By Zoya Gervis // SWNS
Messy kitchens are leaving millennial moms anxious and moody, according to new research.
A poll of 2,000 millennial moms found more than half of respondents (51%) find themselves unable to enjoy a meal if dishes are looming over them.
Two-thirds of the moms studied can’t even go to sleep unless their kitchen is clean — yet results revealed the average sink has five dirty dishes at any one time.
While 80% said they feel calmer when they clean their dishes immediately, the reality starkly differs.
The study, conducted by OnePoll in conjunction with Dawn Powerwash Dish Spray, found 72% of respondents admitted their kitchens have become significantly messier in recent months.
Sixty-nine percent said their sink has dirty dishes in it more often than not – significantly contributing to their overall stress.
Four in five moms surveyed said they feel calmer when they clean their dishes immediately instead of delaying the chore for later.
Three in four moms reported feeling reduced mental burden and anxiety if they have the dishes clean before they even sit down to enjoy a meal.
And 67% of those surveyed said they choose to clean their dishes as they cook in hopes of finding a sense of peace.
With overwhelming feelings of stress caused by their endless, unavoidable list of household chores, 71% of moms surveyed seek out a sense of peace and calm in their lives.
But why are moms avoiding certain household chores? It turns out, more than half (53%) said they have too many other things they need to do.
“Moms are constantly juggling a slew of different responsibilities and have, quite literally, a lot on their plate,” stated Dawn Senior Scientist Morgan Brashear. “They’re looking for ways to ease the burden of making sure all their responsibilities are taken care of, while also having time to spend with their families.”
Over the past six months, 61% of moms surveyed said household chores have taken a backseat due to other responsibilities, such as work and childcare — especially those with children in virtual school.
Thirty-five percent of respondents reported avoiding household chores because they are way too time-consuming.
Thirty-one percent said the chores they avoid are a lower priority for them, while one in five said household chores are too difficult for them to do.
Unfortunately, 69% of those surveyed said they simply don’t have time to get everything done around the house.
Sadly, moms aren’t even spending as much time with their kids as they’d like. Sixty-nine percent feel guilty spending time in the kitchen instead of with their family.
“Now, with a simple spray, wipe, rinse, the dreaded chore of dishes is faster and easier than ever,” Brashear added. “Moms can finally begin to lift the stress of the mess and get out of the kitchen faster and back to what matters most in life.”
