So many of the cleaning hacks I've tried as a home editor have been about getting through chores as quickly as possible. But the 'Zen Way' cleaning method encourages a slower, more mindful approach. I consulted experts and put this method to the test in my own home to see if it really worked. My verdict: It actually makes cleaning more enjoyable.
In Japanese culture, Zen Buddhist principles influence how people approach cleaning. The premise behind Zen cleaning is taking time to appreciate your environment while you're tidying it. Another key factor in Zen cleaning is tackling messes as soon as you see them, rather than letting things build up. This approach makes cleaning feel more like a small, simple part of the day rather than a dreary chore that eats up a few hours of the weekend. Doing small daily cleans to delay or avoid a big clean is also an expert-recommended way to keep your home tidy.
Keep reading for everything you need to know about the Zen cleaning method. If you're looking for more internationally-inspired cleaning methods, read up on "Städdag," a Swedish cleaning method that suggests neighbors gather together to clean, treating it as a social activity to look forward to.
What Is Zen-Inspired Cleaning?
There's a common Japanese adage: When you see a weed, pull it.
"This reflects the fact that cleaning can be very straightforward and not a chore. It's just something you do without drama or a second thought, like brushing your teeth or going to the bathroom. No energy is wasted, which means it can, instead, be put to the things that actually matter, like loving our neighbors as we love ourselves," says Cristina Moon, Zen priest and author of Three Years on the Great Mountain: A Memoir of Zen and Fearlessness.
Rather then planning a whole day of cleaning (and dreading it the moment it arrives), the idea is to treat the act as an everyday activity. There's no need to schedule in hours and hours — if you see something is out of place or dirty, handle it right then and there. It's all about being in the moment and embracing the act itself.
"When most people clean, their minds are focused on the end result. Their goal is to finish as quickly as possible and reach a state of cleanliness. However, in Zen Buddhism and as part of ancient Japanese life philosophy, cleaning is not just about the outcome. It is a mindful practice, a way to show respect and appreciation for our environment, to purify the mind and to clear away the 'dust' of unnecessary thoughts and desires that block the natural flow of life energy," says Azumi Uchitani, founder of The Japanese Wisdom Academy and author of Yoshuku — The Japanese Art of Manifesting.
My Experience
Instead of turning on the TV or blasting my favorite playlist like I typically would before lugging out all my cleaning supplies, I decided to embrace the silence. To get started, I kept it simple, using a cloth and some cleaning spray in the kitchen and bathroom.
I take pride in my home — a cluttered cabinet or overflowing garbage can definitely affect my mood and even stress me out. Keeping in mind what I learned about Zen Buddhist principles, I tried to focus on my space and how it made me feel before, during and after cleaning. Rather than ignoring my own thoughts and distracting myself with a playlist or TV show, I actually began to acknowledge those feelings.
The actual act of cleaning became much more enjoyable when I wasn't thinking about all the other things I could be doing instead. In that moment, I concentrated on spraying and wiping the surfaces in my home. And it didn't feel that dreadful.
While there's a lot more work to be done to truly master cleaning the "Zen way," I did feel more connected with my space after my first session. The whole process felt more personal — I was cleaning not only so I could admire a squeaky clean bathroom or shiny stovetop, but for my own mental wellbeing.
Tips for Cleaning the "Zen Way"
The philosophy behind cleaning according to Zen Buddhist principles is simple: "Looking at cleaning as an act of care rather than a chore helps you see the beauty in your home and its furnishings. And when you take care of and take pride in your home and furnishings, things and surfaces last longer and look better," says former Home Care & Cleaning Lab Executive Director Carolyn Forté.
Here are few tips to keep in mind if you're new to Zen-inspired cleaning:
- Express gratitude: Appreciate your space as you clean it. That means turning off any background distractions.
- Harmonize your body and mind: "Treat cleaning as a combined practice of meditation and fitness. As a bonus, your space becomes clean," says Uchitani.
- Stay present: You don't need to plan a whole day of cleaning. If something is out of order, fix it.
- Choose your tools wisely: "Select cleaning tools you enjoy using and take care of them as well. Clean tools reflect the care you bring to your practice," says Uchitani.
Laura Millar (she/her) is a freelance lifestyle journalist for Good Housekeeping. She holds a degree in Film, TV & Media from the University of Michigan, and was previously the assistant lifestyle editor for GH, where she covered home design. Her byline has appeared in NBC's TODAY.com, PEOPLE, Real Simple, and Business Insider.
