Spring cleaning is often treated like a chore, but maybe
we’ve been approaching it all wrong.
Trying to declutter, reorganise, swap and clean all the bedding,
dust every surface, put all our winter gear into storage, spruce up
neglected spaces… well, it’s a lot to do in a matter of weeks.
(Especially when the sun finally starts shining.)
But we don’t have to approach it quite so intensely to get that
post-spring clean ‘refreshed and re-energised’ feeling
in our homes – and in ourselves.
According to Pinterest’s 2026
Spring Trend Report, spring cleaning in 2026 is about
simplicity over spectacle. Think small, manageable changes,
‘mindful maintenance’ and an emphasis on the ‘reset aesthetic’,
transforming spring cleaning from a chore into another form of
self-care, along with yoga and crochet.
How can spring cleaning feel like self care?
In 2026, we’re all looking for ways to unwind, let go and find
quiet, simple enjoyment. Without spending a fortune. And without
scrolling social media for hours.
Reducing physical clutter can help us feel less anxious
and more energised. It’s been shown to boost productivity and help
people unwind, so it’s not all that surprising that Pinterest’s
latest trend report has seen cleaning reframed as self-care.
Pinterest’s tracking of its 600 million+ users found that people
are prioritising comfort, simplicity and sustainability over
perfection.
When it comes to the home, this is reflected in ‘micro
makeovers’: DIY updates like a new lick of paint on a wall or
creating a cosy nook in an unused corner or garden area.
And instead of doing a massive spring clean once a year, people
are more interested in manageable maintenance routines to break up
the workload, and the day.
For example, searches for ‘reset aesthetic’ content is up 200%
on Pinterest (and has over 121 million posts on TikTok), featuring
ASMR-style videos of people ‘resetting’ their rooms and homes with
a tidy and clean.
People are also looking for step-by-step ways to clean their
homes (‘cleaning list by room step by step’ is up 175%), as well as
organisation inspo for smaller spaces, from laundry rooms to
fridges. (We’re can’t say for sure, but have a hunch that IKEA’s £6 herb organiser has something to do with
this.)
How else can spring cleaning feel more
like self-care?
Sustainable cleaning hacks are also trending in 2026.
DIY cleaning ideas like ‘vinegar cleaning solution’ (up 165%) and
‘natural cleaning’ (up 545%) are not only gentler on the planet,
but also on our wallets.
But there’s also been an explosion in more ‘natural ingredient’
laundry and cleaning products that smell like a spa or designer
fragrance, from brands including Purdy & Figg and Tallow & Ash.
There’s no denying that the explosion of #Cleantok content has
people associating a clean home with a clear mind, and the chaotic
news cycle makes lots of us feel like we have no control over
anything anymore. Except for how shiny our countertops are, that
is.
5 FAQs on spring cleaning as self-care
1. Is spring cleaning really considered a form of self-care in
2026?
Spring cleaning has been reframed as self-care: see the
explosion of ‘cleanfluencing’ content and obsession with ‘reset
aesthetics’, which focuses on simplicity, comfort and mindful
routines rather than intensive, one-off cleaning sessions.
2. What is the ‘reset aesthetic’ trend?
The ‘reset aesthetic’ refers to creating a clean, calm and
organised space through small actions like tidying, decluttering
and refreshing rooms. It’s often shared in calming, ASMR-style
videos and emphasises maintaining a peaceful environment.
3. How can spring cleaning improve mental wellbeing?
Researchers have found that reducing clutter can lower anxiety,
boost productivity and help people feel more relaxed and in
control. This is why cleaning is increasingly linked to emotional
wellbeing and self-care.
4. What are ‘micro makeovers’ in spring cleaning?
Micro makeovers are small, manageable home updates. Think
painting a wall, reorganising a space, creating a cosy nook indoors
or out. This DIY home trend is similar to creating ‘manageable’
spring cleaning moments.
5. How can you make spring cleaning more sustainable?
You can use DIY and natural cleaning solutions like
vinegar-based cleaners, which are better for the environment and
more affordable, while still being effective.
