As the seasons shift and fresh air begins to flow again, spring invites us to reset.
But instead of rushing through a to-do list, the Japanese approach to cleaning is slow, mindful, and rooted in respect for your space.
This isn’t just about tidying—it’s about renewal.
Here’s a peaceful, Japanese-inspired spring cleaning checklist to help you clear your home with care and intention:
🍃 1. Open the Windows
Let fresh air cleanse your space before you begin.
In Japan, opening the windows isn’t just for ventilation—it’s a way to wake up the home and release stagnant energy.
Even a few minutes of breeze can shift the mood entirely.
🧼 2. Begin with a Dry Sweep
Before using sprays or water, start with a simple dry clean—like wiping down surfaces, dusting shelves, and sweeping the floors.
This echoes the soji tradition in Japanese schools: everyone pitches in to clean together, beginning with quiet, dry motions.
Use a soft cloth or broom. Let it feel rhythmic.
🪑 3. Choose One Room at a Time
Rather than bouncing around the house, choose one area to fully complete.
This creates a sense of accomplishment and care.
Try this order:
Start with the entrance → bedroom → kitchen → bathroom → living area.
This mimics the Japanese belief that the genkan (entrance) sets the tone for everything else.
🧺 4. Rotate and Refresh Fabrics
In Japanese homes, seasonal rotation is key.
Swap out heavy winter blankets, rugs, and curtains for lighter, breathable materials.
Take time to gently fold and store what’s out of season, giving gratitude as you do.
✨ 5. Clean with Natural Scents
Use gentle, clean ingredients like vinegar, citrus peels, or a dash of essential oil.
The scent should whisper—not overwhelm. Think Hinoki (Japanese cypress), green tea, or lemon.
Let each wipe feel like an offering of care.
📦 6. Declutter with Respect
Inspired by danshari, the Japanese practice of letting go, take time to reflect before discarding.
Ask:
“Do I need this?”
“Does this bring peace?”
“Can it serve someone else now?”
Place donations and discards neatly, with intention—not guilt.
🕯️ 7. End with a Simple Ritual
When you’re done, light a candle or incense. Pour tea. Stand in the space you’ve cleared.
Breathe in the stillness you’ve created.
A Japanese-inspired clean isn’t loud or hurried. It’s quiet, clear, and calm—just like spring itself.
Let this be your invitation:
Not just to clean, but to reconnect.
To clear the old. And welcome the new.
