The 10 Most Hated Chores in America, According to Yelp

If you’ve ever stared at a dirty carpet like it personally insulted your ancestors, congratulations: you’re living the
American dream. Not the glamorous, fireworks-and-parade versionthe “why is there always something sticky on the
floor?” version.

Yelp’s data-driven peek into what people actually search for (especially when motivation drops faster than a sock
behind the dryer) reveals a simple truth: Americans don’t just dislike chores. We dislike specific chores with
passion. The kind of passion that leads to Googling “best carpet cleaning near me” while still wearing pajama pants
at 2:17 p.m.

The list below reflects the household tasks people most want to outsourceaka “please, a professional adult with
the right tools handle this before I start negotiating with dust bunnies.” It’s not a moral failing. It’s modern
homeownership. (Or modern renting. Mess does not discriminate.)

What “Most Hated” Really Means (And Why Yelp Is a Sneaky Good Window Into It)

Everyone has a personal nemesis choresome people hate dishes, others hate laundry, and a brave minority pretends
they enjoy cleaning grout (we don’t trust them, but we respect their confidence). Yelp’s approach is different:
instead of asking people what they hate in theory, it reflects what people actually try to pay someone else
to do.

In other words, these aren’t just “annoying tasks.” They’re the chores that trigger searches for prosbecause they’re
time-consuming, physically awkward, surprisingly gross, or require equipment most of us do not own (or do not want to
own, because storage is already a nightmare).

The 10 Most Hated Chores Americans Leave to the Pros

Below are the top 10 chores people would rather outsource than DIY. For each one, we’ll break down why it’s so hated,
what makes it tricky, and the smartest ways to tackle itwhether you’re hiring help or attempting a heroic weekend
mission.

1) Carpet Cleaning

Carpet cleaning isn’t “cleaning.” It’s a full-body workout plus a psychological thriller. You start optimistic, then
discover stains that look like your carpet has lived a secret life. Deep cleaning requires moisture control, proper
suction, patience, and ideally a plan for where everyone will walk while things dry. (Spoiler: everyone will walk
exactly where they shouldn’t.)

Why it’s hated: Heavy equipment, slow drying, mystery stains, and the unsettling realization that
“vacuuming” was never the whole story.

If you DIY: Pre-treat stains, vacuum thoroughly first, and don’t over-soaktoo much water can leave
odors and invite mildew. Work in sections and give yourself permission to take breaks. Carpet cleaning is a marathon,
not a sprint.

If you hire out: Great choice if you have wall-to-wall carpet, pets, kids, allergies, or a schedule
that can’t accommodate “drying time suspense.”

2) Gutter Cleaning (aka “Ladder-Based Regret”)

Gutter cleaning is what happens when nature politely places leaves in a trough and then storms aggressively compact
them into what can only be described as “roof oatmeal.” It’s messy, it’s high up, and it’s one of those chores where
the stakes are weirdly highbecause clogged gutters can contribute to water issues you absolutely don’t want.

Why it’s hated: Heights, grime, insects, slippery ladders, and the fear of becoming the main
character in a home maintenance cautionary tale.

If you DIY: Wear gloves, go slow, stabilize the ladder, and don’t “just reach a little farther.”
Clear debris, then flush with water to confirm downspouts are moving freely.

If you hire out: Smart for tall homes, steep roofs, limited mobility, or anyone who values knees.

3) Window Washing

Window washing is a confidence trap. The first pane looks amazing. The second looks… fine. By the third, you’re
chasing streaks like they’re sentient. Add hard-to-reach windows, screens, and the sun shining at the worst possible
angle, and suddenly you’re arguing with glass.

Why it’s hated: Streaks, ladders, drips, and the fact that windows reveal everything you thought you
couldn’t see.

If you DIY: Use microfiber (not linty paper towels), wipe top to bottom, and avoid cleaning in
direct hot sun when solution dries too fast. A squeegee is a relationship upgrade for your windows.

If you hire out: Worth it for multi-story homes, large glass, or anyone tired of whispering “why are
you like this?” at a window.

4) Home Organization

Organization looks adorable on social media. In real life, it starts with pulling everything out, realizing you own
17 reusable tote bags, and then getting emotionally attached to a mystery charger from 2014. It’s not just physical
workit’s decision fatigue in athletic wear.

