Are you cleaning right at home? A closer look at everyday hygiene

India Today

6 hours ago

It's no secret that Indian households take cleaning seriously. Whether it's the daily mop before breakfast or the weekend deep scrub, cleaning rituals are part of everyday life in most homes. But what if all that effort isn't delivering the hygiene we expect?To understand how modern Indian homes clean—and where things might be going wrong—India Today spoke with Tim Hare, Dyson Engineer, as the company released its Global Wet Cleaning Study 2025. The report reveals surprising insights: from how often Indians clean to the hidden hygiene risks of traditional methods like reusing mop water or relying solely on clothes.advertisementDespite being one of the most cleanliness-conscious nations, India's preferred cleaning habits may be spreading more germs than removing them. The question is no longer how much we clean, but how well.TRADITIONAL METHODS MAY BE WORKING AGAINST US
Despite this dedication, the tools commonly used—mops, buckets, and clothes—might not deliver truly clean results. Many Indians reuse the same bucket of water for multiple rooms, with 49% admitting they don't change the water after each room, potentially spreading dirt and bacteria instead of removing it."Frequency doesn't guarantee hygiene," says Tim Hare. 'Traditional methods, when used with dirty water or inefficient tools, can reintroduce dirt onto surfaces.'CLEANING TAKES TIME—AND EFFORTThe study found that nearly 1 in 3 households in India spend more than 2 hours on routine floor cleaning, with about 35 minutes of that time devoted solely to wet cleaning.Other common frustrations include:Slippery floors after moppingStruggles with edge or corner cleaningPhysical discomfort due to bending or repetitive motionDifficulty removing stubborn stainsInterestingly, only about a third of Indian respondents believe that clothes or sponges are effective for cleaning hard floors.LOW AWARENESS ABOUT MODERN SOLUTIONSDespite the popularity of traditional tools, India ranks lowest in APAC for awareness of modern wet cleaning devices. This indicates a gap in access or information around tools that could ease the process and improve results.That said, many Indian households know what they want from an ideal wet cleaner:Easy maintenanceDurable build qualityEfficient emptying and refillingEffective stain and debris removalThese priorities reflect a need for better design suited to the specific challenges of Indian homes—particularly the dust-heavy, spill-prone environment.WHAT PEOPLE NEED FROM FUTURE CLEANING TOOLSThe report highlights how current methods often require double the work—sweeping before mopping, and sometimes repeating the process due to unsatisfactory results. This routine can be especially tiring for busy urban families with limited time.What's missing is an easy, efficient, and hygienic solution that:Cleans thoroughly in one goDries floors quickly to prevent slipsReaches corners and under furnitureMinimises manual effort and physical strainREIMAGINING THE FUTURE OF FLOOR CLEANINGadvertisementAs Tim Hare points out, the future of home hygiene lies not just in cleaning more—but in cleaning smarter.'Cleaning habits must evolve with living spaces. People deserve tools that save time, reduce effort, and improve hygiene,' he explains. 'Modern technology can separate debris from water, reduce passes needed to clean, and help floors dry faster—offering a cleaner home and more time for what matters.'The study reinforces a vital takeaway: cleaning frequency isn't enough. Effective cleaning with dyson washG1 depends on method, tools, and hygiene awareness. While Indian households are among the most diligent in their cleaning routines, the findings suggest a need for safer, more efficient, and time-saving solutions that address the unique challenges of Indian homes.With better awareness and access to thoughtful cleaning tools, everyday routines can be transformed—from tiring chores to healthier habits.- Ends