Average person spends 6 days per year cleaning, sanitizing their home

The average person considers their home to be “completely clean” for only 11 days of the year, new research suggests.

A recent survey of 2,000 U.S. homeowners and renters found it takes them an average of five days to actually start cleaning and sanitizing their home after they first decide it needs to happen.

They said they spend an average of six days per year doing that cleaning.

To that end, 68% will devote an entire day to cleaning and sanitizing a specific room in their home.

For 63% of respondents, that room is the kitchen. Other rooms people spend a full day in include the bathroom (57%), living room (57%), bedroom (47%) and home office (47%).

When it comes to cleaning and sanitizing, the average person has six items on their list.

The top items? Rugs/carpets (68%), floors (63%) and clothing (57%).

Meanwhile, appliances (30%), countertops (29%) and shelves (24%) were less likely to be dusted and wiped.

Conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Lysol for the launch of Lysol Air Sanitizer, which kills airborne viruses and bacteria, the poll also revealed people’s perceptions about how bacteria and viruses may affect them and what precautions they take when cleaning and sanitizing their homes before hosting guests to help minimize their chances of spreading illness-causing germs.

When hosting guests, people take a number of precautions to help stop the spread of bacteria and viruses by cleaning and sanitizing— most notably, encouraging the use of hand sanitizer (61%) and using disinfectant sprays (56%) and wipes (51%).

“Over the past few years, people have become more conscious of the viruses and bacteria that we encounter in everyday life, and preventing the spread of both starts in the home,” said Anthony Kevek, R&D Senior Associate at Lysol. “It’s not just about having a home that appears clean or smells great. Finding the right products with antimicrobial properties can help kill 99.9% of viruses and bacteria, whether in the air or on surfaces, and provide an added layer of protection when preparing to host guests.”

While nearly half (48%) are worried about airborne bacteria when someone is sick and 41% are concerned while hosting guests, only 22% had it top of mind while attending a large public gathering such as a concert or sports game, and just 20% think about it when eating out at restaurants or cafes.

On average, respondents are concerned about catching airborne viruses and bacteria when at least five other people share the room with them.

And 61% think most bacteria and viruses can make them sick.

“It’s important to take proactive measures and keep your home protected from bacteria and viruses throughout the year, whether or not you or someone in your home has recently been sick,” Kevek added. “By doing so, you can help to prevent the spread of illness-causing pathogens, like cold, influenza and coronavirus, to you and your loved ones while keeping a sanitary environment year-round.”