Swedish author and artist Margareta Magnusson, whose book about the “death cleanse” became a global phenomenon, has died at the age of 92.
Magnusson’s 2017 book, The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning, introduced international readers to the concept of döstädning – the practice of sorting and gifting possessions in old age so that family members do not have to bear the burden of doing so after death.
Published when Magnusson was 80 years old, it was his debut and became an international bestseller. It was eventually published in more than 30 countries and its success helped make “death cleansing” a widely recognized term.
“My motto for cleaning is simply: if you don’t like it, lose it. If you don’t use it, lose it,” she said in an interview with Swedish publication The Local. “My death cleanse has brought back wonderful memories. I wish other people have the same experience.”
Magnusson’s ideas came after the loss of close family members, particularly her husband of 48 years. Leaving her large family home for a smaller apartment, she faced the emotional and practical challenge of organizing her possessions. In your book, you described going through a loved one’s belongings as a necessary part of grieving.
“Deadly cleaning is not a sad thing,” he said in an interview with the i Paper. “I want it to be cheerful and interesting. It can be that. And people should start early. If your things are in order, then you don’t have to waste time looking for them.”
In 2023, the concept inspired a reality television series, The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning, produced and narrated by Amy Poehler. The show followed Swedish experts helping Americans declutter their homes while confronting the emotional stories attached to their belongings.
Born in Gothenburg, Magnusson was primarily an artist and illustrator before becoming an author later in life. He graduated from Beckmans College of Design in Stockholm and his art has been exhibited in galleries around the world. She was the mother of five children. In 2022, he published The Swedish Art of Aging Lushly, a guide to aging and living well.
