How Many Calories Do We Burn Doing Household Chores?

Of course we have better things to do with our time than sweeping and scrubbing. We could go to the gym and get a good workout, for one. But sweeping the floors, scrubbing the tub and washing the dishes can be a workout in itself and give you a clean house at the same time. Factors like our age, weight and fitness level affect the final tally but have you ever wondered how many calories do we burn doing household chores? Let’s find out, based on someone weighing 150 lbs (68 kg).

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Ironing: 157 calories per hour

Once the laundry is done and dry, you can burn another 157 calories per hour by ironing it. To make things a little more interesting, place the ironing board in front of the TV and watch the healthiest celebrities of 2020 for inspiration as you iron.

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Doing laundry: 148 calories per hour

Washing and folding laundry can help you burn 148 calories per hour. If you want to burn even more, wash it by hand, carry the wet laundry outside and hang it out to dry in the sun. It will save you a lot on your power bill too.

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Sweeping: 161 calories per hour

Sweeping the floor burns about 161 calories per hour. You can burn more if you put on some music, dance while sweeping and sweep more vigorously. The exercise and the laughter you’ll get are both stress-busting techniques that actually work.

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Mopping: 314 calories an hour

Mopping can burn a whopping 314 calories an hour, so nobody will judge you if you accidentally-on-purpose drop sticky stuff on the floor just so you’ll have to clean it up. Letting a toddler stand on top of the mop while you drag it across the floor will push the mop down harder, exerting extra pressure for a more thorough clean. It will help you build extra muscle in your arms too.

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Vacuuming: 175 calories an hour

On average, you can burn 175 calories an hour vacuuming the carpets. Of course this number can vary depending on how dirty the carpets are, how heavy the vacuum cleaner is and whether or not the cat is chasing the vacuum as you’re pushing it to and fro.

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Dusting: 166 calories per hour

It’s pointless placing energy crystals throughout your home if you’re just going to let them gather dust. Dusting not only makes your home a healthier place to be in but it has the added bonus of burning 166 calories per hour.

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Scrubbing floors: 378 calories per hour

Scrubbing the floors is a real calorie-burner. In fact, you can burn 378 calories per hour doing this, depending on how vigorously you scrub. At the same time, your floors get a deep clean.

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Making the bed: 70 calories per hour

There are expert hacks to help you get the best sleep ever, but it all starts with a freshly made bed. Making the bed can also burn 70 calories an hour. Of course you can increase that amount considerably simply trying to get the duvet into its cover.

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Cleaning windows: 231 calories per hour

Getting the windows sparkly can burn 231 calories per hour. You’ll need to be careful about reaching those tricky spots, though, because you’ll burn much less if you’re bedridden after a bad fall.

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Scrubbing the bathroom: 256 calories per hour

Scrubbing the bathroom – toilet, sink, and so on – can burn 256 calories per hour. You’ll also get rid of places for germs to breed. Choose your cleaning products wisely, though: commercial cleaning products are one of the things to get rid of now for better health this year.

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Washing the car: 314 calories

Instead of using your car to get to the gym, have your workout by leaving it in the driveway and washing it. You can burn 314 calories per hour getting your car to look as shiny and new and you won’t be spending any money on gas. What better way is there to cut your car costs?

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Moving furniture: 450 calories per hour

Giving your home a new look by rearranging the furniture can help you get a more streamlined look too. Moving furniture will help you burn 450 calories per hour. Want to get a more intensive workout? Move that furniture up or down the stairs.

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Washing dishes: 156 calories per hour

Washing the dishes isn’t just a matter of good hygiene. You can burn 156 calories per hour washing those pots and pans and plates. The trick is to wash them by hand rather than just popping them in the dishwasher.

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Painting a room: 334 calories per hour

Time for a change? Get some paint and give a room a new coat. Painting walls will help you burn 334 calories per hour.

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Scrubbing the tub: 360 calories per hour

Depending on just how dirty the tub is, scrubbing it can burn as many as 360 calories per hour. It’s a great workout for your arms too.

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Raking: 342 calories per hour

People who actually like raking leaves are as scarce as a snow-free winter's day in Iqaluit, one of Canada’s coldest cities. You might learn to like it more, however, once you know that raking leaves for an hour will burn 342 calories.

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Gardening: 338 calories per hour

Housework isn’t just about cleaning and organizing the inside. A well-kept garden will create a good impression, increase the value of your home and help you burn 338 calories per hour.

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Mowing the lawn: 324 calories per hour

One of the things you need to know before trying to lose weight is that working out can take many forms, some of which you probably didn’t think of. Mowing the lawn for instance, will help you burn 324 calories per hour.