Feng shui for water areas: toilet, kitchen and bathroom

1.The basics

• Clean often: limescale and mold are said to be signs of stagnant qi.
• Ventilate: run the fan or open a window so damp doesn’t build up.
• Keep the drains clean: don’t let hair and food scraps collect.

2.The toilet

The toilet is a place of “purification”, where what you don’t need is flushed away.

1. Close the lid after use
2. Use a mat and slippers, and wash them often (in Japan, many homes keep separate slippers for the toilet)
3. Don’t keep too much there: put cleaning things out of sight, and avoid leaving books and magazines lying about.
4. Add a small plant or flowers: they brighten the feel. If there is no daylight, artificial flowers or a picture will do.

White, beige and ivory, which feel clean, are popular colors.

3.The kitchen

The kitchen is where food is made, and is linked with health and money luck.

• Balance Fire and Water: in the five elements, the stove (Fire) and sink (Water) are in a controlling relationship, with Water putting out Fire. Putting something green (Wood) between them is said to create a generating flow instead: Water feeds Wood, and Wood feeds Fire.
• Put knives away: it is said to be best not to leave blades out.
• Sort out the fridge: not letting old food pile up matters for feng shui and for hygiene alike.

4.The bathroom and washroom

The bathroom is said to be where you wash away the day’s tiredness and bad qi.

• After a bath, open the window or run the fan to let the damp out
• Keep only the bottles you use, and don’t stand them straight on the floor
• Wipe drops off the washbasin mirror so it is clear
• Wash towels often and use clean ones

5.If you use morijio

Some households put morijio (salt cones) in water areas. Damp makes them melt easily, so the key is to replace them often. See how to make morijio.

6.In short

For water areas, cleanliness and fresh air matter more than any special item. A little care every day turns your whole home into a pleasant place.

7.FAQ

Should I close the toilet lid?

Feng shui says to close the lid after use, so that the qi of the water area doesn’t spread into the house. It is a good habit for hygiene too.

Is it bad for the stove and sink to sit side by side?

Feng shui sees this as Fire (the stove) and Water (the sink) colliding. A common tip is to soften it by putting something green, with the nature of Wood, or a wooden chopping board between them.