Cleanliness is highly valued in British culture and crucial to maintaining a healthy and comfortable living environment. Keeping a clean home is not only a matter of personal hygiene but also a social expectation that reflects one’s respect for oneself and others. Unfortunately, this is not always doable, especially since many people lead busy lives.
Busy people often struggle to maintain a clean home due to time constraints and competing priorities. Work, family, social obligations, and other commitments can leave little time for cleaning and organising. Additionally, some individuals may lack the skills or knowledge to clean and maintain their homes effectively. However, a study conducted in 2019 found that some Brits are just too busy to make room for cleaning, which sounds ridiculous when you think about it. But is it?
A Cleaning Study
Out of ten people, three could only do a small number of household tasks on weekends, indicating that only a third of the participants had difficulty finding time to do housework. Additionally, a survey showed that 38% of adults believed that the traditional annual spring clean is no longer practised, and 45% thought that previous generations had more time to complete household chores.
According to Keval Shah, spokesperson for home appliance brand Beko, who commissioned the study, many people nowadays do not prioritise housework due to their busy modern lifestyles. Although most of us would like to keep our homes clean and tidy, it is challenging to find the time to do so. The research also revealed that time-saving is crucial, particularly because people work longer hours now and have more active social lives than before. Thanks to modern technology, however, we can now save time in our daily activities, including cleaning, which means traditional housework is less of a priority.
The Importance of Cleaning Technologies
The study revealed that around two-thirds wanted more cleaning solutions that save time, and one in five found controlling appliances through their smartphones to be a great time-saver. 36% of respondents believe that technological advancements have helped them save time, citing self-cleaning ovens, litter boxes, and steam cleaners as examples of gadgets commonly used in UK households.
According to the study, 40% of people said using a dishwasher saved them the most time, and they used it four times a week. however, another 40% blamed their busy work lives for not having enough time to clean. The survey also found that most people spend about four hours a week cleaning their homes, but one-third only spend one or two hours. Due to lack of time, cleaning windows, skirting boards, and kitchen appliances like the oven and fridge are often neglected. On the other hand, the least favourite chores are cleaning the oven and toilet.
What Does the Global Data Show?
According to the research, the UK falls behind other countries such as the US, France, and China regarding how often homes are cleaned. A survey of 12,000 people across 11 countries found that only 28% of UK households clean their homes five to seven times per week, which is lower than the international average of 32%. Other countries such as Turkey, Italy, China, France, the US, and South Korea clean their homes more frequently than the UK. Despite a recent increase in British adults tending to housework, the UK still lags behind other countries in home cleaning. Japan, Australia, and Germany are the only countries to clean their homes less often than the UK.
Dyson conducted a Global Dust Study survey and discovered that 95% of the 12,309 participants have been cleaning their homes just as much, if not more, than they did the previous year. People are worried about keeping their homes clean during the coronavirus pandemic. However, it is also believed that the increase in cleaning in the UK may be due to more people owning pets, as 3.2 million households welcomed a new furry friend in 2020.
Maintaining a Clean Home
With all this information, it is clear that there is a need for UK households to step up their cleaning game. Here are some tips:
- Develop a cleaning routine: Set aside time each day or week to clean different areas of your home. This will help you stay on top of cleaning tasks and prevent them from piling up.
- Declutter regularly: A cluttered home is harder to clean, so it is important to declutter and remove items you no longer need regularly.
- Use the right cleaning products: Make sure you use the right cleaning products for each surface in your home. Using the wrong product can damage surfaces and be less effective at cleaning.
Conclusion
Homes in the UK must keep up with the rest of the world regarding home cleanliness, especially since the pandemic has made us all more aware of the importance of cleanliness and hygiene. By following the tips and advice mentioned above, you can ensure your home is clean, healthy, and comfortable for you and your family. Remember, a little effort and regular maintenance can go a long way in keeping your home clean and tidy.
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