An article in Psychology Today (7.11.2016) reveals scientific proof that a clean and organized house can enhance the health and well-being of you and your family.

A survey conducted by the National Sleep Foundation found that people who make their beds every morning are 19 percent more likely to report regularly getting a good night’s sleep. People who were surveyed also reported benefits from having clean sheets, specifically, 75 percent of people said they get a better night’s rest when their sheets are freshly cleaned because they feel more comfortable.

Although putting things away, dusting, vacuuming, scrubbing and shining may not be your idea of fun, its rewards can help to maintain your mental and physical health.

Benefits of regular housekeeping.

• Kills germs that can suppress the immune system and cause you to become sick. However, by regularly cleaning your home with a quality disinfectant, you can kill up to 98 percent of the daily germs and help keep your family healthy.
• Improves the quality of the indoor air by getting rid of accumulated dust bunnies, mildew and animal dander.
• Enhances the look of your home. Instead of looking at piles of clutter and a sink full of dishes, your focus goes to your beautiful furniture and shiny appliances.
• Improves productivity, mental clarity and deters stress. Keeping your home clean is one of the easiest ways to improve clarity and deter stress. Walking into a messy, dirty house can instantly put you in a funk of a mood, and piles of clutter and disorganization can trigger brain fog and depression.
• Improves creativity. When your house is clean and tidy, you will be able to concentrate entirely on your current works and revive or inspire creative ideas.
• Saves time. With a clean home, you will spend less time looking for things you have misplaced. Simplify your life by going through the mail when you receive it and getting rid of unneeded papers or household items when you don’t need them. You’ll feel better when your home is organized and you’ll find what you need in its rightful place.

Housecleaning does not have to be complicated or hard. The first step is always the same – pick up the clutter! Go through the entire house to retrieve and put away all personal items that are strewn about the house. Then tackle each room by using this general rule – start cleaning the big things such as the floor and furniture first and end up cleaning the smaller things such as mirrors, knickknacks.

Finally, remember to get your family involved. Unless you live alone, there should be no reason why the responsibility of keeping the house clean should fall solely on you. Assign chore lists and create cleanliness-routines such as putting the toilet seat down, cleaning up toys and taking the trash out.

Related Links:
How to Clean a House (with Pictures) – www.wikihow.com
Our 50 Best Tips to Make Your House Super Clean – www.goodhousekeeping.com
The Lost Art of House Cleaning: A Clean House Is a Happy Home, by Jan M. Dougherty
The Naturally Clean Home: 100 Safe and Easy Herbal Formulas for Non-Toxic Cleansers, by Karyn Siegel-Maier