34. How to Spring Clean “Marie Kondo Style”

April 13, 2021

KonMari Deep-Dive: Spring Cleaning

In-Depth Analysis with Alexandria

13 April 2021
Deep Dive, KonMari Method

Cleaning is Not Tidying…

Today’s deep-dive episode focuses on the change of season. It’s time for a spring clean, KonMari style! And, no, a spring clean shouldn’t take you a month to complete. You can do it in a day.

Spring Clean Your Home in 5 Steps

Greet your home

If greeting your home feels a bit too new agey for you, let’s look at it a different way…

How do you want to feel when you’re at home?

What do you want your home to be?

I’ll guide you on a home greeting practice. Listen to the full episode and follow along.

Set the mood for your spring clean

How about some fresh air?

Open as many windows and doors as you can. Get that stale air out and refresh your space.

Music, podcasts… Well, you’re here, so I’m guessing you’re into podcasts. Your spring clean is the perfect chance to catch up on all your favourite podcasts, or perhaps discover some new shows. If music is your thing, you could even make a mixtape, 21st century style.Yes, create a spring clean playlist for your home.

Clean by location

First of all, let’s get something straight. Cleaning and tidying are completely different things. And Marie Kondo puts it beautifully: “Tidying is the act of confronting yourself—cleaning is the act of confronting dirt”.

For more on cleaning vs tidying, listen to the full episode.

Bedroom

Isn’t it glorious to have clean sheets?

Make sure you wash your linens as part of your spring clean and flip your mattress if you haven’t done that for a while.

Hoover or mop your bedroom floor.

Swap for the season.

This is also a good time to swap out seasonal clothes and blankets.

Bathroom

Clean the shower, tub and drain.

Wipe down any surfaces.

Surfaces include the bathroom counter, sink and mirror.

Don't forget the loo!

And then there’s the extra fun job of cleaning the toilet—yes, inside and out.

Living Areas

Clean surfaces and hoover your soft furnishings.

Dust it all off.

Dust everything from your electronics, light fixtures and fans to your interior decor.

Wash any curtains or rugs.

Clean the window sills and blinds.

Wash your windows, inside and out.

That is, wash your windows if you live somewhere where you can reach the outside of your windows. Otherwise, the rain is your friend.

Kitchen

Clean that fridge!

And, while you’re at it, clean the freezer, washing machine or any other appliances you may have.

Clean the oven.

Wouldn’t it be nice to not smell burnt bits the next time you bake something?

Wipe it all down.

Wipe down your kitchen counters, the cabinet doors and handles.

Wash any dishes.

Yes, we’re even talking cleaning the kitchen sink, and while you’re at it, the drain.

Fancy some bonus points?

Go through your foodstuffs and see if anything in your pantry or cupboards has gone off or expired.

For more spring cleaning tips, listen to the full episode.

Style Notes

Ready to store away your winter clothes? Before you store your seasonal clothes, make sure they’re clean and freshly laundered. Dirt, hair and sweat can all attract moths. And moths are not welcome. For knitwear, especially something like cashmere, it’s worth putting your garments into plastic zip-lock bags so that moths can’t get in.

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About ALSO in PINK

Welcome to the ALSO in PINK podcast with host Alexandria Lawrence, a certified KonMari consultant, personal stylist and specialist in biophilic interior design.

ALSO in PINK offers candid conversations with industry leaders and influencers, clients and friends, about what it means to live well.