Margit’s Note: Feeling Spic and Span

By Margit Detweiler

(Graphic: Nancy Gonzalez/TueNight.com)

Does this bring me joy?

Does THIS bring me joy?

If you’ve read the rabidly popular Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, you know this is the one question you should ask yourself about every t-shirt, well-worn flip-flop, and old college paper that you’ve been clutching for years. As a last-gasp of spring cleaning, I’ve attempted this process with my clothing with some success (too-small-Bowie tee, I just can’t quit you!). Just as author Marie Kondo instructs, I’ve piled up every last shred of textile — yes, that under the bed pile of “when I’m skinny” jeans included — and held up each one, speaking to it as if it has a soul.

“Ok, red plaid mini-skirt, you were once very cute at a concert, you once fit, thank you for your service, but I must bid adieu.”

It’s meant to both clean up my life and clean up the psychological baggage of junk — and ultimately make me feel happier. Isn’t that why we do anything?

This week we’re exploring the many ways we’re cleaning our homes, our souls, and ourselves.

• Lauren Oster says bathing is the new hotness
• Diane Otter gets Lady MacBeth on her dirt
• Susan Linney discovers a side benefit to getting clean
• Neil Kramer’s Roomba gets a mind of its own
• I go on a cleanse — and don’t pass out

Scrubbing ‘till it squeaks,

Margit

p.s. To satisfy your tidying-porn addiction: