NEW YORK — Did the pandemic turn everyone into neat freaks? A recent survey finds Americans dedicate nearly four hours per week just to cleaning. The poll of 2,000 people reveals that nearly half (49%) report that their cleaning habits have been greatly affected by their experiences during COVID.
Respondents report that during the pandemic, they would spend five hours cleaning per week, but they’ve managed to cut that number down in recent months. Keeping carpets and rugs clean (44%) emerged as a daily struggle, followed by cleaning dirty kitchen appliances (41%) and other surfaces within the home.
Some pandemic-era hacks people found to streamline their cleaning include microfiber cloths or mops for quick and efficient cleaning (58%), opting for multi-purpose or DIY cleaning solutions (56%), and utilizing steam cleaners for thorough surface sanitization (51%).
A fifth of Americans (21%) say their favorite cleaning hack is to use a 2-in-1 vacuum and mop.
The survey, conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Tineco, finds that six in 10 Americans have become increasingly concerned about the effectiveness of their cleaning practices following the pandemic. As a result, cleaning habits have become a continued area of focus. Many are sanitizing frequently touched surfaces (71%) and cleaning shoes before entering their home (67%) on a more regular basis. Two in three (64%) also reported cleaning their carpets and floors more often.
Popular ways found to make cleaning easier include using a 2-in-1 device like a floor washer that combines vacuuming and mopping (58%), embracing new technologies such as sanitization sensors and dirt/grime detectors (57%), and getting help from other household members (51%).
“These changes have impacted the way we drive innovation to consistently deliver and meet the ever-changing needs of our customers,” says spokesperson Todd Manegold, General Manager of Tineco North America, in a statement.Â
The survey also affirms that cleaning isn’t exactly a chore, with 67 percent of respondents finding it therapeutic and a practice that reduces their stress and improves their mental health. Increased productivity and focus (56%), improved aesthetics and comfort (49%), and even improved physical health (48%) were among the other reported advantages.
Survey methodology
This random double-opt-in survey of 2,000 general population Americans was commissioned by Tineco between June 12 and June 15, 2023. It was conducted by market research company OnePoll, whose team members are members of the Market Research Society and have corporate membership to the American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR) and the European Society for Opinion and Marketing Research (ESOMAR).
