As the season of renewal arrives, many of us feel the urge to refresh our homes and lives with a thorough spring cleaning, but is this annual tradition really beneficial for our health and well-being?

History of spring cleaning

It’s common for people to anticipate changes in the seasons, and one way of doing so is by cleaning and decluttering their spaces. Spring cleaning, in particular, has been practised historically, regardless of whether it was for traditional reasons or not. Professor Katharine Milkman has correlated spring cleaning with the ‘fresh start effect’ which is a reflection of ebbs and flows in our motivation.¹ This concept highlights the spike in motivation that we naturally have when we are expecting the start of something - similar to anticipating the new year, for example. The exact underlying reasons and histories of spring cleaning will vary across regions. For instance, in Iran, the Persian’s new year starts in spring, so people will be preparing their homes and spaces in anticipation of the new season (and year).² So why is a task, which is often dreaded, so rewarding?

Boost your mood

This is probably the first answer that people think of, and rightly so! There are different ways in which mood can be improved through decluttering and cleaning of spaces surrounding us. Cleaning can be strenuous and physically laboursome, but through this activity, the outcome can be satisfying, which ultimately leads to a better mood. Additionally, being able to do something about our environment, can feel like we have better control over our lives, which can reduce things like stress and anxiety. Decluttering can also reduce overwhelming sensations associated with your space. A UCLA study found that clutter has a significant link to stress and cortisol levels.³ 

Be more productive

As mentioned earlier in the ‘fresh start effect’, cleaning and decluttering can be linked to a spike in motivation.¹ It’s the sense of starting a new page that can push you to get on top of your workload and tasks. You may get the drive to start an assignment you’ve been procrastinating on, or to write up a fresh to-do list or sort out your admin work. Not to mention, that things will be more organised, so you’ll cut down on the time spent looking for items that were long-lost. An improvement in mood and productivity go hand-in-hand and either effect can lead to the other.

Letting go of the past

Spring cleaning might not be magical enough to solve problems or to get you through challenging parts of life, but it can be a significant step in helping you move forward. In order to let go of unpleasant events or experiences (or to move on in any other scenario), people may want to detach themselves from their previous habits and environments. This is often a healthy response and cleaning can be one form of that. If an object has lost its value or is associated with certain events/people, hanging on to it brings an emotional burden. Hence, clearing out unnecessary things from your environment can be beneficial.

Better sleep

Have you ever had a restless night, only to find your sleep much better once you moved to another room or space? The American Academy of Sleep Medicine conducted a study that identified individuals prone to sleeping disorders - one of the significant factors is cluttered spaces.⁴ If this is the environment that someone is surrounded by constantly, it can lead to issues with sleep. It could be that the presence of clutter adds to the stress which in turn affects sleep. It can also be associated with mood changes (particularly low mood), and sleep will be a reflection of that, in many cases. 

A boost to your health

Improvement in your mental health and better sleep will understandably boost your health and overall wellbeing. However, did you know that you might be helping yourself breathe better after a thorough spring cleaning? This is especially true for people with asthma and allergies, as dust and other substances found in our homes (e.g., pet dander) can exacerbate breathing problems.⁵ 

It’s possible for spring cleaning to affect your health negatively. If people have allergies, sensitivities or breathing problems, the use of cleaning products can make this worse. Secondly, a study by Saadat et al., looked into the safety risk during spring cleaning - it concludes that the incidence of injuries during this period is significantly raised.⁶ A BBC article has also shone light on a drawback of spring-cleaning when associated with excessive habits.⁷ Some people may lean towards the opposite end of the spectrum where they constantly and excessively ‘clean’ their spaces. This is bad practice as the ‘clean’ appearance is not reflective of hygiene, and so people may be focussed on the wrong habits. 

FAQs

What are the benefits of spring cleaning?

In short, spring cleaning improves air quality, reduces allergens, lowers stress, boosts productivity, and promotes physical activity. It also creates a fresh, organised space that enhances overall well-being.

Why is decluttering good for your mental health?

Studies suggest that a clean and organised space can reduce anxiety, increase focus, and enhance overall mood. The act of cleaning itself can also be therapeutic, providing a sense of accomplishment and control.

Does spring cleaning help with allergies?

Dust, pollen, and pet hair accumulate indoors over time. Deep cleaning - vacuuming carpets, washing bedding, and wiping surfaces - can significantly reduce allergy triggers and make your home healthier.

How can spring cleaning promote physical activity?

Cleaning involves physical tasks like scrubbing, lifting, and organising, which can burn calories and improve circulation. It’s a productive way to stay active while refreshing your living space.