Is it Unhealthy to Live in a Dirty House?

While cleaning isn’t the most fun task in the world, it’s necessary for making our homes pleasant to live in. But have you considered that cleaning your house goes beyond just appearance, and that it can have an impact on your health?

So, is it unhealthy to live in a dirty house? Let’s take a look.

Is it Unhealthy to Live in a Dirty House?

Living in a dirty house can present numerous health risks. A dirty home will have more allergens and bacteria present than a clean one, and there’s also greater potential for mould and pests. It can also negatively impact your mental health due to how overwhelming it can feel.

Be aware, when we say a dirty house, we don’t mean a bit of dust and debris on the floor. There’s generally nothing wrong with a bit of dirt, but it can start to get a bit much if you don’t clean your house more than once every few weeks.

The Risks of Living in a Dirty House

It probably isn’t a surprise that living in a dirty house can present some health risks. Here’s a roundup of the main risks you might face.

Increased Allergens

Household dust can consist of a wide range of things. Typically, it includes pollen, mould spores, pet hair and dander, mites, and human skin and hair. People with asthma can be triggered by many of these, as can allergy sufferers.

Put simply, more dust means a higher risk of allergens around the house – this is fairly basic science. Generally, the symptoms of allergies aren’t particularly bad. They include a stuffy nose and itchy eyes. So, while it’s not the most dangerous thing ever, it can be quite irritating.

Bacteria

Again, it’s fairly straightforward stuff that a dirty area is more likely to have higher levels of bacteria in it. You’ll find lots of bacteria in areas like the bathroom and kitchen, but also on surfaces in your bedroom and living room.

Bacteria exposure happens every day. However, the issue with living in a dirty house is the presence of riskier bacteria and higher levels. Specifically, you’ll be at risk of things like salmonella and E. coli, which can make you quite ill.

Similarly, there’s risk around food storage and dirty dishes, as these can both lead to bacteria growth. Eating off dirty plates or eating improperly stored food can cause a range of issues, including stomach upsets.

Luckily, bacteria is one of the easiest things to deal with – you just need an antibac spray! Provided you clean down your kitchen and bathroom regularly, you’ll pretty much remove the risk.

Mold

Mold grows in areas that are damp and warm, which can be quite common around our homes. You might find mould in your bathroom, around windows, and in areas with poor ventilation.

Inhaling mold spores (which you can’t usually see) can lead to a range of respiratory problems. Depending on the length and severity of exposure, these symptoms can get quite bad.

Again, it’s fairly easy to deal with mold. Provided you keep areas clean and well ventilated, mold should rarely be a problem.

Skin Irritation

Skin irritations can be caused by a range of things you might find in a dirty home, including fungi, mould, bacteria and more. However, regular, normal cleaning is usually enough to deal with these.

Pests

Mess around the home can increase the risk of pests making themselves at home. These might range from bugs and flies to bigger critters like mice and rats. You’ll find your home more at risk if you have incorrectly stored food, a messy kitchen, or other things that might appeal to pests.

Mental Health Impact

Your physical health is one thing, but living in a dirty house can have a major impact on your mental wellbeing too. Looking at mess you know you need to clean up can feel very overwhelming, especially if you’re dealing with existing mental health concerns.

You might also experience feelings of fear, frustration, stress and anxiety, all of which can be linked to living in a dirty house. One of the biggest issues with house mess and mental health is that it can become a vicious cycle. The worse the mess, the worse you feel, and it just keeps going.

Final Thoughts

Living in a messy home does present some health risks, ranging from fairly minor to potentially quite serious. Luckily, your home doesn’t need to be constantly spotless to avoid these – just make sure it’s cleaned regularly and risky areas are done daily. If you don’t have the time to clean yourself, you can hire a cleaning services in London to keep your home safe and clean.