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The Dirty Truth: Calculating the Average Weekly Hours Devoted to Cleaning


A woman using a microfibre to clean floor.
A woman using a microfibre to clean floor.

Cleaning is a necessary part of our lives. Whether it’s dusting off the shelves, doing the dishes, or scrubbing the bathroom tiles; these tasks ensure our homes remain comfortable and hygienic. But have you ever wondered how much time a person spends on cleaning each week? Let’s delve into some statistics. But before we do ...


How many hours in a week do you spend cleaning?

  • less than 3

  • between 3 and 4

  • between 4 and 5

  • more than 5


Average Cleaning Hours Devoted to Cleaning Across the Globe

  • The time spent on cleaning varies significantly across different countries. In the United States, people spend approximately six hours per week cleaning their homes.

  • In the United Kingdom, homeowners spend up to five hours cleaning in a typical week. The average figure for women is 5 hours 25 minutes, while men spend less time cleaning on average, at just under 4 hours per week.

  • In Australia, females who participated in unpaid work activities spent on average 4 hours 31 minutes a day, while males spent 3 hours 12 minutes.


How Do Australians Spend Their Time
https://ourworldindata.org/time-use-living-conditions, Dec 2020

Factors Influencing Cleaning Time

Several factors influence the amount of time people spend on cleaning. These include:

  • Household size: Larger households typically require more cleaning.

  • Presence of children: Homes with children often require more frequent and thorough cleaning.

  • Work schedules: Those with demanding jobs may have less time to devote to cleaning.


The Evolution of Time Spent Cleaning

Interestingly, the amount of time people have devoted to housework has dropped dramatically in recent decades (4). This could be attributed to advancements in home appliances that have made cleaning tasks more efficient.


Conclusion

While these figures provide a general idea of the average hours devoted to cleaning, it’s important to remember that everyone’s situation is unique. The key is to find a balance that works for you and ensures your home remains a clean and pleasant space.

Remember, a clean home is not just about appearances—it’s also crucial for maintaining good health and well-being. So, next time you pick up that broom or duster, know that you’re investing in your health and happiness!


We invite you to share your questions and experiences related to this topic in the comments section below.


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This blog post is based on averages and statistics available as of 2023.

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