Sydney Home Hygiene Report (2025): What We Found in 15,000 Homes

When was the last time you cleaned behind your fridge or checked your bathroom ceiling for mould? If you're like most Sydneysiders, it’s probably been a while! Life can get hectic in this busy city which means, oftentimes, household cleaning takes a backseat and allows those hidden and forgotten spots in your home to accumulate all kinds of buildup. Fortunately, that’s what we’re here for -- to give your house the care and attention it needs to maintain a clean and hygienic living space. 

So, after cleaning over 15,000 homes across the Greater Sydney area, we’ve seen a lot of hygiene trends come and go over the years. From the most commonly forgotten cleaning spots, to post-COVID cleanliness habits and the surprising percentage of homes with mould, this 2025 Sydney Home Hygiene Report gives you a good idea of how residents are doing when it comes to keeping a clean and sanitary home. 

Regardless of what your current cleaning routine is, the data Maidforyou is sharing in this article might just inspire your next cleaning experience. Let’s take a look at what’s lurking in Sydney’s homes, and what’s changed since the pandemic reshaped our cleaning routines.

The Most Commonly Forgotten Spots When Cleaning

No matter how thorough your cleaning routine may be, there are always a few spots that tend to get overlooked, and Sydney homes are no exception. With our extensive experience cleaning homes of all types and sizes, we’ve found that certain areas are consistently overlooked, even when the rest of the house looks pristine.

High on the list are ceiling fans, light fixtures, and mouldings, which quietly collect dust thanks to their out-of-sight, out-of-mind locations. Behind and under large furniture and appliances such as refrigerators and washing machines, are other common hiding spots for buildup and even mould if left unchecked.

A few areas in the home that are generally ignored for weeks or months include air vents and exhaust fans. We’ve found the highest build-up of dust and dirt in these areas, which also contributes to poor indoor air quality. Door handles, light switches, and remote controls are rarely disinfected despite being touched daily, and are often seen covered in grease-like stains. Even window tracks, baseboards, and the tops of kitchen cabinets are spots that get missed in the average weekly cleaning of a Sydney home.

These commonly forgotten areas reduce one’s overall home hygiene, yet they continue to be overlooked due to a lack of awareness about their importance.

An Eye-Opening Percentage of Homes with Mould in Sydney 

After surveying over 15,000 Sydney homes cleaned by Maidforyou, we found that about 20–21% had varying levels of mould issues within the past year. By correlating these findings with a New South Wales–based study that showed 20.6% of households in the state reported mould in their living spaces, we can conclude that 1 in 5 Sydney homes is dealing with the fungus.

Whether it was visible black patches in bathrooms, musty odours in bedrooms, or hidden damp spots under sinks, our cleaners were able to identify the presence of mould and address it. Although one in five might not sound like a lot, it is certainly a significant number, especially when you consider the negative impact mould has on our health. Among these, allergies and respiratory issues are usually the most common indications that there could be mould lurking in the home

It’s worth noting that mould problems are not limited to older or neglected homes as some may believe. Well-maintained houses in Sydney can easily develop mould in certain areas of the home, thanks to factors like humidity, limited ventilation, and plumbing leaks. Awareness is key so simply keeping an eye on moisture-prone areas like bathrooms, laundry rooms, window frames, and ceilings after a heavy downpour, can help prevent mould growth. 

Home Hygiene Trends Before And After COVID

It’s no exaggeration to say that the COVID-19 pandemic completely reshaped how Sydneysiders feel about cleanliness. What was once a routine chore suddenly became a crucial line of defence against the virus. The shift in cleaning habits has been both significant and lasting, which is why the differences between pre- and post-pandemic hygiene are worth noting.

Pre-COVID Cleaning Habits

Before the pandemic, most households in Sydney followed general cleaning habits which included weekly vacuuming, wiping down countertops, minimal dusting of furniture, and tidying up before guests arrived. Disinfectants weren’t a staple in every home, and high-touch surfaces like remote controls or light switches were rarely thought about. For many, cleaning was more about appearances than hygiene. Deep cleaning was generally considered only when moving house or spring cleaning came around.

Post-COVID Cleaning Habits

When 2020 struck, everyone began to prioritise their home hygiene. Suddenly, disinfecting door handles, sanitising items brought into the house, and ventilating rooms became part of everyday life. Many Sydney residents adopted stricter hygiene routines, with a spike in demand for antibacterial products and professional deep cleans. Even in 2025, we’re seeing the long-term effects of this shift. There’s been a 35% increase in deep cleaning bookings compared to pre-COVID years, and a noticeable rise in requests for mould removal and indoor air quality treatments.

While we may no longer be wiping down every delivery package, the pandemic has left a lasting mark in the city. Today’s home hygiene routines blend old habits with new awareness, thereby creating cleaner, healthier living spaces across Sydney.

From missed spots and mould build-up, to the change in cleaning habits since COVID, the 2025 Sydney Home Hygiene Report shows just how much cleaning routines and awareness have evolved. Whether you deep clean your home regularly or are still looking to meet your house cleaning goals, the insights from over 15,000 homes serve as a helpful reminder that a truly clean home goes beyond appearances. A little extra attention can make a big difference in your home’s overall hygiene and cleanliness.