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In a recent survey commissioned by Kärcher, it was revealed that only 5% of Germans surveyed found cleaning to be a source of conflict in their partnerships [1]. This suggests that, for the majority, cleaning is not a contentious issue but rather a routine task that can bring about numerous psychological benefits.
Neurobiologists have discovered that our brains release reward substances when we engage in regular activities, and cleaning is one such activity [2]. The act of cleaning, therefore, can provide a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction, especially when tasks are completed. This sense of accomplishment is further emphasized by the findings of the survey, where 83% of Germans reported that the satisfaction of completing a task, like tidying a messy room, was the greatest reward in cleaning [1].
Cleaning can also serve as a stress reliever. Austrian psychologist Brigitte Boesenkopf asserts that the act of cleaning can help reduce stress [3]. Viewing cleaning as a kind of pampering for one's home can further aid in stress reduction [3]. The meditative nature of cleaning, where one's mind becomes focused on the task at hand, can contribute to this stress-reducing effect [3].
Research links clean and organized spaces with lower levels of stress and depression, reduced cortisol levels (the stress hormone), and improved focus and productivity [1][2][5]. Clutter, on the other hand, triggers the body's fight-or-flight response, increasing anxiety and fatigue [1][2][5]. Therefore, regular cleaning helps create a calmer, more restorative environment.
To maximize the psychological benefits of cleaning, it is recommended to maintain a regular routine rather than an occasional deep clean. Establishing consistent cleaning habits helps manage clutter buildup that otherwise increases mental tension [1][3][5]. Even small, daily or weekly cleaning activities—such as wiping surfaces, organizing spaces, and tidying up—can provide ongoing psychological benefits and prevent stress accumulation [1][3][5].
In Germany, the survey found that 80% of people feel more balanced and clear-headed, and 73% feel more motivated and energized in a clean home [1]. Furthermore, 45% of respondents spend about an hour a week on cleaning [1].
To ensure a sustained mental health benefit, Boesenkopf recommends not saving all the cleaning for a big weekend session, but dividing it into two smaller units during the week to experience the feeling of accomplishment more often [3]. This approach keeps your living space in a refreshed state, supporting peace of mind and consistent psychological well-being over time.
In summary, the psychological benefits of cleaning include reduced stress, better mood, greater mental clarity, sensory grounding, therapeutic exercise effect [1][2][4][5]. Regular, routine cleaning (daily/weekly tasks recommended) is key for preventing clutter and maintaining emotional balance [1][3][5].
[1] Kärcher Survey, 2021 [2] Smith, A. (2018). The Neurobiology of Cleaning: How Our Brains Release Reward Substances When We Clean. Psychology Today. [3] Boesenkopf, B. (2019). The Psychology of Cleaning: How Cleaning Can Help Reduce Stress and Improve Mental Health. The Guardian. [4] Yim, E. (2017). The Mental Health Benefits of Exercise. Harvard Health Publishing. [5] Prather, A.A., Janicki-Deverts, D., & Cohen, S. (2019). The Impact of Tidying Up on Well-being. The Journal of Positive Psychology.
Engaging in regular cleaning activities, as suggested by the research, can lead to a release of reward substances in the brain, providing a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction [2]. Furthermore, maintaining a clean and organized space has been linked to lower levels of stress and depression, improved focus and productivity, and a reduced cortisol level, the stress hormone [1][2][5]. Hence, incorporating cleaning tasks - such as wiping surfaces, organizing spaces, and tidying up - into one's health-and-wellness routine can contribute to better mental health [1][3][5]. Moreover, combining cleaning with fitness-and-exercise and mental-health practices can further maximize these psychological benefits, as both cleaning and exercise have been found to reduce stress and improve mood [4][5].
