While maintaining a clean home is important for your overall well-being, going overboard with cleaning can have the opposite effect. In this article, we’ll explore why too much cleaning may not be as beneficial as you think and how it could even lead to unwanted problems.
Allergic Reactions
Many common household cleaners and sprays are very potent. Overusing them may cause allergic reactions. Overexposure to cleaning products can make your eyes itch, your throat itch, and make you sneeze, or cough. Even if you are not the one doing the overcleaning, you may still be affected because of the particles in the environment.
OCD
Overcleaning as the result of an obsessive-compulsive disorder can make you feel very stressed. Statistics from the International OCD Foundation say that 1 in 100 adults in the US suffer from OCD. This disorder can make people feel distressed when something is out of place.
Physical Fatigue
Overcleaning will reduce the time you have for other important activities such as preparing healthy meals, working, and sleeping. Web MD says that the average adult needs 7 to 9 hours of sleep per day. If you are spending too much time each day cleaning, you may not get enough sleep and begin suffering from fatigue.
Weaker Immune System
According to ZME Science, there are 9,000 different species of germs in our home. Although that sounds like a lot, this is very normal. When we spend too long cleaning, we reduce our exposure to germs. Without any germs to combat, our immune systems become weaker.
Respiratory Problems
Asbestos.com says that strong household cleaners such as bleach contain VOCs (volatile organic compounds). When we use strong household cleaners, these compounds are released into the atmosphere and can cause issues for those who suffer from major respiratory problems. Overcleaning can even cause respiratory problems for those without underlying respiratory issues.
Skin Irritation
Very Well Health discusses the effect of bleach on our bodies as it states that bleach spills onto the skin can cause severe irritation and burning. Overcleaning, especially without wearing the right protective equipment, will leave your skin more exposed to irritation by harsh cleaning products.
Mental Fatigue
Overcleaning can be very stressful, and if you are constantly feeling overwhelmed because you cannot keep up with the excess cleaning you want to do, this can lead to mental fatigue. Healthline says that mental fatigue can lead to depression, anger, grief, and even anxiety.
Loneliness
When you spend more time than necessary cleaning every day, you may not have enough time to interact with others. This can make you feel lonely as you spend less time communicating with your friends and building relationships. The more you isolate yourself, the harder it becomes to socialize.
Central Nervous System Conditions
Increased overexposure to household cleaners can adversely affect your health. It can lead to drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, illness, and vomiting. Overexposure to the chemicals can also affect your mood, making you feel irritable or confused. If you experience any of these symptoms, take yourself into a ventilated area and seek medical attention.
Financial Stress
Cleaning products are something all of us have to budget for. But when you are spending excessive time cleaning each day, you will need more and more cleaning products. The cost of the extra products can put a strain on you financially, and this can lead to stress.
Frustration
Overcleaning can make you feel frustrated. This is because, no matter how hard you try, there is always something to clean. Putting pressure on yourself to have an impeccable, spotless house can make you feel angry whenever something is out of place or gets dirty.
Discontentment
Spending more time cleaning than is necessary can lead to feelings of discontentment. To enjoy life, we need to balance our time by getting enough rest, working, and spending time with friends and family. Spending excess time cleaning cannot substitute for the happiness that other activities bring and will make you feel discontent.
Accidents
Frantic overcleaning can put you at risk of having an accident. If you are in a hurry cleaning and are not paying attention, you might spill some cleaning products, which will make you slip and fall. Excessive cleaning can also become a hazard for others if you leave cleaning devices plugged in, such as vacuum cleaners, as the cord is a trip hazard.
Repetitive Strain Injury
Cleaning the same way for long periods of time can lead to repetitive strain injuries. This can affect your wrists because you are constantly doing the same cleaning movements. Cleaning hard-to-reach places in awkward positions for extended periods can also lead to repetitive strain injuries.
Back Problems
Cleaning is strenuous work that can take a toll on your body. When you overclean, you can put yourself at risk of a back injury. Constantly dragging furniture around to clean properly can lead to back-related issues. Dragging a heavy vacuum up and down the stairs is also very bad for your back.
Unhealthy Relationships
When someone in the household overcleans, this can make the other members of the family feel uncomfortable. It can lead to tensions in the household and arguments. All of this can cause stress in the family unit and can lead to mental health issues and even breakups.
Hearing Loss
If you are constantly exposed to noisy household cleaners, such as a vacuum cleaner, you might suffer from hearing loss over time. If you spend excessive amounts of time vacuuming each day, you might, in time, damage your own hearing and that of those who live with you.