Why it’s hated: Too many decisions, sentimental clutter, and the dreaded “where does this even go?”
spiral.

If you DIY: Start small (one drawer), set a timer (15–30 minutes), and use simple categories like
Keep/Donate/Trash/Relocate. The goal is progress, not perfection.

If you hire out: Professional organizers can help you create systems that fit your habitsbecause
the best system is the one you’ll actually maintain.

5) Lawn Mowing

Lawn mowing seems straightforward until it’s 93 degrees, the grass is damp, and your mower decides today is the day
it would like to be dramatic. Also, it’s rarely just mowingyou edge, trim, bag clippings (or argue about whether you
should), and suddenly it’s half your weekend.

Why it’s hated: Heat, time, noise, maintenance, and the reality that grass grows with a strong sense
of entitlement.

If you DIY: Don’t cut too short, and follow the “one-third rule” (avoid removing more than about a
third of the blade height at a time). Sharp blades matter more than you think.

If you hire out: A popular choice for busy weeks, large yards, or anyone who wants their Saturday
back.

6) Upholstery Cleaning

Upholstery is where crumbs go to start new lives. Sofas collect body oils, pet hair, snacks, and the occasional
“how did that get there?” stain. Cleaning it isn’t hard, exactlyit’s just high-risk because different fabrics react
differently, and some cushions hold grudges.

Why it’s hated: Fabric codes, lingering odors, and the fear of making a stain “permanent but also
bigger.”

If you DIY: Check the care tag (those little codes matter), spot test in a hidden area, and use the
gentlest method that works. Vacuuming with a brush attachment is the underrated first step.

If you hire out: Worth it for delicate fabrics, major stains, or couches that have survived toddlers
and deserve professional support.

7) Drain Cleaning

A slow drain is like a tiny horror movie. At first, it’s just “a little sluggish.” Then it’s pooling. Then you’re
watching water rise while you promise the universe you’ll never pour grease down the sink again.

Why it’s hated: It’s gross, it smells, and it can turn into a plumbing problem with real-dollar
consequences.

If you DIY: Start with the basics: remove visible gunk, try a plunger, and consider a drain snake.
Some DIY methods (like baking soda + vinegar followed by hot water) can help with minor buildup, but avoid treating
every clog like a science fair volcano.

If you hire out: Best if clogs keep returning, multiple drains are affected, or you suspect a deeper
issue. Professionals have tools that go far beyond what most households keep under the sink.

8) Junk Removal

Junk removal sounds simple: get rid of stuff. But “stuff” has categoriesdonate, recycle, hazardous waste, bulky
pickup rules, e-waste guidelinesand suddenly you’re coordinating a small logistics company out of your garage.

Why it’s hated: It’s physically heavy, emotionally complicated, and surprisingly regulated.

If you DIY: Make three piles: donate/sell, recycle, trash. Keep hazardous items separate (batteries,
chemicals, paint) and follow local disposal guidance so you don’t accidentally create an environmental problem in
your own driveway.

If you hire out: Great for large cleanouts, time crunches, or bulky items you can’t safely lift.

9) Grout Services

Grout is basically a dirt magnet with a PR team. It starts out bright and crisp. Then it quietly turns into a dull,
shadowy version of itselfespecially in bathrooms and kitchensuntil one day you notice it and can’t unsee it.

Why it’s hated: Scrubbing is tedious, grout is porous, and stains can feel personal.

If you DIY: Use targeted methods (like oxygen bleach solutions, steam, or appropriate DIY pastes) and
focus on ventilation to prevent mold recurrence. After deep cleaning, sealing grout can help keep it cleaner longer.

If you hire out: Ideal for large tile areas, heavily stained grout, or when you want results that
look “new bathroom” instead of “I tried my best.”

10) Attic Cleaning

Attic cleaning is the grand finale of chores because it combines the worst parts of everything: awkward angles, dust,
insulation irritation, mystery boxes, and the possibility that something once lived up there and left… evidence.

Why it’s hated: Heat, dust, low ceilings, and that spooky “what is that noise?” feeling.

If you DIY: Protect your skin and lungs (long sleeves, gloves, eye protection, and a suitable mask),
watch where you step (ceiling drywall is not a floor), and handle rodent debris safelynever dry sweep droppings.
Ventilate and disinfect properly.

