SATURDAY, April 8 (HealthDay News) — Spring is here, and a new poll finds 60 percent of Americans agreeing that this season is the best time to rid homes of dirt and clutter.

Another 37 percent say they prefer to do their major household cleaning at other times of the year, according to the Soap and Detergent Association’s 2006 Spring Cleaning Survey of about 1,000 Americans.

“For most Americans, spring is a great time to clean and freshen up their home. They are getting rid of a winter’s worth of dust, dirt and grime. Of course, people also appreciate that there are significant physical and emotional benefits to keeping a clean house all year long,” Brain Sansoni, SDA vice president of communication, said in a prepared statement.

In fact, nearly everyone — 98 percent of respondents — said they felt good about themselves when their home is clean and 54 percent said they clean on a daily or weekly basis.

Among companies the other findings:

• 97 percent of respondents believe their families appreciate a clean home;
• 97 percent say their furnishings will last longer if they’re cleaned regularly;
• 94 percent believe that cleaning helps reduce incidences of illness, allergies, and asthma;
• 89 student loan calculator percent say their clothes will last longer if they’re clean.

More information

The U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases offers advice on how to create a dust-free bedroom.