We kicked off Operation Kokohome—a 30-day experiment in transforming the house through scent rituals, natural cleaners, and tiny systems of beauty inspired by YouTuber KokoHome. Danielle tackled long-avoided projects like the stove and dishwasher filters, dried orange peels, infused vinegar with foraged herbs, and implemented riser-based countertop harmony. She also began the deeper ritualization of home care, using habit tracking, checklists, and self-designed labels. Russ got on board. So did AURO the robot vacuum.
When we embarked on Operation Kokohome, we didn’t just want to clean our house; we wanted to transform it into a sanctuary of beauty and joy. The idea was simple yet profound: what if we could reframe cleaning as an experiment, a ritual, and an aesthetic practice? This shift in perspective was our secret weapon. Instead of dreading the tasks ahead, we embraced them with a sense of curiosity and playfulness.
Danielle dove headfirst into long-avoided projects, tackling everything from the stove to the dishwasher filters. The moment she started infusing vinegar with foraged herbs, it felt like we were conducting a delightful science experiment in our kitchen. “I’m telling you… this is going to be awesome. :) it already is!” she exclaimed, and honestly, who could argue with that? The scent of fresh herbs wafting through the air was a game-changer, turning mundane chores into moments of sensory delight.
Absolutely! The power of scent is not just about making your home smell good; it’s about creating an emotional connection to your space. We began experimenting with scent infusions using dried orange peels, sagebrush, and juniper. Each infusion felt like a little gift to our future selves, a way to make cleaning feel less like a chore and more like a celebration of our home.
As we crafted our infused cleaners, we also designed charming labels that made the whole process feel official and fun. It was like we were creating our own line of artisanal cleaning products! The visual symmetry in the kitchen not only boosted usability but also brought a sense of calm and order. Who knew that a little aesthetic reward could keep the momentum going?
Of course, not everything went according to plan. There were moments that made us question our sanity—like the time a vinegar and baking soda reaction exploded on the counter. “It’s a heinous nightmare!” Danielle exclaimed, and honestly, I couldn’t help but laugh at the chaos we had created. Lesson learned: never mix them in a cup!
Then there were the greasy stove grates that required intense effort to clean. “I just looked them up. I’m going to phone it in and put the $160 to replace them on my ‘think about it’ list,” she said, half-jokingly. It was a reminder that sometimes, the mess is just part of the journey. And let’s not forget the surprise mouse poop discovery under the stove, which led to some unplanned heavy lifting. Cleaning can be a wild ride, but it’s all part of the adventure!
Despite the hiccups, we found that focusing on the aesthetic and emotional resonance of our cleaning rituals kept us motivated. The tiny systems we created—like risers for visual organization and charming checklists—offered emotional stickiness that made the process enjoyable.
Danielle’s daily rituals, like wiping the stove and folding laundry, provided immediate satisfaction. It was a reminder that even the smallest tasks could bring joy. And when AURO the robot vacuum was assigned a new HQ in the office, it felt like we were building a little community of helpers in our home. “AURO can live in my office,” she declared, and I couldn’t help but smile at the thought of our little robot friend zipping around, keeping things tidy.
We’re excited about the next steps. We plan to finalize our checklist and integrate it with a habit tracking app, ensuring that our newfound rituals stick around for the long haul. We’re also setting up a regular infusion production system with clear labeling, so we can keep the scent magic alive.
And let’s not forget about the high-priority cleaning zones that still need attention—like that pesky bathroom dust corner and the oven interior. We’re monitoring our citrus vinegar reactions and even testing seasonal scent blends to keep things fresh and exciting.
In the end, this journey has been about more than just cleaning; it’s been about creating a home that reflects our values and brings us joy. We’ve learned to embrace the mess, celebrate the small victories, and honor the beauty in our everyday lives. As we continue this adventure, I can’t wait to see what surprises await us next!
Canva: Label and checklist design — https://www.canva.com
Google Sheets: Tracking ritual outcomes — https://sheets.google.com
Relevance AI: Extracting data from photos and notes — https://relevanceai.com
Amazon: Supply ordering (Castile soap, gloves, citric acid) — https://amazon.com
iOS Journal: Optional journaling of habit data — https://apple.com
