ARTICLE

Tidy House, Tidy Mind: The Mood-Boosting Magic Of Cleaning

February 20, 2024 - 4 min read

It’s often said that the state of your house mirrors the state of your mind. So, if your place is looking a little rough around the edges, perhaps it’s time to pick up the vacuum and air purifier to clear your home and your headspace. A recent Princeton University study into the psychology of house cleaning found that decluttering your space helps ease stress and anxiety, and makes for a better mood.

Is getting started your biggest hurdle? Clinical psychologist Dr Tracey Zielinski recommends focusing on the reward, not the effort. “The attitude you take to cleaning is paramount. Always focus on the end goal – a sparkling home that you’ll enjoy spending time in,” she says.

Ready to reap the mental health benefits of cleaning? Here are our top tips, plus the appliances that pave the way:

New Season, New State Of Mind

According to Dr Zielinski, spring-cleaning in particular brings a sense of rejuvenation and lightness. “When you lighten your environment, it’s akin to lightening your mind,” she says.

So, what are you waiting for? Lift the fog of winter hibernation by throwing open some windows and letting that sunlight in. While you’re at it, freshen up the curtains with a steam cleaner and take a Karcher Window Vac to that grubby glass.

Next, head to the bedroom to peel back those heavy doonas and drag the winter woollies from your wardrobe. Before getting out your vacuum to stow them away in sealable storage bags, give them a good wash to get rid of any dust and pet dander. A large-capacity washing machine with a steam cycle will help blitz odours before and after storage.

Shop Washing Machines With Sanitising Steam Cycles:

Fisher & Paykel 11kg Front Load Washer

Samsung 9kg Bespoke Front Load Washer

LG 10kg Front Load Washer

Declutter For A Sharper Focus

Jam-packed drawers and benches littered with clutter might seem harmless, but research shows mess in the home can lead to feelings of stress, anxiety and even depression.

“Decluttering the home has the result of decluttering the mind. You can think more clearly, you feel more proactive, more in control of your surroundings, and are better able to plan and problem-solve,” says Dr Zielinski.

Is your kitchen bench a dumping ground for odds and ends? Look to appliances for help. The Samsung 640L Family Hub Refrigerator has an inbuilt home screen, making it the ultimate organiser. It will keep tabs on appointments, shopping lists, recipes and memos right from the fridge door.

Rid benchtops and sinks of untidy piles of dirty dishes with a dishwasher with flexible shelving to maximise loads. Look for one with a speedy cycle so you can deal with the mess in record time – and lighten your mental load, too.

Shop Fast-Wash Dishwashers:

Fisher & Paykel 60cm Freestanding Dishwasher

Samsung 60cm Stainless Steel Freestanding Dishwasher

Bosch 60cm Semi Integrated Dishwasher

“Decluttering the home has the result of decluttering the mind. You can think more clearly, you feel more in control of your surroundings and are better able to plan and problem-solve.” Dr Tracey Zielinski, clinical psychologist

Healthy Home, Healthy You

A healthy body means a healthy mind, So to help seize the sneezing and hay fever this allergy season, Breville has introduced the Smart Air™ purifier range. Breville’s Smart Air™ Viral Protect Plus Purifier has a 4-stage advanced purification system with new AntiViral HEPA-13 filter. Plus, an intelligent SensAir System™ to detect poor air quality and auto adjust to deliver cleaner air everyday. It provides immersive airflow thanks to its 360 degree design, for circulating clean air to reach the corners of your room. Perfect for your bedroom, living room or kitchen, easily control your home’s air purification on the go through the Breville Home Connect™ App or at home via voice control with Amazon Alexa or Google assistant - it’s time to create your own hay fever and allergy free zone.

Plus, the latest and greatest vacuums – like the Samsung BESPOKE Jet Complete Extra Cordless – boast state-of-the-art, multifiltration systems to capture 99.99% of microparticles and keep them trapped. They’ll even self-empty debris into secure dustbins for mess-free disposal.

Shop Air Purifiers

Breville The Smart Air Viral Protect Plus

Samsung Air Purifier with 3 Way Air Flow

Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool

Deep-Clean For Relaxation

You know that a deep, thorough clean of your living spaces is great for hygiene and aesthetics… but did you know the actual process of cleaning can foster better mental health? Simple, repetitive tasks like loading the washing machine, steam mopping the floor or methodically making your way through the ironing can help clear your mind of daily stressors. Instead of rushing to get these chores done, slow down, queue up your favourite tunes to play on a portable speaker and savour the process of beautifying your space.

Enjoy Your Results

You’ve put in the effort, so reward yourself by making the most of your clean and tidy sanctuary. Need some me-time? Cook your favourite meal in the now sparkling kitchen, then set up a foot spa in the living room while an essential oil diffuser mists calming scents.

If you're ready to clean yourself happy, visit us in-store or online for the best advice and a huge range of appliances to help put a spring in your step and a sparkle in your home.