Americans Spend Nearly a Year of Their Lifetime Doing Household Chores

On February 25, 2026  By newsroom   Topic: Saving And Investing Money

Key Findings

  • Time Spent on Chores
  • 80% of Americans spend at least 2 hours per week on household chores.
  • Over a lifetime, this amounts to nearly one year spent on chores.

  • The Most Time-Consuming Chore

  • 28% of Americans say doing laundry takes up the most time.
  • Solutions: Combine larger loads weekly to save time instead of frequent small loads.

  • Americans' Attitude Toward Chores

  • 1 in 3 Americans actually enjoy doing chores.
  • Cleaning can serve as a stress-relieving activity for many people.

  • Gender Roles in Chores \udebb

  • Women spend 37% more time on household chores than men, even when working full-time.
  • Men tend to do non-cleaning chores like taking out trash and caring for pets.

  • Homeowners vs. Renters

  • 84% of homeowners spend 2+ hours per week on chores compared to 77% of renters.
  • Homeownership often brings more upkeep responsibilities.

Managing Chores More Efficiently

  • Chore Scheduling Tips
  • Create daily, weekly, and monthly checklists to delegate tasks evenly.
  • Combine related tasks (e.g., doing dishes and wiping counters) to save time.

  • Hire Professionals When Needed

  • If overwhelmed, consider hiring a cleaning service for occasional help.
  • Outsourcing chores can save valuable time and reduce stress.

  • Time-Saving Hacks

  • Tackle laundry in fewer, larger loads.
  • Maintain a regular schedule to prevent tasks from piling up.

Remember:

Chores are unavoidable, but organizing and managing them efficiently can make them less stressful and time-consuming. Whether you enjoy doing chores or need professional help, small changes can free up more time for relaxation and other priorities.

Work smarter, not harder - and make time for yourself!


Next: Read 2500+ consumer guides to shopping, electronics, appliances, home services, cars, money and more.
If you liked all this, consider supporting us by checking out SkillThing DOING Manuals

DOING Manuals


The AI Proof Career

Future-proof your work in the AI age.


31 Days to Escaping Job Search Hell

Escape job search hell right out of college. Get job-ready in 31 days.