how do i repot an orchid without making a mess?

Do it in the sink or over newspaper and the mess is sorted. Water it the day before, the roots get bendier and slide out easier. Ease it out, shake off the old bark, and cut off any roots that are mushy or hollow and papery - firm green or silvery ones stay. Use orchid bark mix, not normal potting soil, and a pot only slightly bigger than the old one. Best done once it's finished flowering.