What? You can use poop to clean?! A decluttering trick that you should try
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Let’s face it: decluttering is rarely anyone’s idea of a good time. We all have that one closet, drawer, or (let’s be honest) entire room that’s become a graveyard for forgotten gadgets, mismatched Tupperware, and “just in case” party decorations.
Over the years, we’ve seen every trick in the book—Marie Kondo’s “spark joy” mantra, the one-in-one-out rule, even the 12-12-12 challenge.
But just when you thought you’d heard it all, along comes a decluttering method so outrageous, so eyebrow-raising, that it’s taking the internet by storm: the infamous “poop rule.”
Yes, you read that right. The poop rule. And before you wrinkle your nose and click away, stick with us—because this method might just be the most effective (and oddly liberating) decluttering hack you’ll ever try.
What Exactly *Is* the Poop Rule?
The poop rule is the brainchild of lifestyle influencer Amanda Johnson, who recently shared it with the world—and the Washington Post—after it exploded in popularity on social media.
The premise is simple, if a bit stomach-churning: as you sort through your belongings, ask yourself, “If this item were covered in poop, would I still keep it?”
It’s a mental shortcut designed to cut through the emotional fog that often clouds our judgment when it comes to stuff.
Forget sentimental value, forget “maybe I’ll use it someday”—if you wouldn’t go to the trouble of scrubbing it clean, it’s probably not worth keeping.
Why Is This So Effective?
At first blush, the poop rule sounds like a joke. But there’s real psychology at play here.
Professional organizer Diane N. Quintana points out that the method is especially helpful for “visual thinkers” and those who need a little extra motivation to get started.
By conjuring up a vivid (and, let’s be honest, pretty gross) image, you’re forced to confront your true feelings about an object. Suddenly, that drawer full of mystery cables and old birthday cards doesn’t seem so precious.
For people with ADHD or anyone who struggles with decision fatigue, the poop rule removes the endless “what ifs” and “maybes.” It’s a binary choice: worth cleaning, or not.
Also read: Jessica Simpson shares bizarre wellness habit—and it’s not what you think…
How Does It Stack Up Against Other Decluttering Methods?
Marie Kondo’s “spark joy” approach asks you to focus on positive feelings. The poop rule, on the other hand, leans into the negative—using disgust as a motivator.
It’s not for everyone, but for those who find themselves paralyzed by indecision, it can be a game-changer.
Source: @maizimmy / Tiktok.
And if you’re worried about the ick factor, remember: it’s all hypothetical. No actual cleaning required (unless you have a very mischievous pet).
What Would You Actually Save?
Amanda Johnson herself admits she’d only bother cleaning her great-grandmother’s china—items that are both precious and useful.
Also read: The 1% Rule: This surprisingly simple trick could save you hundreds and help you outsmart impulse spending for good!
The rest? Out it goes. The rule is a powerful way to separate the truly meaningful from the merely convenient.
Think about it: would you really scrub poop off that old board game you haven’t played in years? Or the stack of party napkins from 2012? Probably not. But your wedding album, your favorite coffee mug, or your grandchild’s handmade ornament? Those are keepers.
Source: @adhdorganized / Tiktok.
Can You Substitute Something Less Gross?
If the thought of poop is just too much, you’re not alone. Some folks have suggested imagining tar, Nutella, or even glitter (which, as any grandparent knows, is nearly impossible to clean up).
The key is to pick something that triggers a strong “ick” response—enough to make you think twice about what’s truly worth keeping.
Related story: He turned cleaning into a joyful ritual—here’s how you can too!
Would you dare to try the poop rule? Do you have your own decluttering tricks that have stood the test of time? Or maybe you’ve found a way to let go of sentimental items without the need for mental gymnastics (or imaginary messes)? Share your thoughts, stories, and questions in the comments below!
Over the years, we’ve seen every trick in the book—Marie Kondo’s “spark joy” mantra, the one-in-one-out rule, even the 12-12-12 challenge.
But just when you thought you’d heard it all, along comes a decluttering method so outrageous, so eyebrow-raising, that it’s taking the internet by storm: the infamous “poop rule.”
Yes, you read that right. The poop rule. And before you wrinkle your nose and click away, stick with us—because this method might just be the most effective (and oddly liberating) decluttering hack you’ll ever try.
What Exactly *Is* the Poop Rule?
The poop rule is the brainchild of lifestyle influencer Amanda Johnson, who recently shared it with the world—and the Washington Post—after it exploded in popularity on social media.
The premise is simple, if a bit stomach-churning: as you sort through your belongings, ask yourself, “If this item were covered in poop, would I still keep it?”
It’s a mental shortcut designed to cut through the emotional fog that often clouds our judgment when it comes to stuff.
The “poop rule” is a new decluttering method popular on social media, where you ask yourself if you’d keep an item if it was covered in poo. Image source: Sunshine & ARTXSUN / Youtube.
Forget sentimental value, forget “maybe I’ll use it someday”—if you wouldn’t go to the trouble of scrubbing it clean, it’s probably not worth keeping.
Why Is This So Effective?
At first blush, the poop rule sounds like a joke. But there’s real psychology at play here.
Professional organizer Diane N. Quintana points out that the method is especially helpful for “visual thinkers” and those who need a little extra motivation to get started.
By conjuring up a vivid (and, let’s be honest, pretty gross) image, you’re forced to confront your true feelings about an object. Suddenly, that drawer full of mystery cables and old birthday cards doesn’t seem so precious.
For people with ADHD or anyone who struggles with decision fatigue, the poop rule removes the endless “what ifs” and “maybes.” It’s a binary choice: worth cleaning, or not.
Also read: Jessica Simpson shares bizarre wellness habit—and it’s not what you think…
How Does It Stack Up Against Other Decluttering Methods?
Marie Kondo’s “spark joy” approach asks you to focus on positive feelings. The poop rule, on the other hand, leans into the negative—using disgust as a motivator.
It’s not for everyone, but for those who find themselves paralyzed by indecision, it can be a game-changer.
Source: @maizimmy / Tiktok.
And if you’re worried about the ick factor, remember: it’s all hypothetical. No actual cleaning required (unless you have a very mischievous pet).
What Would You Actually Save?
Amanda Johnson herself admits she’d only bother cleaning her great-grandmother’s china—items that are both precious and useful.
Also read: The 1% Rule: This surprisingly simple trick could save you hundreds and help you outsmart impulse spending for good!
The rest? Out it goes. The rule is a powerful way to separate the truly meaningful from the merely convenient.
Think about it: would you really scrub poop off that old board game you haven’t played in years? Or the stack of party napkins from 2012? Probably not. But your wedding album, your favorite coffee mug, or your grandchild’s handmade ornament? Those are keepers.
Source: @adhdorganized / Tiktok.
Can You Substitute Something Less Gross?
If the thought of poop is just too much, you’re not alone. Some folks have suggested imagining tar, Nutella, or even glitter (which, as any grandparent knows, is nearly impossible to clean up).
The key is to pick something that triggers a strong “ick” response—enough to make you think twice about what’s truly worth keeping.
Related story: He turned cleaning into a joyful ritual—here’s how you can too!
Would you dare to try the poop rule? Do you have your own decluttering tricks that have stood the test of time? Or maybe you’ve found a way to let go of sentimental items without the need for mental gymnastics (or imaginary messes)? Share your thoughts, stories, and questions in the comments below!
