Which countries have been cleaning most since the pandemic began?

Many of those asked said they are cleaning their home more than they did a year ago

Some said they are ‘extrememly worried’ about dust in their homes (Getty Images)

Spain has topped the list of nations increasing their house cleaning after the pandemic.

A survey of 10,754 people across 10 countries revealed 59 per cent have upped their cleaning habits over the past 12 months.

More than half of UK respondents said they were cleaning more, lagging behind Spain, China, USA and Italy in the top five.

But less than one third of respondents in Japan or Germany have increased their house cleaning habits.

The poll, revealed by Dyson as part of its first annual global dust study, found a quarter are “extremely worried” about the dust in their home.

But despite having fears about dust - few are aware of the potential impacts it can have on your wellbeing.

Household dust is a complex matrix of particles which can include dead skin cells, hair, dust mites, dust mite faeces, bacteria, viruses, mould, small insects and other fibres.

A few of those polled were surprised to discover viruses can be present in household dust and fewer than five per cent knew dust mites and their faeces are constituents of dust at all.

Many of these particles are only visible under a microscope, so it’s unsurprising most people lack clarity on the dust in their indoor environments.

It also emerged that overall, many of those surveyed are cleaning their home more than they did in March 2020, with the majority of UK respondents cleaning more.

When it comes to vacuuming, the average respondent takes just over 24 minutes to cover their house.

In Spain, the typical adult spends 30 minutes 30 seconds, with Brits taking 30 minutes 20 seconds.

Dyson’s global dust poll investigated people’s cleaning habits and behaviours - while delving deeper into the understanding of household dust and the impact it can have on wellbeing.

Dennis Mathews, research scientist in microbiology at Dyson, said: “It’s safe to say that very few of us think about what’s in the dust in our homes.

“Beyond the visible components of dust, our general understanding of its invisible make-up is relatively limited.”

The survey also found most think having less dust in the home positively affects their wellbeing.

And one third of respondents stated the main reason they clean up dust is to ensure the people in their homes feel well.

Dennis Mathews added: “What this global study does show is that more education is needed around what makes up the dust in our homes.

“As we’re spending more time indoors, it is important for people to realise that dust can impact our wellbeing – and that even more of us should be cleaning on a daily basis.”

Increased cleaning by nation

Spain - 67 per cent

China - 64 per cent

USA – 64 per cent

Italy – 60 per cent

United Kingdom – 54 per cent

South Korea - 54 per cent

Australia - 42 per cent

France - 41 per cent

Japan - 31 per cent

Germany - 31 per cent

SWNS