides simplifying cleaning, such home edits can make daily life more comfortable.
For instance, why not consider changes like non-slip flooring and a wheelchair ramp? These upgrades can help older adults be safer and more independent. Moreover, resilient flooring materials like linoleum and cork tiles are soothing for the feet and easier to maintain.
Checking Less Visible Spots in the House
You know the areas we mean. Vents and smoke detectors. Dust rapidly accumulates on light fixtures. Still, we may not clean them as often since the grime isn’t conspicuous.
Ventilation and periodic maintenance become non-negotiable for those who use combustion appliances for heating and cooking at home. The American Lung Association warns that such appliances can emit pollutants like carbon monoxide or particulate matter. It can affect children and older adults, increasing asthma symptoms.
The US EPA recommends following a preventive maintenance program, asking homeowners to book yearly inspections of HVAC systems and filter changes. Duct cleaning may be essential if you spot signs of mold or rodents.
Tending to one’s house goes beyond keeping up appearances; it has become a health necessity. More homeowners now commit to regular cleaning with particular attention to the requirements of children and older adults. The advantages to mental wellness sweeten the deal.
