Busting the Picture-Perfect Home Myth

We’ve all seen those ultra-clean TikTok videos, but let’s be real—does anyone actually live like that, or is it just a digital fairy tale?

CREDIT: This is an edited version of an article that originally appeared on The Independent

TikTok videos under the hashtag #CleanTok have amassed over 150 billion views, with influencers showcasing themselves cleaning everything from sinks to dishwashers, often using increasingly bizarre and extreme methods to make their homes shine.

These videos have turned cleaning into a form of entertainment, with some going to great lengths to create the illusion of spotless, perfectly maintained spaces. However, not everyone is buying into this “performative cleaning” trend. On social media and beyond, people are starting to push back, sharing videos that showcase their “realistic” homes, embracing the mess and imperfections that come with everyday living.

While it’s true that cleaning can be a stressbuster and a way to regain a sense of control, it’s important to understand that obsessively perfecting one’s home can often be a reaction to external stressors. It’s also crucial to acknowledge that the polished, gleaming homes we see in these videos are often far from the reality of lived-in spaces.

These “picture-perfect” homes are typically staged and curated for social media consumption. The images are meant to create a specific image or aspirational lifestyle, and not necessarily to reflect the day-to-day reality of most people’s lives. It’s essential to remember that these videos are made with a purpose: to attract views, generate likes and create a sense of unattainable perfection that might leave some people feeling that their efforts aren’t up to scratch!

In contrast, real homes are lived in. They’re places where people relax, unwind, and – yes – occasionally make messes. There’s no harm in keeping a tidy home, but it’s also important to remember that a home doesn’t need to be perfect to be functional or fulfilling.

Embracing the imperfections of a lived-in space is a reminder that we don’t need to compare ourselves to the “highlight reels” of social media. Cleanliness is about creating an environment that feels comfortable and restorative to us, not adhering to an unrealistic standard.