clean home, happy home

by Kendra Lee

studies show that a clean, organized home is good for your mental health

SPRING, BY DEFINITION, is a time of regrowth and new beginnings. Many cultures have long celebrated with a deep cleaning of the home. A tradition we’ve come to call ‘spring cleaning.’ But why are we so energized to clean, reset and declutter?

As spring reintroduces us to brighter and warmer days, accompanied by the opportunity for more outdoor activity, we experience an efflux of endorphins and energy. But why do we continue to focus our new spring energy on the custom of a deep home cleaning? The simple answer is an improved psyche.

English writer Sydney Smith once stated, “A comfortable house is a great source of happiness. It ranks immediately after health and a good conscience.” Little did he know his sentiment would prove accurate many times over. From Princeton University to Cornell University to America’s Anxiety Disorder Center, dozens of studies have determined a clean and organized home is essential to good mental health.

In fact, the act of cleaning, along with the end result of a clean home, produces many benefits, including a mental ‘high’ of being in control, reduced stress, and improved focus and productivity. A study by the National Center for Biotechnology Information revealed women with stressful homes lacked cortisol spikes which contributed to a depressed mood. In contrast, women with calmer homes had spikes of cortisol which enhanced their mood.

Spring cleaning is the chance to take a complete inventory of our home and self; the time to get rid of the old (dirt, germs and negative energy) and prepare for the new. After all, your home is your safe place to reset from the world’s chaos.

“A spring cleaning evokes feelings of relaxation and calm, which many are going for in this busy world,” said Molly Moran, Founder of Green Sweep. “Since the onset of COVID-19, people are at home more and spaces are more ‘used’ than ever.”

And after a season (or two as we’ve come to know) of shutting ourselves in, our homes are ready for a deep clean. “Those wanting a spring cleaning mostly want to feel like their house has been refreshed,” said Brandon Schoen and Brandon Condrey, owners of Sandia Green Clean. “Most just don’t feel like it’s spring until their home is completely clean again—it’s like bringing your home out of winter hibernation.”

So, what does deep cleaning entail?
As far as the professionals are concerned, a deep cleaning is “the next-level version of regular cleaning,” explained Moran. “It should include hand cleaning baseboards, blinds, ceiling fans, rugs, furniture, doors and door frames; deeper dusting and vacuuming; removing hard water and soap scum build-up; cleaning the outside of all cabinetry as well as the inside of kitchen appliances.”

“Don’t forget under the sofa cushions! You wouldn’t believe what’s hiding in there after a long winter!” shared Schoen and Condrey. “We also suggest dusting the outside of the front door and sweeping off the porch—it’s a perfect way to say hello to a new season!”

Since clutter can negatively impact your sense of control and can cause stress, anxiety and depression, use this time to donate items you haven’t used in the last year. According to Psychology Today, “Emotional clutter can accrue just like bric-a-brac, clothes, shoes, furniture and cooking utensils—all that stuff that clutters your physical space. Similarly, emotional clutter most often comes from the stress that clogs our psyche.” Just follow the long-lived design mantra: Less is more!

Once you’re committed and ready to tackle spring cleaning, don’t approach it with a bad attitude. Remember, this project will reset your overall mental health and outlook. Keep the mood light and approach it with a smile—open the windows, play your favorite music, invite a friend for a bit, and if you get overwhelmed, take a break. It doesn’t have to be done in one day! Turn the page for our cleaning checklist.