Have you ever thought a mundane task around the house could have a major impact on your life? That it could even affect your mood, productivity, and compassion? Well, believe it, because there’s one household chore that has some seriously impressive benefits. And we’re counting down to the most important one (page 7).

The household chore: Cleaning

Would it surprise you to know 79% of Americans deal with stress? Probably not. Luckily, though, there’s one thing that can help keep all that stress at bay. And that’s cleaning.

According to research conducted by The Clorox Company, people who love to clean are happier than those who don’t. So let’s get to it. We’re counting down to the No. 1 biggest benefit of cleaning you definitely need to know about.

Next: People who like to clean are happier by this much.

6. People who enjoy cleaning are 25% happier than those who don’t

A lot of factors come into play here. And really, it all comes down to what makes you happy. Does the satisfaction you get from cleaning your home make you happy? Or is it more the spic-and-span surfaces that surround you? Whatever the case, people who actually enjoy cleaning are 25% happier than those who hate it. And numbers don’t lie.

Next: Do people who love cleaning also have a bigger heart?

5. People who actually enjoy cleaning are 57% more compassionate

Does this mean if you hate cleaning, you have no compassion? No, of course not. What it does mean, though, is people who hate cleaning tend to be rather different than their neat-freak counterparts. Case in point: People who enjoy cleaning have 57% higher levels of compassion and community connections.

Next: Cleaning chores are good for a kid.

4. People who had cleaning chores as children are 64% more likely to be empathetic

If you’ve ever thought you should ease up on doling out cleaning chores to your kiddos, this proves otherwise. Really, you’re doing your child a huge favor in the long run.

According to the research, people who grew up with cleaning chores have increased levels of compassion and community connections by 60%. Furthermore, doing chores as a kid increases the likelihood that someone will exhibit higher empathy by 64%.

Next: A clean home could mean a job well-done.

3. People who live in a clean home are 72% more productive

Whether you work from home isn’t the point here. The point is, it’s hard to get anything done in a messy space. After all, how productive can you be if you’re surrounded by stacks of mail and dirty dishes in the sink? Probably not much.

Furthermore, 77% say they focus better in a clean home, while 59% of kids are able to study better.

Next: Trouble sleeping? 

2. People who live in a clean home are 72% more likely to sleep better

Trouble falling asleep at night? Well then, cleaning might be for you. Problem solved — you’re welcome!

On a serious note, though, having a clean home could actually help you sleep better. In fact, 72% say they slept better, and 60% say they’re less stressed.

Next: And the No. 1 most important benefit to cleaning is …

1. People who live in a clean home are 80% more relaxed

Ah … total relaxation.

It’s a feeling many of us know well — but not quite well enough. However, there’s a certain group of people who are experts at being relaxed, and those are people who love to clean. A whopping 80% of people say they’re more relaxed in a clean home, and we understand why.

So, where do you fall on the list?

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