How Many Calories Does Housecleaning Burn?

The number of calories each person burns during housecleaning varies by individual and is based on weight. The intensity and duration of the activity, as well as the type of activity, also play a role.

Woman spraying cleaner on bathroom sink (Image: diego cervo/iStock/Getty Images)

Weight Factors

Heavier people burn more calories. According to Health Status, a 150-lb. individual would burn 99 calories doing 30 minutes of housework. A 200-lb. individual, however, would burn 131 calories in the same amount of time.

Duration

The longer you work, the more calories you burn. A 150-lb. individual may burn 99 calories in 30 minutes, but will burn 198 calories in 60 minutes.

Intensity

The harder you work, the more calories your burn. According to Pro Health, a 150-lb. person doing light cleaning for 30 minutes would burn approximately 85 calories. That same person, doing heavy cleaning, would burn approximately 153 calories.

Type of Activity

Some activities are more vigorous than others. A 150-lb. person washing dishes for 30 minutes would burn approximately 77 calories, according to Health Status. The same person doing 30 minutes of mopping would burn approximately 153 calories.