Spring cleaning season is officially here, and remarkably, Yelp has uncovered the most dreaded household chores people would rather entrust to professionals than tackle themselves. Following analysis of user searches over the past year, Yelp provides insights not just on what tasks people loathe, but also on how to make these chores feel less burdensome.
This year, searches for “home cleaning” skyrocketed by 343% during March 2025, illustrating the rush to clean and declutter as warmer weather approaches. But as trend expert Tara Lewis notes, “A clean and organized home can bring great peace of mind, but the process needed to achieve and maintain this goal can often feel overwhelming.” She adds, “We’ve all been there; we’re mid-way through decluttering or cleaning a space when we lose steam.” Fortunately, Yelp helps identify the top three household chores people most detest.
First on the list is carpet cleaning. While it may seem like a straightforward chore, many find it extends beyond basic vacuuming. With the trend of retro décor featuring wall-to-wall carpeting making a comeback, homeowners face the dual challenge of maintaining their carpets and keeping them stain-free. Professional carpet cleaners possess powerful shampooers capable of extracting deeply embedded dirt and stains, making the DIY approach feel even more intimidating. The key to success with home carpet cleaning lies in investing in ergonomic machines with high suction power and allowing ample time for breaks throughout the process.
Second on the list is gutter cleaning, which many households significantly prefer to outsource. Cleaning gutters is necessary to prevent blockages, which can lead to severe issues if neglected. Depending on the local climate and total precipitation, experts recommend tackling gutter cleaning bi-annually or even up to four times each year. Homeowners who feel adventurous can explore methods to clean gutters safely from the ground using specialized attachments for leaf blowers, vacuums, or hoses. This way, cleaning gutters may not seem as dreadful as it usually does!
Last but not least, window washing takes the bronze medal on the list of most hated chores. Spring is the perfect time to give windows some attention, but the task can be cumbersome—especially if they’re out of reach. There are effective tools for cleaning hard-to-reach windows, including foam mops and hose extensions, which can make this task manageable. Still, for those who wish to avoid the hassle altogether, hiring window cleaning services could prove to be money well spent.
Yelp's list doesn’t stop with just these three chores. The full lineup of the top ten most despised spring cleaning tasks also includes home organization, lawn mowing service, upholstery cleaning, junk removal, grout services, and attic cleaning. For many Americans, these chores feel relentless and are typically left to professionals.
To alleviate some of the burden associated with these dreaded tasks, Yelp has partnered with Homesick Candles to create the limited edition “Getting It Done” candle. This delightful citrusy fragrance taps directly to the themes of cleanliness and productivity. So, whether you light the candle or not, there’s no denying the power of good scents to boost morale when tackling chores!
Yelp has also launched 'The Sounds of Getting It Done', an ASMR playlist now available on YouTube and Spotify, curated to guide individuals through their most tedious tasks. By combining the ambiance of calming ASMR with the task at hand, users can remain focused and mindful. This thoughtful approach aims to help people keep going as they tackle even the toughest household projects.
If you’re curious to explore the complete list of dreaded chores or to request quotes for carpet, gutter, and window cleaning, visit Yelp’s report today! After all, with spring cleaning upon us, it seems like the perfect time to face these tasks head-on—or find someone else to do them for you.
So, take the plunge! Whether you opt to tackle these chores yourself or call the professionals, this spring cleaning season presents the perfect opportunity for renewal and revitalization.