The Surprising Reasons Why People Love To Clean

Spring marks the official onset of the cleaning season, prompting us to explore the reasons behind the satisfaction many individuals derive from cleaning. In a survey posed to Real Simple Facebook fans, nearly 90% preferred cleaning or having a clean space. The responses shed light on the profound connection between cleaning and a sense of contentment. To delve deeper into this phenomenon, we sought insights from neat freaks and cleaning experts, unraveling the psychology behind the joy associated with tasks such as running the dishwasher and folding laundry.

Cleaning, as pointed out by Dr. Fugen Neziroglu, Ph.D., the director of the Bio Behavioral Institute, offers a tangible end product. This observable result distinguishes cleaning from many other tasks, providing a sense of accomplishment. Individuals like Michelle Jesperson find satisfaction in having a clean and organized home. Completing cleaning tasks can catalyze tackling challenges in other areas of life.

For many, cleaning is more than a routine chore; it is a calming influence on the mind. Cleaning up one’s external environment can be a symbolic representation of decluttering the psyche. Individuals like Julia Stone experience peace and a fresh start for the upcoming week by dedicating time to weekend cleaning.

Another psychological aspect of cleaning is the sense of control it imparts. Living in a clean space provides a feeling of control over one’s environment, bringing comfort, according to Deibler. This control becomes even more pronounced when individuals can’t control other areas of their lives. As environmental psychologist Sally Augustin points out, there is an evolutionary need for control, and clean, uncluttered spaces contribute to a relaxed state.

Cleaning is not just a physical activity; it is also a mechanism for stress relief. Tula Karras, a contributing editor to Self magazine, used cleaning to cope with moving apartments. Many individuals, like Karras, turn to cleaning as a distraction from the pressures of work and everyday life, providing a healthy outlet for anxiety.

In our fast-paced lives, cleaning can also be a form of meditation. The repetitive, simple tasks involved in cleaning allow individuals to enter a meditative state, as noted by Zen Buddhist priest Karen Maezen Miller. The mindlessness of cleaning becomes a source of relaxation, offering a break from the constant stream of thoughts. Moreover, cleaning has a direct impact on mood. It triggers the release of endorphins, the feel-good chemicals in the brain.

The state of one’s living space reflects not just external order but internal well-being. According to psychologist Rebecca Beaton, a cluttered, dirty space can degrade one’s self-worth.
Beyond the psychological effects, cleaning becomes a means of self-care. As Zen Buddhist priest Karen Maezen Miller emphasizes, the state of one’s living space mirrors the state of one’s mind. Engaging in housework and tackling tasks often deemed mundane symbolizes a willingness to face challenges and make positive transformations in every aspect of life.

Cleaning transcends its practical purpose; it becomes a multifaceted tool for achieving mental and emotional well-being. From offering a tangible sense of accomplishment to serving as a therapeutic outlet for stress, cleaning emerges as a holistic approach to self-care and personal transformation. As individuals engage in these seemingly routine tasks, they nurture their mental health and cultivate a sense of control, peace, and fulfillment.