As a company that specializes in business and office cleaning services, we could spend a lot of time discussing the how’s of cleanliness. We could discuss the proper way to use a floor cleaning machine and the frequency with which public restrooms should be cleaned. All those things are good and necessary. But have you ever wondered about the why’s of cleanliness?

In other words, why do human beings clean at all? Why do certain people have the need to maintain clutter-free environments while others cannot stand to see a speck of dust anywhere? There is definitely some psychology to this idea of being clean. Studies seem to indicate that cleanliness offers tangible benefits, which implies that perhaps it is wired into the human brain.

Cleanliness and Physical Health

Psychology Today published a fantastic post back in 2016 from Ralph Ryback, M.D. Although the post is obviously dated, its information is still quite relevant. It discusses the science behind cleanliness based on numerous studies cited by Ryback.

One of the first studies Ryback brought up was an Indiana University study that looked at nearly a thousand American adults between ages 49 and 65. The study showed that participants who kept their homes clean were both healthier and more active than their less clean counterparts. The study concluded that cleanliness is a fairly accurate predictor of good health.

Cleanliness and Stress

Next up, Ryback cited a 2010 study that analyzed how people spoke about their homes using linguistic analysis software. To make a long story short, the study participants who described their homes as being cluttered, messy, etc. are more likely to experience high stress levels or be depressed.

Cause and effect has to be considered in these types of studies. Does a lack of cleanliness lead to stress and depression, or vice versa?

Cleanliness and Focus

A 2011 Princeton University study revealed that a cluttered environment actually makes it more difficult for people to focus. Of special note was the discovery that the brain’s visual cortex can struggle when distracted by too many objects, especially when those objects are not related to the task at hand.

From a business cleaning perspective, this particular study makes perfect sense to us. Cluttered workspaces are difficult to work in because there are so many distractions vying for the brain’s attention. But a clean, tidy, uncluttered, and organized workspace is a lot more conducive to concentration.

Ryback went on to discuss a few more studies that are more relevant to keeping a clean house. There is no need for us to discuss them here, but their points are still made well enough. Cleanliness has an effect on the mind and body. Furthermore, the mind and body naturally want what is best. That’s why we clean intuitively.

Any Space Can Be Clean

This brings us back to the idea of business and office cleaning services. The truth is that any space can be clean and tidy. Of course, cleanliness and tidiness are subject to different standards based on the environment. A clean auto repair shop looks decidedly different than a clean medical office.

Cleanliness and tidiness go a long way toward boosting productivity, increasing focus, and just making people feel better about the environment they work in. That is why we like to say that a clean office is a better office.

We have no way of knowing where your workplace is in terms of cleanliness. But we do know that All Pro Cleaning Systems offers cleaning services for nearly every industry. If you are struggling to keep the place clean, we can help.