As spring ushers in longer days and brighter light, many Britons find themselves confronting the clutter and grime accumulated over the winter months. While a spotless home is widely recognised for enhancing mood and mental well-being, a significant portion of the population experiences stress and anxiety at the prospect of household chores.

Cleaning: a source of stress and guilt

A recent survey by Currys, involving 2,000 UK residents, sheds light on the nation’s cleaning habits and attitudes. The findings reveal that:

• Stress and anxiety. Nearly half (45%) of respondents feel stressed or anxious about household chores.
• Dislike for cleaning. A substantial 58% admit they do not enjoy cleaning tasks.
• Guilt over unfinished chores. Approximately 68% feel guilty when household chores are left undone.

These statistics underscore a complex relationship between cleanliness and mental health, where the desire for a tidy environment clashes with the aversion to the tasks required to achieve it.

Oven cleaning tops list of most-dreaded chores

Among various household tasks, some are particularly loathed. The survey highlights the top chores Britons dread the most:

• Oven cleaning. Leading the list, 35% of respondents cite this as their least favourite task.
• Cleaning the toilet. Nearly 23% would prefer to avoid this chore.
• Changing the bedding. Ranked third, 16% find this task particularly unappealing.

Other chores that made the list include scrubbing the shower or bath (14%), cleaning windows (14%), and folding and putting away laundry (14%).

Expert tips to ease kitchen cleaning

To alleviate the stress associated with these dreaded tasks, experts from Currys offer practical advice for tackling some of the most challenging kitchen cleaning chores:

Oven cleaning with natural products

Burnt-on grease and grime can make oven cleaning daunting. A recommended natural solution involves:

• Soaking oven shelves. Place them in hot, soapy water to loosen debris.
• Homemade cleaning paste. Mix one cup of baking soda with one-third cup of table salt, adding just enough water to form a paste. Apply this mixture to the oven’s interior surfaces (excluding self-cleaning areas) and leave it overnight. The following day, wipe off the paste with a damp sponge, using a brush for stubborn spots.

Microwave maintenance

Food splatters can lead to stubborn stains in microwaves. A simple cleaning method includes:

• Lemon steam clean. Place a bowl of water with half a lemon inside the microwave and heat on high for two minutes. Once slightly cooled, use a clean cloth to wipe away grime. For persistent stains, white vinegar can be an effective alternative.

Refrigerator refresh

Maintaining a clean fridge is essential for food safety. To simplify the process:

• Pre-clean planning. Schedule cleaning before your weekly shop to minimise the amount of food to remove.
• Cleaning shelves and drawers. Wash these components with hot water and detergent. For the fridge walls, use an antibacterial cleaner to eliminate germs. Stubborn buildup can be addressed by scrubbing with white toothpaste, which helps remove residue and leaves a fresh scent.

Washing machine care

Regular maintenance of the washing machine ensures its efficiency and longevity:

• Detergent drawer. Soak the drawer in hot water and scrub off any residue with a toothbrush.
• Filter cleaning. Debris can cause blockages; therefore, wash the drain filter with hot water, dry it thoroughly, and ensure the machine is switched off before handling.
• Drum maintenance. Wipe down the rubber seal to remove trapped dirt or moisture. For a deep clean, run a self-clean cycle or a 90-degree wash with 500 ml of white vinegar or a dishwasher tablet to eliminate bacteria and odours. Always leave the detergent drawer and drum door open after use to allow proper air circulation and prevent mould growth.

Balancing cleanliness and well-being

While the benefits of a clean home are well-documented, it’s crucial to find a balance that doesn’t compromise mental well-being. Adopting manageable cleaning routines, seeking help when necessary, and using effective cleaning strategies can transform these dreaded chores into more tolerable tasks, contributing to a healthier and happier living environment.