What's Your Love Language? Cleaning, According to Seventh Generation Survey

Report commissioned by the brand unveils cleaning's role in both turning us on and in giving us the ick

BURLINGTON, Vt., Aug. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Seventh Generation today revealed sex and relationship advice can come from the most unexpected source: a leader in effective biobased household cleaning products. Forget words of affirmation. The brand released findings from a survey conducted in partnership with market research and data analytics firm National Research Group and found that more than half of Americans (54%) say cleaning is their love language.

What's more, 85% of Americans say that cleaning up for someone is an act of love. But cleaning can also cause friction in relationships. Nearly two out of three Americans have been turned off by someone because their home was messy, and one in three have ended a relationship due to a partner's cleanliness. Other key survey findings include:

• Cleaning together heats things up. 75% of Americans say that sharing chores is more romantic than giving gifts.  
• Doing the dishes unprompted brings the spice from the kitchen to the bedroom. Two-thirds of Americans say that a partner doing the dishes without being asked is more romantic than delivering a dozen roses.
• Who needs glistening abs or a hot rod when bae keeps their house sparkling clean? A date is four times more likely (78%) to appreciate a clean home than a companion who goes to the gym regularly (22%). They're also eight times more likely (89%) to prefer someone with a clean home than one with a nice car (11%). 
• Cleaning is a sign of respect and a point of frustration in relationships. Nearly eight in 10 Americans believe a clean home reflects how much you respect your boo. Six in 10 say they get frustrated with their other half when the house isn't clean. 

"Cleaning is a major part of one's daily routine – it's something we use to create individual harmony and control. But it's clear from these findings that this activity isn't just about checking items off your own to-do list," said relationship and online dating expert Jess Carbino, PhD. "According to Seventh Generation's new survey, cleaning has the power to shift your to-dos from the kitchen sink to between the sheets! As an expert in what turns us on, I'm fascinated to see the impact cleaning can have in driving collective harmony and in kindling romance."

Sure, cleaning is sexy. But cleaning with EPA Safer-Choice certified products like Seventh Generation blends safety with steamy. And Seventh Generation's biobased power tackles the toughest messes so you can not only get freaky with your partner but also forge deeper bonds of intimacy. Seven in 10 survey respondents said they "love when someone else cleans for them." Looking for a way to freshen up your space and your relationship? It's time to take note and try a little chore play!

Seventh Generation analyzed the results of a survey conducted by market research and data analytics firm National Research Group of 1,000 Americans. The findings reflect the data collected from survey respondents – which were weighted by gender, age, and U.S. regions to accurately represent national public opinion. 

Seventh Generation has a history of transforming commerce, championing climate justice and equity, fostering the health of our environment, and inspiring a consumer revolution to nurture the health of the next seven generations. For more information, visit www.seventhgeneration.com/insideSVG/mission.

About Seventh Generation
For more than 30 years, it's been Seventh Generation's mission to help you protect your world with our environmentally conscious and effective household products. Our products are solutions for the air, surfaces, fabrics, pets and people within your home – and for the community and environment outside of it. Seventh Generation offers a full line of laundry, dish and household cleaners, recycled paper products and recycled plastic trash bags. The company derives its name from the Great Law of the Iroquois Confederacy that states, "In our every deliberation, we must consider the impact of our decisions on the next seven generations." For information on Seventh Generation products and to find store locations, explore the company's website visit www.seventhgeneration.com.

SOURCE Seventh Generation