One in 10 admit they haven't cleaned some areas of their home in more than a year - here's why

Around one in 10 people in the UK confess that certain parts of their homes haven't been cleaned in over a year.

A survey of 2,000 adults revealed that areas behind and under furniture, inside cabinets and drawers, and curtains are often the most neglected when it comes to cleaning.

1 in 10 of those surveyed admitted to rarely cleaning their sofas, and 4% said the same about their bedsheets. A third simply don't believe these areas need to be cleaned as frequently.

But the main reasons for putting off cleaning tasks include thinking it will take too long (two-thirds of respondents), difficulty in reaching certain areas, and lack of motivation.

A spokesperson for Febreze Fabric Refresher, which commissioned the research, commented: "Knowing how to freshen larger items can be tricky, especially those you can't get into the washing machine."

"There's a whole number of reasons why we put off tasks like this, and more often than not, we make them bigger in our minds than they actually are. But using the right tools to get it done can make it an easier job than you think."

"For example, a quick spritz of the curtains or sofa cushions can save you a job of having to take them to the dry cleaners, leaving them feeling fresher for longer, smelling great and with odours eliminated."

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The study also revealed that 34% confess the lack of cleaning in some of the most overlooked areas has sparked tension in their homes. However, a staggering 70% confessed they often overestimate how long certain household chores will take.

One in four manage to clean the most neglected parts of their home every few months - while a shocking 13% admit to only tackling those tasks once a year.

The time dedicated is significantly less when compared to the areas of the home which are cleaned the most. Yet, one in four of those surveyed, always feel a sense of achievement when they've tackled something challenging.

A spokesperson for Febreze Fabric Refresher chimed in: "While it might not always be at the top of everyone's to-do list, there can be a great sense of reward by doing difficult things in your day."

"And sprucing up your home can certainly fit that bill, our research shows that tackling something tricky gives people a sense of pride and can make people feel good about themselves."

"Making sure you're equipped for the task at hand can go a long way, helping to make it much more manageable."