The start of Lent brings fasting, prayers, and almsgiving for Christians around the world, but in many Orthodox cultures, it also signals a deeper kind of cleansing, one that extends beyond the individual to the home.
Known as Clean Monday (which will take place on February 23rd this year), this ancient tradition marks the beginning of the Lenten season with intentional rituals of decluttering, cleaning, and organizing living spaces. As Christians prepare spiritually through reflection and fasting, they also prepare their homes, creating a calm, orderly environment that mirrors the clarity and focus sought during the holy period.
The practice, which has existed in Orthodox cultures for over a thousand years, elevates the act of cleaning into a symbolic release. It's an early-spring home-cleansing ritual that renews your home, creating space for reflection, regardless of your views or religion.
Plus, you don't need to wait until Monday to get in the right mindset. You can follow this ritual earlier if it works better for your schedule. What matters more is the outcome, not the date itself.
Homes & Gardens sat down with Marisol Rivera, a cleaning expert and professional organizer at Sparkly Maid Austin, to discuss how this century-old practice has a place in the modern day.
Marisol believes that the spiritual housecleaning done during the first week of Lent (and on Clean Monday), along with the practical task of physically washing dishes, cookware, and wider living spaces, can help you begin any season with a clean slate.
‘It’s also a wonderful opportunity to borrow from that rhythm and create a sense of intentionality by using this one Monday as a reset to give yourself permission to visually declutter, scrub the areas of your home that you use the most. Release anything and anyone that does not support who you are going to become in the next season,’ she says.
In terms of wellness and home organization, she points out that having a specific day, like Clean Monday, gives people permission to stop, reflect, and reorganize their environments to align with their values.
‘The focused cleaning of kitchens, entryways, and bedrooms will improve the indoor air quality, reduce the visual noise, and create a sense of organization that research has shown is connected to improved concentration and reduced stress. This is likely why many cultures have traditions of spring cleaning tied to new beginnings,’ she says.
She recommends to her clients to include a simple reflection with the physical act of cleaning, such as "What do I want to make room for this spring?" while they are decluttering to create a connection between the home and the person that lives there, and view the home ‘as a supportive environment rather than a chore.’
To make the process easier, I've listed my go-to cleaning supplies below. They're perfect for Clean Monday, and long after.
A concentrated blend that, when mixed with water, transforms into 128 oz of versatile, all-purpose cleaner, making home refreshes effortless and satisfying.
Designed to clean and invigorate, this cruelty-free spray tackles dirt and odors while leaving every surface renewed.
Durable and thoughtfully designed, these versatile microfiber cloths are perfect for color-coded cleaning, with reinforced edges built to last through every tidy-up.
With its timeless wicker design, this piece captures effortless East Hampton style while staying true to its purpose: keeping your space beautifully organized.
With front openings and foldable sides, these rolling bins store away easily but are sturdy enough for long-term use, making them ideal for tackling cluttered corners once and for all.
I’m drawn to baskets that add visual intrigue, and this one delivers with its striking angular edges. Beneath its design, a sturdy metal frame ensures it’s as durable as it is stylish.
Whether you observe Clean Monday as part of Orthodox tradition or simply as a chance to reset your home, the practice offers more than a sparkling kitchen or organized closet. It is an invitation to pause, reflect, and create space, both physically and mentally, for the season ahead.
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