Woman stressed out from laundry (© Wayhome Studio - stock.adobe.com)
NEW YORK — Does dusting and mopping drive you crazier than paperwork at the office? You’re not alone. In a revealing glimpse into America’s domestic lives, nearly a quarter of Americans find keeping their homes clean more challenging than their full-time jobs.
The survey, commissioned by BISSELL and conducted by Talker Research, examined the cleaning habits of 2,000 Americans and uncovered the surprising psychological and financial toll of maintaining a spotless home. It’s even more stressful when company comes over during the holidays!
With that in mind, 80% admit they want to impress visitors with their tidiness. This desire for domestic perfection runs so deep that 29% would give up buying new clothes for an entire year in exchange for a permanently pristine home.
“The best cleaning session is fast, satisfying, and effective,” says Vana Kokkinos, brand manager of steam cleaning at BISSELL, in a statement. “If you haven’t perfected your cleaning routine already, start fresh in 2025 with tools that make the job a breeze.”
The survey reveals a stark difference in time investment between parents and non-parents, with parents dedicating four hours weekly to housekeeping compared to non-parents’ three hours. For many, cleaning schedules dictate their social lives, with 34% acknowledging their social calendars revolve around their cleaning routines.
When guests are coming over, Americans spend an average of one hour frantically tidying before their arrival. Despite these efforts, 48% confess they don’t notice their home’s true state until visitors arrive, at which point cleaning oversights become glaringly apparent. This realization leads to embarrassment for 57% of respondents when their homes aren’t as clean as they’d like.
The poll also identified common cleaning blindspots in American homes, with window blinds (29%), baseboards (27%), windowsills (24%), and fans (23%) being the most neglected areas. These overlooked areas contribute to the 41% of Americans who worry guests will notice grimy corners during their visits.
Going green to clean?
A significant shift toward natural cleaning solutions is emerging, particularly among parents. The survey found that 19% of parents were already using all-natural cleaning products before having children, with an additional 38% adopting these methods after becoming parents. Overall, 71% of Americans prioritize chemical-free cleaning and sanitizing, with parents slightly more concerned than non-parents (72% vs. 69%).
When selecting cleaning products, Americans consider multiple factors, with efficacy (92%), germ-killing ability (90%), versatility (86%), and environmental impact (68%) topping the list. For parents specifically, 83% cite their children’s health as a major consideration in choosing cleaning products.
The financial impact of ineffective cleaning solutions is also weighing on families, with Americans estimating they’ve wasted an average of $600 on unsuccessful cleaning products and tools over the years. Looking ahead, while 59% plan to maintain cleaner homes in the new year, 79% wish they had a cleaning magic wand to assist them.
In lieu of magical solutions, respondents shared practical cleaning wisdom, including tips like “clean as you go,” “don’t let small jobs pile up,” “always dust and sweep before you polish and mop,” “steam clean the microwave, wash windows, iron out carpet stains” and “always have music playing.”
“The survey results demonstrate the motivations for keeping a clean house go beyond just peace of mind. According to the study, health and wellness, along with social perceptions and community building, are also top of mind when tidying up,” says Kokkinos. “There are ways to make sure cultivating a healthy, clean home isn’t so daunting, and having the right tools can really make the difference when tackling some of the toughest messes.”
“Things like using a hand-held steamer make it easy to quickly clean and sanitize buildup and grime on appliances, windowsills, baseboards, and other tough-to-tackle places, giving you more time back in your day to spend with loved ones.”
Survey methodology
Talker Research surveyed 2,000 general population Americans; the survey was commissioned by BISSELL and administered and conducted online by Talker Research between Dec. 10 and Dec. 13, 2024.
