In the quest for tranquillity and order within our homes, many of us often grapple with clutter and disarray. The desire for a serene living space becomes even more pronounced as we seek to simplify our lives and surroundings. But what happens when the chaos becomes too much, and the usual tidying up doesn’t cut it? Enter the cathartic world of rage cleaning, a trend that’s sweeping through households and social media platforms alike.
The term ‘rage cleaning’ might sound intense, but it’s not as daunting as it appears. It’s the act of channelling frustration and anger into a productive burst of cleaning and organising. As Laura Millar, a writer delving into the world of rage cleaning, shares, it’s a game-changer.
Laura discovered the trend when she stumbled upon the viral sensation on social media, where over 8 million videos were shared, all focused on the concept of ‘rage cleaning’. The videos range from humorous to highly relatable, showcasing people turning their annoyance into action. As Katie Ortega of @heyitskatieortega puts it, ‘It’s when I’ve just had enough of a mess in my house and I’m aggressively tackling the mess.’
Laura decided to test the method herself. The next time she felt the urge to yell at the clutter blocking her doorway, she instead channelled that energy into cleaning. The results were transformative.
What exactly is rage cleaning? Think of rage cleaning as a physical workout for your emotions. It’s a way to vent frustrations while engaging in a task that’s both physically demanding and mentally rewarding. According to experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute, it’s akin to a stress-relief therapy session. Carolyn Forté, Executive Director of the Home Care & Cleaning Lab, says, ‘Cleaning is very therapeutic and so satisfying! You take something dirty or disorganised and make it clean and beautiful again.’
The benefits of rage cleaning are twofold: it alleviates stress and results in a cleaner, more organised space. It’s a productive outlet for pent-up energy that might otherwise leave individuals feeling helpless or overwhelmed.
Laura’s first target was the dreaded container cabinet. You know the one – it’s too high, and every attempt to store something turns into a dangerous game of catch as items threaten to tumble out. After a particularly frustrating encounter, she decided it was time for a change.
The result? A sense of relief washed over her as she admired the neatly arranged shelves. The cabinet no longer posed a threat, and she felt a newfound motivation to maintain its order.
Next on the list was the stovetop, a victim of past neglect that had accumulated its fair share of grime. With some upbeat music as her soundtrack, she scrubbed away, transforming the surface until it gleamed. The satisfaction was palpable, and she rode that wave of motivation through to the dishwasher and countertops.
The biggest lesson Laura learned was to seize the moment. Instead of waiting for the ‘perfect’ time to clean, rage cleaning taught her to act on impulse and tackle what she could, when she could.
For those eager to try rage cleaning, here are some expert-recommended hotspots:
- Organise a messy closet. Turn your closet chaos into a well-ordered haven. Use frustration as fuel to sort through belongings and donate what’s no longer needed.
- Scrub dirty floors. There’s something incredibly satisfying about scrubbing floors until they shine. It’s a physical task that can have a calming effect on the mind.
- Vacuum the carpet. Tired of seeing dust bunnies and hair on your carpet? Commit to a thorough vacuuming session, and you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment once you’re done.
If tackling a big job seems too daunting, start with smaller tasks that can be completed quickly. The goal is to address an area that overwhelms you and liberate yourself from that stress through the act of cleaning.
Have you ever given rage cleaning a try? Which areas of your home could use a little extra attention? Feel free to share your thoughts and tips in the comments below – let’s turn those moments of frustration into a satisfying transformation!
Also read: Reevaluating viral couch cleaning hacks: Expert insights for better results
