It’s time for spring cleaning! A long list of chores may seem daunting, but the health benefits—both physical and mental—of this annual tradition make it well worth the effort. 

Air out the allergens 

Thoroughly cleaning your home will help keep you and your family healthier. Dirt, dust, mold, pet dander, and other allergens can build up during the winter months, when keeping windows and doors closed reduces air circulation. Spring cleaning is the perfect opportunity to air it all out. 

Dr. Jonathan Stofer, a primary care provider, recommends cleaning often-forgotten areas, like baseboards, behind the refrigerator and furniture, and underneath sinks. “The goal is to get rid of organisms that could spread illness,” he says.

Dr. Stofer suggests washing or replacing bedding, especially if you have pets: “Fabric surfaces hold allergens that can cause acne and other skin conditions.” 

Burn some calories 

Spring cleaning is a healthy way to get moving. Activities like scrubbing floors, moving boxes, and doing yard work are all forms of low-intensity exercise.

“Pop in those headphones and turn cleaning into a workout,” Dr. Stofer says. “Anything that gets us up and moving around is good for your cardiovascular health and can improve your physical fitness.” 

Be sure to stay hydrated and alternate between tasks to avoid straining specific muscles. When lifting heavy objects, remember to lift with your legs and carry them close to your body to prevent injuries. 

Remove the junk

Organizing and removing clutter can prevent falls or other injuries. This is especially important if you live with young children or elderly family members.

Also, bugs and other pests gravitate toward messy areas. Removing junk can prevent these unwanted visitors from showing up.

Decluttering your bedroom can improve sleep, says Julie Manuel, clinical program manager of Kettering Health Behavioral Medical Center. 

“A bedside table stacked with junk could cause a sense of anxiety before bed, as you are seeing projects that are undone and unkempt,” Julie explains. “Creating a peaceful environment will help you sleep better and allow you to wake feeling rested and ready to be productive.”

Release stress 

Spring cleaning can be a tonic for your mental health. “When we feel symptoms of depression or anxiety, we battle with feelings that are often out of control,” says Julie. “Cleaning, organizing, and uncluttering is a way for many people to take control and begin refocusing on the present.” 

Julie says following through on a plan to clean your house is also beneficial in other ways. “Achieving those small goals can release endorphins, because we have a sense of accomplishment and success.”

Dr. Stofer adds that one’s spirit can also benefit. “When we clean out the physical aspects of our lives, it can inspire us to remove other things in our lives that don’t serve us, like unhealthy relationships or dependence on technology.”