Day 6 – Deep Clean One Room. “Clear space, clear mind.”

Spring is in the air—or at least in my kitchen. Today’s challenge was to deep clean one room, and naturally, I decided to begin with the kitchen. Not because it’s the easiest (spoiler: it’s not), but because it’s at the back of the house and I like to clean front-to-back this time of year. Let’s just say... that may not have been my wisest decision.

Before I dive into the nitty-gritty (and there was a lot of grit), let’s talk about why deep cleaning even matters for mental health.

The Mental Health Benefits of Deep Cleaning

There’s actual science behind the mood boost many of us feel after a deep clean. Studies have shown that cluttered environments can increase stress and decrease productivity. In fact, a 2010 study published in Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin found that people who described their homes as cluttered or full of unfinished projects were more likely to be fatigued and depressed than those who described their homes as restful and restorative.

Cleaning, especially deep cleaning, also provides a sense of control and accomplishment—two things that can seriously counteract anxiety. According to psychologist Dr. Rachel Goldman, engaging in cleaning tasks can help shift our mental focus, improve mood, and even boost self-esteem.

Now, back to my chaotic kitchen…

My Deep Clean Story

I started with the outside of all the cabinets, working from top to bottom. From there, it was onto the stove top, the counters, and the inevitable mountain of dishes. I loaded up the dishwasher and tackled the sinks with vinegar and baking soda (because science and sparkle).

Then came the pantry. Oh, the pantry.

I was ambushed by the unruly state of my Tupperware—thank you, grandbaby. That little adventure took over 30 minutes of reorganizing, restacking, and questioning my life choices. (Seriously, how does that cupboard explode so fast?)

Once I freed myself from the land of mismatched lids, I went back to cabinet duty—starting with the one that houses all my baking sheets and canning tools. Everything came out, got cleaned, and was neatly returned to its home.

Then life happened (as it tends to). My spouse needed help with something, and I paused the cleaning. But even halfway through the project, I noticed something: it felt calming to look at an organized shelf. No chaos. No clutter. Just clean lines and calm energy. I felt proud—even energized—for tackling those two dreaded cupboards.

And guess what? That sense of accomplishment stayed with me. It wasn't just about having a tidy space—it was about reclaiming a bit of peace in a world that can often feel a little too noisy.

What’s Next

I’m not done yet. After I have coffee with a friend I haven’t visited in ages, I’ll be back at it this afternoon. Sometimes the best way to balance hard work is with heartfelt connection.

If you’ve been putting off deep cleaning a room, maybe today’s the day to give it a shot. Pick a small space if you need to, but give it your all. Your brain (and maybe even your soul) will thank you.