Out with the Old: Cleaning Rituals to Embrace the New Year

By: Rhea Mehta, PhD

 The New Year offers a chance for renewal—a time to shed what no longer serves us and make room for fresh possibilities. Cleaning our physical spaces is one of the simplest yet most powerful ways to set this intention. It’s not just about tidying up; it’s about transforming your home into a sanctuary of health, clarity, and positive energy.

Eco-friendly cleaning rituals can refresh your home while avoiding harmful chemicals. These practices not only help your spaces shine—literally and metaphorically—but also prioritize your well-being and the health of our planet.

The Kitchen: Heart of the Home

The kitchen sees the most activity, making it a magnet for grime, grease, and clutter. Start here to set a foundation of freshness for your home.

1. Declutter Cabinets and Drawers: Remove expired items, broken tools, and duplicates. Organize by categories, such as baking essentials, spices, or daily-use utensils, for easier access. Bonus tip: Replace plastic cooking utensils and non-stick cookware with safer, long-lasting alternatives like stainless steel, wood, or cast iron, and consider swapping out plastic storage containers for glass.

2. Shine Up Your Appliances: Mix equal parts baking soda and water to create a paste. Apply to greasy surfaces like stovetops or oven doors, let it sit for 15 minutes, and scrub with a reusable sponge.

3. Eco-Friendly Fridge Reset: Wipe down shelves and drawers with a mixture of vinegar and water for a thorough, chemical-free clean. Add a fresh box of baking soda or a bowl of coffee grounds to neutralize odors. Consider organizing items into clear categories—such as produce, dairy, and leftovers—for better visibility and access.

Revive Wooden Cutting Boards: Rub with half a lemon and sprinkle coarse salt. Scrub gently, rinse, and dry thoroughly to sanitize and deodorize.

The Living Room: Center of Relaxation

Your living room is where you unwind and entertain. It should be inviting and free of toxins.

1. Dust with Microfiber: Skip disposable dusters and use a microfiber cloth to trap dust on surfaces, electronics, and vents. Wash and reuse the cloth to keep waste at a minimum.

2. Vacuum with Purpose: Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to clean carpets, rugs, and furniture, reducing allergens and improving indoor air quality.

3. Create a Natural Aroma: Instead of synthetic air fresheners, boil a stainless steel pot of water with cinnamon sticks, cloves, or orange peels. This adds a warm, welcoming fragrance to the space.

4. Clean Upholstery Safely: Spot-clean with a mixture of mild castile soap and warm water. Dab gently with a soft cloth and avoid oversaturating fabrics.

The Bathroom: A Sanctuary for Renewal

The bathroom is where you cleanse and recharge—keep it fresh and clean.

1. Non-Toxic Shower Scrub: Mix baking soda with a few drops of essential oils (like tea tree or eucalyptus) and water to form a paste. Use it to scrub tiles, grout, and shower doors.

2. Eco-Friendly Toilet Cleaner: Pour ½ cup baking soda and ½ cup vinegar into the bowl. Let it fizz, scrub, and flush for a sparkling finish.

3. Mirror Shine: Clean mirrors with a spray made from equal parts vinegar and water. Wipe with a lint-free cloth for a streak-free finish.

4. Switch to Beeswax Candles: Replace conventional candles with unscented beeswax ones to add a calming ambiance without impacting air quality.

The Bedroom: A Haven for Rest

Your bedroom should promote rest and rejuvenation, free from allergens and pollutants.

1. Wash Bedding Regularly: Use a plant-based detergent to launder sheets, pillowcases, and duvet covers. Add vinegar to the rinse cycle for a natural fabric softener.

2. Declutter Nightstands: Remove unnecessary items and clean surfaces with an all-purpose vinegar and water spray.

3. Vacuum Mattresses: Sprinkle baking soda over the mattress, let it sit for 20 minutes, and vacuum thoroughly to freshen and deodorize.

4. Air It Out: Open windows to circulate fresh air (even briefly in winter) and improve indoor air quality. For an extra boost, consider placing a snake plant in your bedroom—this hardy plant filters toxins and releases oxygen at night, promoting better air quality and restful sleep.

The Home Office: A Space for Focus

Your workspace should inspire productivity and calm, not stress or clutter.

1. Organize Cables and Wires: Use cord organizers to reduce visual clutter and dust buildup.

2. Sanitize Electronics: Clean keyboards, screens, and mice with a solution of 70% isopropyl alcohol and a soft microfiber cloth.

3. Detox Your Desk: Remove unnecessary items and wipe surfaces with a sustainable all-purpose cleaner.

4. Purify Your Workspace: Enhance air quality with air-purifying plants like peace lilies or spider plants. Complement them with a Himalayan salt lamp to create a calming, stress-reducing ambiance.

Eco-Friendly Rituals for a Fresh Start

1. Burn Negative Energy (Safely): Skip synthetic incense and burn sage or palo santo sparingly, ensuring proper ventilation. Alternatively, use an essential oil diffuser with purifying essential oils like eucalyptus, tea tree, lemongrass, or rosemary. These oils not only refresh the air but also promote a sense of clarity and calm.

2. Dry Brushing for Your Space: Treat your floors to a detox with a dry mop fitted with microfiber pads. This mimics the ancient practice of body dry brushing by removing dirt and debris while minimizing the need for water and harsh chemicals.

3. Welcome Fresh Energy: After cleaning, place a bowl of fresh citrus (like oranges or lemons) in your entryway or dining area. Not only does this symbolize abundance, but the natural oils released from citrus can subtly refresh the air and uplift your mood.

4. Create a Cleansing Sound Ritual: Use a bell, chime or the humming sound of your own voice to “cleanse” the energy in each room. Sound vibrations can help shift stagnant energy and promote a sense of calm and clarity. This ritual is not only grounding but also free of waste or pollutants.

“Cleaning rituals not only refresh our physical spaces but also cleanse the energy within them, making way for clarity, health, and renewal,” says Dr. Rhea Mehta, PhD, founder of Living Rhea.

Your Mantra for a Clean Start

As you clean, repeat this mantra to infuse your actions with intention:
“I release the old to make space for the new, creating a sanctuary of health, harmony, and renewal.”

Why Eco-Friendly Matters

Traditional cleaning products often release harmful VOCs (volatile organic compounds) that affect your health and the environment. By choosing safe, sustainable options like plant-based cleaners and reusable tools, you protect your family, pets, and the planet.

A Year of Fresh Possibilities

Let this New Year be a turning point for your home and well-being. By embracing these cleaning rituals, you’re not just creating a cleaner space—you’re setting the stage for a year filled with clarity, energy, and joy.

Here’s to a greener, cleaner, and healthier home in 2025!

Discover more eco-friendly rituals and wellness tips by visiting www.livingrhea.com or following @rheamehtaphd on Instagram.