Spring cleaning during lockdown could improve your mental wellbeing, a poll suggests.
The research, carried out by cleaning tech firm Kärcher, found that nine in ten Liverpool residents feel that cleaning positively benefits their wellbeing.
A third of those surveyed in the city also said that cleaning makes them feel less stressed.
Behavioural psychologist Jo Hemmings said: “At the moment people may be feeling confused and worried but by taking back some control over these negative emotions and creating a more ordered and soothing space, we are empowering ourselves to take back control.
“During difficult times such as these, much of our anxiety comes from increased levels of the stress hormone cortisol.
"But studies have shown that cleaning – even for just 20 minutes – can reduce this.
"Vigorous housework, like washing your floor, drive or patio, burns up enough energy to provide an outlet for negative emotions, while increasing endorphins – releasing an analgesic effect on both physical and psychological pain."
Over 50% of Brits complete an annual spring clean according to Kärcher - rising to 56 per cent among those in their 20s and 30s.
Almost a quarter of people in this age group specifically, turn to online influencers like Mrs Hinch for cleaning tips, while 53% asked their mum for advice.
The research also showed that people under the age of 44, tend to take care of the little details like disinfecting door handles, cleaning on top of kitchen cabinets, washing the patio, decluttering drawers and polishing silverware when doing a deep Spring Clean.
While across all age groups, 31 per cent of men asked their partners for cleaning tips, compared to 13 per cent of women.
Jo Hemmings added: "Getting rid of that built up dirt and bacteria from your home by doing a deep clean cleanses both your physical environment and your psychological state of mind.
"Tidying, cleaning and decluttering not only reduces our level of cortisol, it actually adds to our sense of overall wellbeing and has been shown to encourage us to lead a healthier lifestyle, be more productive and feel more positive emotionally.”
Freda Cronk, Interim Marketing Director at Kärcher said: “At Kärcher we understand the impact that current events are having on everyone’s mental wellbeing, and we hope that we can raise awareness of the positive benefits that cleaning can have to help relieve stress.”
