New Report: 61% of Millennials are Burnt Out by Home Maintenance

Methodology

In December 2024, we surveyed 984 American homeowners across the U.S. for their feedback on home maintenance and cleaning. Respondents were 50% female, 48% male, and 2% non-binary with an age range of 18 to 69 and an average age of 38. All conclusions in this article are drawn from answers to this survey.

America’s Cleaning and Maintenance Habits

Results point to a significant generational divide in chore exhaustion, with younger Americans feeling particularly overwhelmed. Of the 54% of Americans feeling burnt out by home maintenance, Millennials take the cake at 61%.

Housework Burnout By Generation

• 58% of Gen Z 
• 61% of Millennials 
• 43% of Gen X 
• 32% of Boomers 

It’s no wonder Americans feel burnt out, as they spend an average of 5 hours and 20 minutes on cleaning tasks per week. 

For many, social media is a primary source of home maintenance education, with 54% of Americans learning about necessary tasks through these platforms. However, knowledge gaps persist in basic cleaning practices, particularly among younger generations and men. A quarter (25%) of Gen Z and Millennials are unclear about standard cleaning frequencies, while the gender gap shows 26% of men versus 17% of women lacking this knowledge. 

While a lack of awareness is one cause of skipping chores, some people simply don’t want to spend time and/or money. A striking majority (83%) don’t change their microwave grease filters, and 77% didn’t know these grease filters existed. Nearly half skip cleaning their washing machine drain (49%). Furthermore, 49% skip seasonal HVAC tune-ups and 51% do so to cut costs. 

Maintenance Routines and the Impact of Neglect

Nearly 1 in 5 (19%) of Americans damaged their home due to neglect or irresponsible behavior. These acts - or lack thereof - come at cost, with repairs totaling an average of $840.

Of the 20% who pour grease down the drain, nearly 2 in 3 (64%) admitted to being too lazy to dispose of grease differently, and 36% didn’t know they weren't supposed to. Surprisingly, 20% flush things down the toilet that aren’t meant to be flushed. More than 1 in 5 (22%) flush because they are too lazy to use the trash, and 59% flushed for the sake of privacy. Nearly 1 in 5 (19%) admit to smoking tobacco or cannabis inside the house, and 50% admit to wearing shoes indoors.

Perhaps due to being overwhelmed, many Americans perform household cleaning tasks less frequently than recommended. Dishwasher maintenance is the most neglected - 43% don't clean their dishwasher drain or filter. Annual deep cleaning tasks are also overlooked, with 41% failing to deep clean their carpets and 38% neglecting baseboard cleanings.

Many Americans also fall short on routine monthly (or more frequent) cleaning. Nearly a third don't replace their sponges monthly, while 23% skip monthly microwave wipe-downs. More than 1 in 5 (21%) skip dusting and 18% skip mopping. Additionally, 35% don't follow the recommended weekly schedule for changing sheets.

Spring Home Maintenance Checklist

When it comes to knowing when it’s time to clean and maintain, Americans take varying approaches:

• 41% rely on memory
• 24% follow a seasonal schedule
• 18% wait for signs of an issue
• 16% set reminders

Following seasonal checklists is the perfect way to keep your house in order - especially if you don’t have an HOA covering crucial maintenance. For your convenience, we put together a spring checklist you can follow each year.

Exterior Maintenance

DIY Exterior Tasks

1. Clean Gutters & Downspouts: Remove leaves and debris to ensure proper water flow.
2. Wash Windows: Clean exterior windows to remove dirt, grime, and pollen buildup.
3. Power Wash Exteriors: Use a pressure washer to clean outdoor surfaces like your home’s siding or deck.
4. Trim Trees & Bushes: Cut back any overgrown branches or bushes near the house or pathways.

Outsourced Exterior Tasks

1. Roof Inspection & Repairs: Hire a roofer for a thorough inspection and repairs if needed.
2. Pest Control: Hire an exterminator to inspect for and eliminate pests or signs of infestations.
3. Tree Removal or Trimming: If large or dangerous trees need trimming or removal, hire a certified arborist.

Interior Maintenance

DIY Interior Tasks

1. Test Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Change batteries and test detectors to ensure they’re functioning properly.
2. Check and Replace HVAC Filters: Replace filters in your heating and cooling systems for efficient airflow.
3. Inspect Plumbing for Leaks: Check pipes under sinks, around toilets, and in the basement for signs of leaks.
4. Deep Clean Carpets & Rugs: Clean your carpets and rugs with a steam cleaner or hire a rug shampoo service.
5. Check Weatherstripping & Seal Gaps: Ensure doors and windows are properly sealed to prevent drafts and improve energy efficiency.

Outsourced Interior Tasks

1. HVAC Tune-Up and Inspection: Schedule a professional to inspect and service your HVAC system before the warmer months. They may also recommend an air duct cleaning.
2. Plumbing Inspection: Have a plumber inspect your plumbing system for potential issues such as water pressure problems or hidden leaks.
3. Chimney Cleaning & Inspection: If you have a fireplace, hire a chimney sweep to clean and inspect it for safety.
4. Electrical Inspection: Schedule a professional to check your home’s electrical system for any issues or potential hazards.

_________________________

Fair Use

Please attribute to this study by linking to Frontdoor.com. For media inquiries, contact media@digitalthirdcoast.net