If you hire out: A very reasonable choice if insulation is involved, pests are suspected, or the
attic has become a storage archaeology site.

Why These Chores Rise to the Top (A Quick Reality Check)

Notice a theme? The most hated chores share at least one of these traits:

• They’re physically awkward (gutters, attics, windows).
• They’re time sinks (organization, lawn care, junk removal).
• They’re gross or mysterious (drains, upholstery, attic dust).
• They benefit from specialized tools (carpet machines, pro-grade vacuums, steamers).
• The “oops” factor is high (chemical damage, water issues, safety risks).

Outsourcing isn’t lazinessit’s prioritizing. If hiring help frees you to work, rest, care for family, or simply not
spend your Sunday scrubbing grout like you’re trying to erase history, that’s a valid life choice.

Quick “Do This, Not That” Tips for Surviving Hated Chores

• Do: Break big tasks into rooms or zones. Not: Attempt “the whole house” in one day.
• Do: Start with the easiest win (trash first). Not: Begin with the hardest closet in the home.
• Do: Spot test cleaners on upholstery and grout. Not: Assume every fabric likes water.
• Do: Use safety gear for gutters and attics. Not: Treat heights and insulation like a vibe.
• Do: Dispose of hazardous materials correctly. Not: Pour chemicals down drains “because it’s liquid.”

of Real-Life Chore Experiences (Because We’ve All Been There)

Here’s the thing about hated chores: nobody sets out to hate them. Hate is earnedslowly, over time, through a series
of small betrayals. Like the moment you rent a carpet cleaner, wrestle it into your trunk like an uncooperative
walrus, and then realize your living room is bigger than you remember. You start with confidence. You end with
damp socks, a sore back, and a new understanding of why professionals charge what they charge.

Or take gutter cleaningthe chore that feels like a harmless Saturday task until you’re on a ladder, holding a glob
of wet leaves that has the texture of guacamole but the smell of regret. You tell yourself you’ll be careful. You
will be careful… right up until you try to “just reach that last corner” and suddenly your body invents new muscles
in places you didn’t know you had. The real kicker is that gutters don’t even look cleaner from the ground. You do a
dangerous job and your reward is… not noticing it anymore. Incredible.

Window washing is a different kind of emotional damage. You clean one window and feel accomplished. Then sunlight
hits it at a dramatic angle and reveals streaks that weren’t visible a minute ago. So you wipe again. Now there are
different streaks. It becomes a negotiation: “If I stop now, can I live with this?” Five minutes later,
you’re Googling “professional window washing cost” while staring at the glass like it owes you money.

Home organization might be the most relatable chaos of all. People don’t avoid it because they don’t want a tidy
home. They avoid it because organizing means facing your stuffold cables, duplicate spatulas, mystery lids that fit
nothing, and sentimental items that trigger a whole documentary worth of feelings. The most common experience is
starting strong, building a “donate” pile, and then stalling out when you find something that makes you think,
“Wait… do I need this? What if I become a person who needs this?” Congratulations: you’ve discovered decision fatigue.

And then there’s drain cleaning, the chore nobody plans for. It announces itself at the worst timebefore guests
arrive, right after you’ve cooked something greasy, or during the exact week you promised yourself you’d “get your
life together.” You start with hope and a plunger. Next comes the drain snake (aka the world’s least glamorous
fishing trip). By the end, you’re not just cleaning a drainyou’re reevaluating every choice that led to hair and
soap scum forming a tiny, stubborn civilization in your pipes.

If there’s a silver lining, it’s this: hated chores are universal. They don’t mean you’re bad at adulthood. They mean
you have a home that’s actually being lived in. And whether you DIY with a game plan or hire the pros with zero
shame, the win is the same: you get your space backand you get to spend your time on literally anything else.

Conclusion

Yelp’s list doesn’t just rank choresit maps the exact moments when people decide, “My time is worth more than this.”
Carpet cleaning, gutter work, streak-free windows, and deep decluttering all live in the same category: tasks that
are totally doable, but often not worth the stress, risk, or time sink without help.

The best approach is the one you’ll actually follow: tackle small wins yourself, schedule the big stuff before it
gets out of hand, and outsource strategically when a chore crosses the line from “annoying” to “I may never recover
emotionally.”