5 Health Benefits of Maintaining a Clean House

What are your weekends like nowadays? Do they consist of scrubbing the leftover ketchup stains from the week off your kitchen counter? Or, are you beating the dust bunnies out of your living room rug? Or maybe you’re just lazing in, flipping through channels, and taking snack breaks. But those who spend their weekends involved in cleaning may be onto something.

A clean house has been linked to lower stress levels, improved sleep, and extended life expectancy. It all comes down to decluttering, honestly. When our living spaces are cluttered, it increases cortisol levels, the stress hormone. And that may invite added pounds, anxiety, and even depression.

So, if you’re seeking ways to improve your health this year, the best thing you can do is ensure your living space is clean.

Seasonal Allergies Got No Business Here

Every time the wind gusts and brings pollen from the outdoors into your home, you’re setting yourself up for a sneezy, watery-eyed reaction. Similarly, a caked-in-dust upholstery can be a haven for dust mites, which are known to trigger asthma and allergy attacks.

Therefore, if you suffer from asthma or any other seasonal allergies, clean the surfaces that trap pollen and other allergens, such as doorknobs, windowsills, countertops, and shelves. Also, wash bedding in hot water at least once a week to kill dust mites.

However, if you’re still experiencing shortness of breath, chest pain, and persistent cough, it may be more than an allergic reaction. We often have appliances in our house that carry asbestos, a hazardous material that can lead to chronic diseases. One such disease is mesothelioma, which causes the symptoms shared above. Fortunately, you can attain mesothelioma remission by getting proper treatments on time. But look out for products and appliances having asbestos in them and remove them from your house.

Improve your Sleep Cycle

Peaceful sleep shouldn’t be a luxury, but in our fast-paced society, it often feels that way. Do you randomly toss clothes before leaving for work? Chocolate wrappers sneaking their way under the cushions? A carpet traced with hair and who-knows-what? No wonder you face difficulty swiftly drifting off to dreamland.

A cluttered, unclean bedroom environment can negatively affect your sleep. It raises your anxiety levels and makes it harder to relax. It can also be a physical hazard. What if you bump your foot on a toy or stub your toe on that rogue sneaker.

You can organize your bedroom by placing a laundry hamper in the closet for clothes, making the bed every morning and night, and keeping surfaces like nightstands and dressers clear. If you have carpeted floors, vacuum them at least once a week to get rid of dirt and hair. You can also light up stress-relieving candles, like lavender or chamomile to help you relax before sleep.

Eliminate Chances of Mold Growth

Have you been putting your leaky faucets and dripping ceilings on the backburner? What about that water stain on the carpet? If you’ve been procrastinating on fixing these things, you’ve probably invited mold into your home.

Mold loves growing in warm, humid places like bathrooms and basements. It is unsightly and can cause severe respiratory problems, like coughing, sneezing, and difficulty breathing. You may even risk developing pneumonia if you have a weakened immune system.

So, to protect your health, keeping your living space free of mold is essential. You can fix any leaks, dry up wet spots immediately, and use a dehumidifier in damp areas like the basement and bathroom. You should also clean surfaces prone to mold growth, such as shower curtains, windowsills, and floors.

Get Rid of Pest Infestations and Diseases

No one wants to find a cockroach or mouse scurrying around their home. But unfortunately, pests like these are attracted to dirty environments. And not only are they gross, but they can also spread diseases.

Cockroaches, for example, can carry harmful bacteria that can cause food poisoning. They may also trigger asthma attacks and allergic reactions. On the other hand, mice can carry Hantavirus, a deadly disease that can cause fever, muscle aches, and respiratory problems.

However, if you’ve been taking out trash regularly, cleaning up spills immediately, and storing food in airtight containers, there’s a high chance you won’t see any pests. You can also keep them away by regularly cleaning floors and surfaces, such as countertops and cabinets. And if you do see any pests, ensure to call an exterminator right away.

A Quick Workout for Healthy Bones

We all wish cleaning a house took a swish of a magic wand. But, we must put in some elbow grease to get the job done. And as it turns out, this is good for our health.

Cleaning is a form of physical activity that can help boost our bone density and prevent osteoporosis. It also helps increase our flexibility and strengthens the muscles around our joints. You’re giving your body a mini workout every time you squat to get those hard-to-reach spots or stretch to high dust surfaces.

You won’t even realize how regular sweeping, dusting, and mopping help maintain your health and fitness. So, the next time you’re tempted to skip cleaning day, remember that you’re not just doing it for a clean house. You’re doing it for a healthy body too.

Conclusion

A clean house is a happy and healthy house. From folding clothes before bed to taking out the trash daily, you can do many small things to maintain clean living space. Ditch the vacuum cleaner, mop once in a while, and give your whole body a workout. Your sparkling clean house will enhance your productivity and make you feel happier too. Eventually, you’ll be putting off chronic diseases and illnesses at bay.