Rage Cleaning

The Mar/Apr issue of Good Housekeeping (read through your local library on Libby) has an article called “Why I Rage Clean” by Gemma Hartley. This drew my attention because Mr. Transportation has been known to rage clean in our household. While I don’t try to instigate any of these episodes and am always (well, usually) sympathetic to his ire, I am enthralled by the phenomenon—the last thing I want to do when I’m angry is clean, and I can’t help but silently cheer on his efforts knowing that I am a beneficiary.

I have never done a deep-dive with my husband in an effort to understand the compulsion. That’s not really his style. Thus, it was enlightening to read Hartley’s explanation. She notes that her rage cleaning sessions are more likely to occur when she is anxious, under a lot of stress, or when she feels overwhelmed (safety).

While cleaning out my closet obviously doesn’t get me any closer to having a work project completed, it does give me a tangible “win” that helps me feel like a capable human being [esteem]. Plus, it brings me a sense of control that counters the feeling of chaos that usually disturbs me more than the mess I’m noticing [autonomy].

She also points to the fact that meditation teachers recommend doing a cleaning task involving repetitive movement, such as washing dishes, as a mindfulness exercise because it quiets the brain and decreases stress (safety).

Cleaning is a productive and healthy outlet if you are experiencing anger, especially because it does help fill some of the Six Needs. However, the rage could be a symptom of a deeper problem that should be addressed when you are feeling refreshed enough to look at it clearly.

Are you a rage cleaner? Have you considered what triggers the compulsion? I’d love to hear your understanding of the phenomenon!