

Essay on Cleanliness
Introduction
Cleanliness refers to the art of keeping our body, mind, house, work area and our surroundings clean. We can divide cleanliness into various types such as cleaning clothes, cleaning streets, clean surroundings, clean homes and personal cleanliness. We should make cleanliness our habit because cleaning of our body is important for good physical and mental health. Cleanliness of our surroundings and environment is essential for social and intellectual health. We should never compromise with cleanliness. Parents and teachers must encourage children to adopt the habit of cleanliness and make this a part of our lives.
Cleanliness is not other’s responsibility. It is our own responsibility. It is very important to have a healthy living so basic cleanliness is significant in life. It is as essential as we need food, water and clothes to live. Absence of cleanliness leads to various types of diseases, illness and breeding places for flies, mosquitoes and cockroaches.
Basic cleanliness starts from our own personal cleanliness and hygiene. To start with, we must wash hands regularly. Washing hands keeps germs and bacteria away. So, it is very important to wash hands before eating a meal. When we come back home from outside, the first thing we should do is wash hands to clean all dirt and germs. Every day we should take a bath and wear clean clothes. Clothes should be washed daily. After using the toilet, we must always wash hands with soap. We must cut or trim nails regularly. Cutting nails is essential for personal hygiene. If we don’t cut or trim nails regularly, then there is a high possibility for the dirt and germs to enter our body. In addition, brushing and flossing twice daily are also important for oral hygiene.
We must keep our homes clean all time. We should ensure that dusting, sweeping and mopping are done daily. Instead of littering our house with papers and wrappers, we must inculcate the habit of throwing them in wastebaskets. We should clean our bathrooms daily. Our kitchen, where food is being cooked and stored should be cleaned and hygiene must be maintained. We must cover food all times so that flies and other insects don’t get into them. Utensils should be covered while cooking. After cooking and eating, dishes, spoons, glasses and other vessels should be thoroughly cleaned with hot water and soap. We should wash raw vegetables and fruits before consuming. We must eat fresh and hygienic food and avoid eating outside. If we leave food items out for a long time then there could be a growth of bacteria and viruses so refrigeration or other ways of storing food items is important. The source of drinking water should be proper. Drinking water should be either boiled or filtered through modern UV technology. Pest control and sanitization should be done periodically at homes to keep away cockroaches and flies.
We must realize that keeping our surroundings and environment clean is as important as keeping our homes clean. It is the responsibility of every individual to keep the public places clean. One important way to keep the public places clean is to stop littering roads and streets. People should be educated not to spit and urinate in public. Proper toilets should be built in public places to avoid this. Proper sanitization of the drain pipes should be done. Everyone is responsible for the country’s environment. Cleaning the environment plays an important role in the development of a country. Cleaning our surroundings encourages people to do better work because it helps to reduce stress and focus well on work. It also provides employment to many people and thus reduces poverty.
Our Prime Minister, Sri. Narendra Modi has launched the campaign of ‘Swachh Bharat Abhiyan’ to promote cleanliness of our environment. We should support this initiative started by our government for a better and clean country. There is a proverb saying, “Cleanliness is next to Godliness” which explains maintaining clean surrounding results in a fresh mind and body, which leads to a successful life. Cleanliness helps in bringing spirituality and concentration. Cleanliness is the responsibility of every citizen for a peaceful and healthy living.
FAQs on Cleanliness Essay: The Importance of Hygiene in Daily Life
1. Why are cleanliness and hygiene important in our daily lives?
Cleanliness and hygiene are crucial for staying healthy. They help prevent the spread of germs and diseases, which keeps us from getting sick. A clean environment also improves our mental well-being, making us feel more positive, focused, and comfortable in our surroundings.
2. What is the main difference between 'cleanliness' and 'hygiene'?
While they are related, 'cleanliness' and 'hygiene' have distinct meanings. Cleanliness is the act of keeping things free from dirt and clutter, like sweeping a floor. Hygiene refers to specific actions and practices we follow to maintain health and prevent disease, such as washing hands before eating. In short, cleanliness is a state, while hygiene is the practice to achieve good health.
3. What are the different types of cleanliness we should know about?
Cleanliness can be divided into several important types. The main ones include:
- Personal Hygiene: This involves keeping your body clean, such as bathing daily, brushing teeth, and washing hands.
- Environmental Cleanliness: This refers to keeping our surroundings clean, including our homes, schools, and public spaces like parks and roads.
- Food Hygiene: This means ensuring that food is prepared, cooked, and stored in a clean way to avoid illness.
4. What are some simple ways to maintain personal hygiene every day?
You can easily maintain good personal hygiene with a few daily habits:
- Take a bath or shower every day with soap and water.
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day, in the morning and before bed.
- Wash your hands thoroughly, especially before meals and after using the toilet.
- Wear fresh, clean clothes daily.
- Keep your fingernails trimmed and clean to prevent dirt buildup.
5. Why is keeping our surroundings clean just as important as personal hygiene?
Keeping our surroundings clean is vital because germs thrive in dirty environments. Even if you are personally clean, you can get sick from contaminated water, garbage on the streets, or polluted air. A clean community creates better public health for everyone, not just one person. It helps prevent the spread of infections like dengue and malaria and makes our neighbourhoods safer and more pleasant to live in.
6. How can I structure a good essay on the topic of cleanliness?
To write a clear and effective essay on cleanliness, you can follow this simple structure:
- Introduction: Start by defining cleanliness and briefly explaining why it is important for a healthy life.
- Body Paragraphs: Discuss different aspects in separate paragraphs. You can talk about personal hygiene, cleanliness at home and school, and the impact on the environment and society.
- Conclusion: Summarise your key points and end with a strong concluding thought about the collective responsibility to maintain cleanliness.
7. What is the 'Swachh Bharat Abhiyan' and why was it started?
The Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, or Clean India Mission, is a major nationwide campaign by the Government of India. Its primary goal is to clean up India's cities, towns, and villages. It was launched to improve sanitation, promote hygiene, eliminate open defecation, and raise awareness about the importance of a clean environment for national development and public health.











