Cleaning & Mental Health, Pt. 1: The Happiness Connection

Cleaning & Mental Health, Pt. 1: The Happiness Connection

By now, you’ve probably heard that “a clean home equals a clean mind” or vice versa. While there’s certainly truth in that, the situation is not so much a straightforward “single-lane track” as it is a “two-way street”.

In general, having a neat and tidy home is considered crucial for physical and mental health, which is why we’re seeing an increase in people hiring cleaning services in Hilltop, WA, and across the country. 

But, is having a clean and orderly home directly responsible for the increase in our happiness levels, or is it the other way around? Let’s find out!

How important is it for you to have a clean home?

From the physical side, a clean home reduces exposure to allergens, bacteria, dust, and other common contaminants. Reduced exposure leads to better physical health, which is proven to positively affect mental well-being.

From a purely psychological standpoint, maintaining a high level of cleanliness and tidiness contributes to the overall sense of order and control, thereby reducing stress and promoting calmness. In fact, a relatively recent study confirmed that clean homes are associated with a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.

Does a clean house make you happierHowever, the fact remains that the importance of having a neat and tidy space is highly subjective and can vary greatly from person to person. For some, a clean home is a bare necessity, critical for their well-being and day-to-day functioning.

For others, however, it may be more of an option than a must. They may feel comfortable with a certain degree of chaos in their living space or they simply may not have the time or energy (or both) to devote to cleaning, therefore having to accept lower levels of tidiness as a “normal” state of things. 

Therefore, it is safe to conclude that the (perceived) importance of cleanliness ultimately boils down to personal priorities, preferences, and lifestyle.

Does a clean house make you happier?

Multiple pieces of research suggest that there is indeed a correlation between a clean home and happiness. A 2010 study by Saxbe & Repetti from the Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, found that individuals who describe their homes as “cluttered” or “unfinished” were more likely to experience higher levels of stress and fatigue compared to those who described their homes as “restful” and “restorative”.

Another, more recent study published in Psychology Today in 2018, has shown that individuals who live in tidy environments tend to report higher levels of life satisfaction and well-being compared to those who live in messy, disorganized spaces.

However, it should be pointed out that, since the perceived importance of cleanliness and tidiness is subjective (as noted above), the level of impact a clean home may have on happiness will vary from one person to another.

Still, after everything being said, we may conclude that, while the act of cleaning itself may not be as satisfying, the results – a clean and organized living environment – definitely can and, often, does contribute to a positive mood and overall feeling of happiness.

reliable cleaning services near me in Hilltop, WAWho offers reliable cleaning services near me in Hilltop, WA?

If your messy house is causing you stress and anxiety, NW Maids is here with a perfect solution: We’ll help you find a team to do all the dirty work, so you can focus on things that actually matter and bring you joy.

Our partnering cleaners and maids have a long history of excellent customer service and are ready to bring top-tier cleanliness to your home, whether it’s near Wright Park or anywhere else in Hilltop. Reach out today and let’s get started!

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