Two thirds of Brits prefer ‘little and often’ approach to cleaning

The average British home remains tidy for just two hours after a thorough cleaning spree before chaos takes over again, a new study has revealed. A survey of 2,000 adults found that while 34% of people tidy up daily, their homes manage to stay spick and span for an average of only 118 minutes.

Over half of respondents (55%) said they complete an annual spring clean, with March (40%) and April (35%) being the most popular times to tackle this task. During these seasonal spruce-ups, Britons tend to focus on less regular chores, such as washing curtains (36%) and dusting skirting boards (33%).

Common cleaning tasks include putting away dishes (63%), making beds (62%), and loading the washing machine (51%). Four in ten admitted that they now embrace the mess, finding beauty in the everyday chaos of home life.

The research, commissioned by P&G—makers of Bold and Febreze—celebrates their spring collection with Mrs Hinch, featuring “Enchanted Wildflowers,” a range of floral scents designed to make household chores like dishwashing and laundry more pleasant.

Mrs Hinch shared her thoughts on the new collection, saying: “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 study also found that, even amidst the disarray, 77% of people feel the need to keep on top of household mess, even if they know it will reappear soon.

Nearly two-thirds (65%) prefer a “little and often” approach, tackling tasks when they can, according to OnePoll.com data.

A spokesperson for Procter & Gamble commented: “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.”