Eight in ten Brits admit they judge state of someone’s home when they enter

It takes under a minute to form a first impression after entering someone’s home (Image: SWNS) First impressions do count – as eight in ten Brits admit to judging people on the state of their homes as soon as they walk through the door. The study of 2,000 adults found a clean living room, well-kept garden, and a nice-smelling home, top the list of things they notice first. Other ways house-proud adults can make an early impact include offering people a cup of tea on arrival, and having cosy decorations. It also emerged eight in ten want to leave a consistently good impression on their guests – whether it’s their first time or not. A spokesman for Febreze, which commissioned the research, said: ‘Our research shows that it really doesn’t take long to form a first impression – just under 47 seconds. ‘It’s understandable if people are put off by funky smells, and the last thing you want is to feel underprepared for when guests are coming over. ‘The adrenaline of the ’emergency tidy-up’ can both put your mind at ease, as well as creating a homely environment for visitors – but sometimes there’s just not the time, and that’s where we can at least help make the home smell fresher.’ The results also found 36 percent of adults would put the most effort into getting their homes in order for a new friend visiting – while 26 percent would spruce up their place for a prospective romantic partner. And in return, 45 percent make sure to offer compliments where they are due – such as ‘you have a lovely home’, and ‘I love what you’ve done with the place’. Over a quarter judge the living room first – as well a pleasant smell upon entry (Image: SWNS) Four in ten are more likely to judge the interior of a house than the exterior – though the same percentage say they’ll size both equally. And the living room was named as the most popular room for judgement, according to 28 percent – while 63 percent are quick to appreciate a fresh and clean bathroom, and a pleasant smell on entry is a must for 56 percent. More than six in ten (64 percent) feel having a ‘tidy’ home is the best way to leave a good impression. However, ‘full bins’ (61 percent), the ‘smell of pets’ (56 percent), and ‘mess everywhere’ (52 percent) are some of the easiest ways to put someone off your gaff. And 53 percent will even make an excuse to bounce from someone’s house early – because the smell was ‘too much’. In fear of this happening to them, 17 percent admit they’ve suggested a different meeting place to save themselves embarrassment. But two in five are just as likely to judge the exterior – with a well-kept garden also noted (Image: SWNS) And half will always conduct an ’emergency tidy-up’ if they know guests are coming, to avoid judgement. Vacuuming just before their arrival (48 percent), shoving clutter in cupboards (42 percent), and spraying an air freshener (37 percent), are the go-to chores to bring homes to a presentable condition. The study, carried out via OnePoll, found three-quarters take good impressions seriously, and find how people view their home is important. And the top ways they hope guests feel in their company include ‘comfortable’ (62 percent), ‘welcome’ (61 percent), and ‘relaxed’ (60 percent). The spokesman for Febreze added: ‘We all have clutter and smells in our busy lives, and it’s nice to see from the results that 17 percent wouldn’t be that fussed if things weren’t in pristine condition upon arrival. ‘With kids, pets, and just general life, it can be toilsome to keep on top of things – but with just a few small adjustments we can settle the fears of judgements.’