Is cleanliness really next to Godliness?

According to the Soap and Detergent Association, representing about 135 North American manufacturers of cleaning products, their ingredients, and finished packaging, there are five distinct groups of women, based on their attitudes toward cleaning. They range from those with a low level of concern about the cleanliness of their homes to those who are obsessive toward cleaning.

Strugglers comprise 21% of women. The defining attitude of this group is their low level of agreement with the statement, "Keeping my home clean is one of the most important things I do." Few of these individuals look at housework as an important part of their day-to-day lives. They are significantly less likely than other women to agree that their home is cleaner than most others. Adding to these attitudes is a very high level of agreement that they find "it hard to keep my home neat and clean."

Mess busters (24%). These individuals strongly agree that it's important that their home be clean even where people don't see. They take a high level of pride in keeping their home neat and clean. A spotless home gives them personal satisfaction by making them feel good.

Dirt dodgers (18%). The dominant attitude of this group is their feeling that they only clean their home when they absolutely have to. They are much more likely than other women to say they try to avoid cleaning their homes and find it hard to keep their home neat and organized. They are much more likely than others to find it hard to work up the energy to clean. Their...