MADISON, Wis.—May 10, 2021—Can a clean home really be good for your health? The answer may surprise you.
From reducing anxiety to benefiting the heart, spring cleaning can do wonders for you, both mentally and physically. Dr. Jonah Fox, Medical Director of WPS Health Solutions, agrees cleaning your house can offer both physical and mental health benefits.
If you find yourself sneezing or suffering from itchy or watery eyes, seasonal allergies may not be the problem. Dust, mold, mildew, and pet dander can build up big-time during the winter months when many of us keep windows and doors closed.
Rid your home of these irritants by vacuuming carpets, furniture, and upholstery. Clean out potentially damp areas such as bathrooms, basements, and garages. And don’t forget to replace your furnace filter every month or as the manufacturer recommends.
For most of us, it’s easier to relax in a clean room than a cluttered one. There’s just something about order that calms and reduces emotional clutter. Not to mention, the physical act of cleaning provides a great opportunity for us to turn off our brains and focus on something simple for a while.
To maximize the relaxing effects of cleaning, use cleaning products with calming scents such as lavender, eucalyptus, and ocean breeze.
We all know about the benefits of exercise. Well, it turns out that even low-intensity activities such as vacuuming, mopping, and wiping counters can be good for our health.
So, get your muscles moving and your heart pumping with at least 15 minutes of cleaning each day. It’s like burning calories for free!
A cluttered home increases the risk of slips, trips, and falls, especially among older adults. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 out of every 4 adults over age 65 falls each year, resulting in 3 million emergency room visits.
Many of these falls can be prevented. Keep floors and paths clear of unnecessary boxes, bags, cords, furniture, shoes, and sports equipment. Sweep or vacuum staircases to make sure they are free of tripping hazards.
Our bedrooms aren’t just rooms with beds—they are sanctuaries for sleep and relaxation. For a good night’s sleep, try washing your sheets and pillowcases once a week using a laundry detergent with a fragrance you like. (According to a poll by The National Sleep Foundation, 75% of respondents said they sleep better on clean sheets with a fresh scent.)
Another simple thing you can do is clear your bedside tables of everything but the essentials. Bedside clutter is the last thing any of us needs to see before closing our eyes for the night.
A clean home can benefit our health in many ways, perhaps now more than ever. With so many of us spending so much time at home this past year, it’s all the more important for us to do a little spring cleaning—all through the year.
