A new poll of 2,000 adults has revealed the average amount of time a British home will remain spotless before once again descending into chaos – and the results are very relatable
It turns out that the pristine state of British homes is quite short-lived, as a recent study reveals they remain spotless for just two hours after a good cleaning session before crumbling into disarray again. Even though a committed 34% tidy up every day, their efforts keep the household looking in top shape for merely 118 minutes on average.
Over half the people surveyed (55%) crack on with an annual spring clean – with March and April peak months for giving the house a proper going-over. During this big spruce-up, Brits get stuck into those oft-neglected jobs like washing the curtains and attending to the dust on skirting boards.
Regular cleaning duties carried out include stowing away dishes (63%), making beds (62%), and loading the washing machine (51%). Interestingly, 40% have come to terms with their untidy surroundings, seeing the beauty in the everyday disarray.
This research, sponsored by P&G, the company behind Bold and Febreze, coincides with the launch of their spring collection in collaboration with Mrs Hinch, which features “Enchanted Wildflowers,” a bouquet of fragrances aimed at making mundane tasks like dishwashing and laundry a more aromatic experience.
Mrs Hinch herself expressed her enthusiasm for the new range, stating:“I’m excited to finally share this collection, all about finding beauty in the everyday chaos of home.
“I hope to help people transform their space into a little slice of spring, filling it with floral and fresh scents and make cleaning and organising feel less overwhelming.
“It’s not about striving for a perfect, picture-postcard home, it’s about those small, simple touches that bring joy and tranquillity to your day, making a real difference.”
The research also uncovered that a whopping 77% of individuals feel compelled to manage household clutter, fully aware that it’s a battle against the inevitable return of mess. A significant majority, 65%, are advocates of the “little and often” method, chipping away at chores as they arise, as per findings from OnePoll.com.
A spokesperson for Procter & Gamble said: “It’s relatable to read how quickly places get messy again after being cleaned.
“Despite yearning for a tidy home, it’s the little things which show a place is lived in and enjoyed – be it dishes from a homecooked meal or toys from pets or children playing.
“Embracing the chaos of a home is important, but being able to relax too is key. The little but often routine helps keep on top of general mess, before dedicating time to a bigger spree such as the spring clean.”