"A clean environment is essential because it promotes both physical and mental well-being. A tidy, organized space reduces stress, increases productivity, and fosters a positive atmosphere," says Michael Wilkins, owner of Wilkins Refresh Cleaning Service to Bored Panda.

"It also plays a crucial role in health by minimizing the spread of germs and allergens, creating a safer and more comfortable space for everyone. Whether at home or in the workplace, cleanliness enhances focus, improves overall satisfaction, and contributes to a healthier lifestyle."

Cleaning professional and owner of Clean Queen House Cleaning, Katie Lambert, definitely agrees that having a clean environment is crucial both for mental and physical health.

"Having a clean, decluttered space helps you keep a calm mind. I know for myself having ADHD, I get overwhelmed and can't think as well if my space is dirty and cluttered. I also feel ashamed that I have to spend my weekends and evenings to upkeep my house. I don't know where that shame came from, but I have talked to many women who feel the same way," she shares.

We were also curious to know what inspired these professionals to pursue a career associated with cleaning. Wilkins said it was because he saw an opportunity to make a positive impact on businesses by providing clean, organized, and aesthetically pleasing workspaces.

"As a business owner myself, I understand how important it is to create an environment that fosters productivity, creativity, and well-being. By offering professional cleaning services, I can help business owners maintain a welcoming and efficient workspace, ensuring their employees and clients feel comfortable and confident in their surroundings. It’s incredibly rewarding to contribute to a cleaner, more enjoyable environment for everyone," he told us.

Meanwhile, Lambert got into the cleaning business in 2009 after graduating college in Hawaii, as there weren't many available job openings.

"My sister, Laura Christian, started her cleaning service in 2005 in Fort Collins. I would help clean for her business when I would come home for summer breaks, and when I was getting ready to graduate, my sister suggested that I clean houses in Hilo, where I was. I ran that business for 8 years, it was really, really hard. Hiring, managing, all of it," she said, sharing her experience.

But things started to pick up when she moved back to Colorado and started another clean business there. "This one was different because I had already made a ton of mistakes in Hawaii, so we were able to grow faster in Colorado. The major game changer for me was in 2023, at age 37, I was diagnosed with ADHD. Then it all came together. Why cleaning is so important for mental health, why I have struggled so much with shame (due to my poor executive functioning), I now want to help more people who struggle with their mental health with cleaning," she told Bored Panda.

When asked why so many people put off tidying until the last minute, Wilkins said, "Many people dislike cleaning because it can feel like a time-consuming and often overwhelming task, especially when juggling busy schedules. It’s easy to put it off because the immediate results aren’t always visible, and the process can feel repetitive and tedious," he said.

"Additionally, cleaning often requires attention to detail and physical effort, which can be tiring. As a result, many prefer to focus on tasks that feel more rewarding or urgent, leaving cleaning to the last minute. However, I think that once people experience the benefits of a clean and organized space, the motivation to keep up with it often increases!"  

Lambert agrees that a chore like cleaning can be highly overwhelming if a person is trying to complete it all at once. "If you can, set your family up on a recurring cleaning schedule with your local cleaning service, this will not only help your relationship, but also help to make sure you're living in a clean space, you just need to maintain your things! If you need help with decluttering or organizing, I suggest hiring an organizer first, then the house cleaner can come in and do a really great deep clean," she recommends.

Something else that can make tidying up less of a hassle is breaking the tasks into smaller, more manageable steps, says Wilkins. "Instead of tackling everything at once, focus on one area at a time, like a room or surface."

Another tip he has is to use the right tools and cleaning products to complete the job. "Microfiber cloths, for example, are great for dusting and wiping surfaces without leaving residue. Regular maintenance, like wiping down high-touch areas daily, can prevent buildup and make deep cleaning less overwhelming," he adds.

"Lastly, always clean from top to bottom, starting with dusting and ending with floors, so dirt and debris don’t fall on areas you've already cleaned. These strategies can save time and effort while keeping your space consistently clean."

Lambert emphasizes the importance of cleaning more often and having a schedule for it (for example, doing 10-15 minutes of tasks every evening).

"Simple things to keep up with daily include washing dishes, wiping counters, wiping down the stove for grease after cooking, and throwing away any trash. Then you can add in high dusting one night or dusting surfaces another night. Make sure to include the toilets at least once a week, showers can be once every other week, as well as scrubbing the stove, backsplash, and hood!"