‘Y’ Men and Women Spring Clean

If it’s spring, Generation Y may very well be at home – cleaning.

According to new research from the American Cleaning Institute (ACI – www.cleaninginstitute.org), 82% of Generation Y men and women (our nation’s 18-29 year olds) will engage in spring cleaning this year – that’s approximately 15% more than the national average of about two-thirds (based on past ACI surveys).

Overall, 74% of Generation Y respondents agreed that spring cleaning is a ritual worthy of carrying on, and seeing news about spring cleaning keeps it top of mind.Eighteen to 29-year-olds first look to family and friends for information about cleaning before turning to retailers, websites, magazines, TV shows, newspapers, blogs and social networking sites.

Twenty-seven percent of Generation Y respondents use spring cleaning as a time to clean their home from head-to-toe.Their spring cleaning priorities include bedrooms, kitchens, bathrooms, closets and floors.

While the priorities rank in the same order for men and women, a greater number of women prioritize the importance of each job.Seventy-seven percent of women (versus 66% of men) say that even just the change in the weather makes them want to clean up.

The independent research showed that the majority (55%) of Gen Y has been living in their current location for less than two years.And, whether they live with a spouse or significant other, parents, other family, children or part-time at home and part-time at school, what is consistent is the importance of having a clean living space.Ninety-six percent of respondents reported that having a clean home is important to them.

“No matter where they seem to live, Generation Y wants their spaces clean,” said ACI Vice President of Education Nancy Bock.“Spring cleaners do have a variety of easy-to-use and effective cleaning products on the shelves that can help them get their tasks done much quicker.”

When it comes to doing the “dirty work,” 30% of Generation Y men agree that if it wasn’t for spring cleaning, they probably would never clean.In fact, when it comes to most day-to-day cleaning chores, men are taken to task by Gen Y women.

The survey showed 96% of women are likely to clean and disinfect countertops daily, compared to 86% of men.

“It’s reassuring that a strong majority of this age group regularly cleans and disinfects, which helps kill germs and lower the risk of infection,” said Bock.

Both Gen Y men (64%) and women (79%) ranked “when their home space starts looking dirty or messy” as the top reason to clean.