Home Life

After the Clean

Light a candle. Dim the lights. Put on your comfy clothes. Amid the world’s messiness, having your own clean, calm sanctuary is more vital than ever.

2 min read

A cozy, dimly lit living room in the evening with a lit candle, warm lamplight and a plush throw folded over a clean sofa

The kitchen is closed, the counters are wiped and the clutter is put away. Now what?

Now you sit back and enjoy the fruits of your labor.

A softly glowing lavender-scented candle on a freshly wiped side table at dusk, beside a folded throw and an open book

Light a candle. Dim the lights. Put on your comfy clothes. Hit your favorite playlist.

Grab a plush throw, put your feet up and read a book. Or binge-watch your favorite show.

Whatever the next steps are, we should all feel pride in the after-clean ambience. That was exactly what our mothers and grandmothers wanted us to appreciate when they would admonish us incessantly:

“Don’t use those towels!” “Who left this fork in the sink?” “Turn the lights off!” “Don’t sit on the bed!” And for God’s sake: “Take your shoes off!”

Now that we’re adults, we get it. Amid the world’s messiness, having your own clean, calm sanctuary is more vital than ever. The dim lights bring peace of mind in the evenings (it’s true; studies have shown that dark rooms lower cortisol levels and increase melatonin).

The smell of lavender or other subtle scents adds to the relaxation. Even the smell of Pine-Sol has proven to evoke nostalgia and comfort, reduce anxiety and promote a feeling of safety (thanks Mama!).

After the Clean

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