...but you need to have the right tools for the job.

A messy, stressful environment can have a cumulative, detrimental impact on mental health but there is an answer – cleaning.

Most of us groan at the thought but, according to the Australian & New Zealand Mental Health Association, research has found that these negative environments can raise cortisol levels – which can lead to anxiety and depression.

Research also shows that chronically cluttered spaces make it more difficult for people to take positive, proactive actions to improve their mental health, as the chaos of a stressful environment may lead to unhealthy habits.

However, it is possible to take control of your environment to improve your mental health and while cleaning the space you live in might sound like trivial advice, the Association says cleaning has two potential benefits: the physical activity of cleaning can help you relax and gain a sense of control, and reducing the clutter in your space may help you focus on improving your mental health. That’s because the act of cleaning releases endorphins, which help improve mood and focus.

So cleaning is good for us. The next question is: do you have the right tools for the job. Ryobi has a range of tools to make cleaning easier and give you more time to enjoy life, including one for one of the most stubborn of all cleaning frustrations (or should that be furstations?) – pet hair.

If you have a pet that sheds hair or ingrained hard to remove dirt and grime, you will appreciate the Ryobi stick vacuum.

RYOBI 18V ONE+ HP™ Brushless Stick Vac

Free your home and furniture from dust and germs and remove pet hair and other stubborn debris from your hardwood, carpet, hybrid and tile floors with the Ryobi 18V ONE+ HP Brushless Advanced Stick Vac.

The Stick Vac’s HP brushless motor and cyclonic filtration system generate enhanced suction power to lift pet hair, dirt, dust and other debris from surfaces around the house. Switch between high and low settings or engage the roller bar to adjust the level of suction.

This top performing, affordable, compact, easily manoeuvrable stick vac’s dual roller floor head picks up larger detritus and the powered pet beater bar cuts swathes through accumulated pet hair on hardwood floors and carpets.

The two 18V 4.0Ah batteries (included) provide up to 110 minutes of runtime. With a self-standing design, the Stick Vac is easy to put away for storage. The Ryobi stick vacuum uses the same 18V ONE+ 4.0Ah batteries compatible with more than 150 power and garden tools from the 18V ONE+ range. This kit also features 2 x 18V ONE+ 4.0Ah Batteries and an 18V ONE+ 3A Fast Charger.

Scrubbing up and looking good

Ryobi 18V ONE+ Telescopic Pole Scrubber

Another effective tool for difficult tasks is the Ryobi 18V ONE+ Telescopic Pole Scrubber. This powerful, versatile scrubber will help you get time-consuming jobs done in and around the home.

Run the power head over exterior walls, fencing, roofing or decking and achieve amazing results. Touch up alloy car wheels and reach up into hard to get at places and remove dust and accumulated grime.

Ideal for cleaning decking, roofing, caravans and even boats and jet skis, the Ryobi ONE+ Telescopic scrubber powers through tough stains and grime with its 6-position articulated head, which allows you to customise the perfect brush angle for the ultimate clean.

Powered by one of Ryobi’s interchangeable 18V ONE+ 4.0Ah batteries, this tool will give you up to 2 hours of powerful cleaning.

For more information: ryobi.co.nz