Cleaning: Benefits to Your Health

By Sara Butler

Housework is not at the top of most people’s favorite activity list, but it’s essential to your health and wellness. Letting clutter pile up can have an impact on your mental and physical health -- something most people don’t realize. Here are a few ways that cleaning helps you to be healthier and happier.

Your Lungs Will Thank You

Pet dander and dust are major triggers for asthma, especially in children. Environmental allergens such as mildew, mold, and dust can be major triggers for asthma and allergies. If you or someone in your home has breathing problems, then it’s important to keep an eye on the products you use to clean, since some chemicals can make asthma worse.

For better respiratory health in your home, you should:

• Declutter – Clutter collects dust, so the less you have, the less chance it will create a dust collection
• Vacuum – In order to keep dander and dust under control, you should vacuum; a vacuum with a HEPA filter is recommended
• Make your home pest-proof – Cleaning regularly also makes your home less attractive to pests such as bugs or rodents
• Watch out for leaks – Standing water in your home from leaks or damp areas can create the perfect home for mold and mildew; keep rooms ventilated and clean with diluted bleach to help

Falling Hazards

Homes with a lot of clutter also create physical dangers, such as falling risks. This is especially crucial for older adults since they have a higher risk of falling and being injured than younger people. You can reduce falling hazards in the home by:

• Getting rid of rugs – Throw rugs are dangerous since they’re easy to slip or trip on
• Keeping the floor clear – It’s important to keep the floors clear of obstacles and keep walkways open to reduce fall risk

Concentration Killer

One of the less obvious ways that living in a cluttered home can impact your life is that it can make it impossible to focus. In studies, clutter has been found to reduce the capacity of your brain to process information. Basically, being surrounded by stuff makes you less able to focus, which can be a problem for kids trying to do their homework.

To solve this, you should:

• Keep stuff out of sight
• Reduce clutter in your home
• Declutter gradually so it’s not overwhelming

Clutter can do more than just clutter your house, it can clutter your mind and challenge your health. So, take steps to clear the clutter!