Full spring cleaning burns more calories than running a marathon

New research shows that spring cleaning can burn off even more calories than running a marathon.

Houseproud homeowners typically burn up 3,655 calories each year just by cleaning and tidying their homes in time for the summer.

That’s about the same as 30 large glasses of white wine or 20 chocolate eclairs – or a little more than one marathon run.

Over a lifetime this amounts to almost a quarter of a million calories or 783 bacon sandwiches.

The study was carried out with a group of home owners who were asked to monitor the amount of time they spent spring cleaning and the tasks carried out.

Popular tasks included dusting and vacuuming, emptying and cleaning cupboards, scrubbing floors, cleaning windows and moving furniture.

Cleaning cupboards burnt the most calories with those taking part spending on average four hours on this task alone, using up 952 calories. This involved emptying, cleaning out and repacking the cupboards.

Dusting was the least strenuous task burning off just 170 calories per hour. Those being monitored spent two hours doing this gentle task.

The average spring clean took the home owners 16 hours and 20 minutes spread over four days.

At 3,655 calories it was well ahead of a marathon run which typically burns between 2,500 and 3,500 calories depending on the runner’s height, weight and build.

One woman who took part said: “I’m surprised at how many calories I use just by giving the house a thorough clean. There is a lot of stretching and lifting involved so great for the upper body, and walking up and down the stairs and the ladder to get into the loft are great for my legs.

“I’m almost tempted to clean up more often now I know how beneficial it is!”

Another added: “I often ache after spring cleaning – now I know why! It is incredibly rewarding to see the house de-cluttered and gleaming, even better when I know I can indulge in a few of my favorite treats without feeling guilty afterwards.”

A spokesperson for PromotionalCodes.org.uk, who conducted the study said: “Housework is a great way to exercise and knowing how many calories it burns makes it much less of a chore. After all, as well as a lovely clean house, we’re also toning, firming and making ourselves much fitter.

“There are lots of time saving devices now which means our spring clean takes less time than it did years ago. But regardless of the help we have, we’re still stretching, lifting, walking and bending – all great for getting our hearts pumping and body working hard.”

Vacuuming (1 hour) 238 calories

Dusting (2 hours) 340 calories (170calories/hour)

Emptying, cleaning, repacking cupboards (4 hours) 952 calories (238 calories/hour)

Scrubbing the floor (1 hour) 258 calories

Climbing up and down loft (20 mins) 181 calories (544calories/hour)

Turning mattresses and making beds (1 hour) 136 calories

Moving heavy furniture (2 hours) 476 calories (238calories/hour)

Cleaning windows (3 hours) 612 calories (204calories/hour)

Cleaning external doors (1 hour) 204 calories

Deep clean bathrooms (1hour) 258 calories

Total: 3,655 calories