As Christmas and New Year pass, it doesn't mean that the festivities of celebration are over yet—because the Chinese New Year is right around the corner! Chinese New Year, the time of red envelopes, family gatherings, and endless feasting–what a time of the year. But before the celebrations kick in, there’s one crucial tradition that can't be skipped, spring cleaning!
According to tradition, cleaning before CNY sweeps away bad luck and opens the door for good fortune. So, are you ready to celebrate this year with a clean home, and good fortune?
Why Spring Clean for CNY is Important?
In Chinese culture, cleaning the home before CNY isn’t just about hygiene, it’s about cleaning out the old to welcome the new. A tidy home symbolizes a fresh start and attracts positive energy. Additionally, cleaning is also generally considered taboo during Chinese New Year. It’s believed that cleaning during Chinese New Year could sweep away good luck. So it’s better to steer clear of it.
Plus, let’s face it—a clean and tidy home makes hosting CNY gatherings much easier. Instead of stressing over chores during the celebration, why not get everything done ahead of time?
Step-by-Step Home Cleaning Guide for Chinese New Year
Create a Cleaning Checklist
First thing first, don’t dive without a plan! Never start your spring cleaning before creating a proper checklist. A cleaning checklist keeps you organized and ensures no corner of your home is left untouched. Write down every task that you must do, from dusting shelves to scrubbing the kitchen sink. Also, don’t forget to add the best part of Chinese New Year Cleaning… decorating! Brighten up your home with festive CNY ornaments to bring in all the good vibes!
Set a Schedule to Clean
Are you planning to clean the entire house in one day? Well, you shouldn't! Because this is the perfect recipe for burnout. Instead of attempting to clean all at once, you should break your task into smaller chunks and spread them over several days.
Focus on different areas, one day for bedrooms, another for the living room, and the next day for the bathroom. This way, it will make your spring cleaning feel less burdensome and more like prepping for good fortune to roll in.
Start with a Positive Mindset
Approaching spring cleaning with a positive attitude makes the task less overwhelming. Picture the result, where you can celebrate a gathering with your family in a spotless and cozy space. Or think about the proud smile on your Amma’s face when she sees your spotless home.
A clean space doesn’t just impress–it invites good fortune and positive energy for the new year. Plus, cleaning is known to reduce stress and boost happiness, so why don’t you think of it as self-care with a broom?
Gather Cleaning Tools and Supplies
Avoid the mid-clean panic when you realize you’re out of your detergent or cleaning solution! This can be a nightmare, and dampen your mood to start to clean. Instead, gather all your tools in advance, brooms, mops, and other cleaning tools you might need beforehand.
Additionally, if you plan to use an eco-friendly solution for your spring cleaning, you should add them to your grocery shopping list. Some of the natural products you can use are, baking soda, vinegar, and lemon. These natural products not only work wonders to clean your home but will also leave it smelling fresh and inviting!
Use a Top-to-Bottom Approach
Don’t make a rookie mistake like dusting your table and then wiping the ceiling fan, when you’re about to spring clean for Chinese New Year. The best way to clean is by using the top-to-bottom approach. Start with ceiling fans, lights, and shelves, then move to countertops and finally the floors. This prevents dust from undoing your hard work, and ensures your Chinese New Year cleaning is much more efficient!
Declutter Your Stuff
New year, new you—and less clutter! Get rid of all items you haven't used in the past six months, don't let them crowd your room and make your house full of clutter. Donate or get rid of any stuff that's just taking up space!
Organize After Decluttering
Planning to host CNY gatherings at your home? This step will save you from last-minute scrambles to hide miscellaneous items from the little ones that might come to your house.
Once you’ve cleared all the clutter, you should organize what’s left. Storage boxes, labeled containers, and shelf organizers will be your best friends to make your house clutter-free.
Brighten Up Your Space
If you plan to freshen up your home with new wall paint or wallpaper before the new year, this is the right time to do it. Bright, fresh spaces symbolize new beginnings, and a little home glow-up before CNY can make your space feel brand new.
Clean Windows and Mirror
Clean windows and mirrors until they sparkle and let the light (and luck) shine through your home. Also, don’t forget to wash or purchase new curtains to complete the polished look.
Find the best way to clean your windows and mirrors here. We have the best tips to ensure you get that streak-free finish!
Clean the Fans
Ceiling fans are often overlooked but trust us, your guests will notice a dusty fan during their visit. Instead of letting all the dust bother your CNY gathering, you can simply clean it up by using a damp cloth to gently remove dust without it flying everywhere. Clean fans mean a cool breeze and good fortune flowing!
Deep Clean the Kitchen
If you’re hosting a CNY gathering, you must know that the kitchen is usually the heart of the celebrations. It’s where all the delicious food magic happens. Thus, make sure to deep clean your cabinet, stove, sink, and countertops beforehand. A clean kitchen makes food prep for CNY gatherings even more enjoyable.
Finish with Taking Care of the Floor
Following the top-to-bottom approach means that after cleaning all parts of the house, the last thing we should do is take care of the floor. Now that the upper areas are spotless, finish by vacuuming and mopping the floors. For that extra touch during CNY, you should use floor polish to add a little shine and glow.
Get a Hassle-Free Spring Cleaning before CNY!
Feeling overwhelmed? No worries! If deep cleaning isn’t your cup of tea, consider hiring Luce professional cleaning service, instead. Our team will handle the nitty-gritty of spring cleaning, leaving you to focus on what matters—enjoying the festivities and collecting those red envelopes!
Book Luce's spring cleaning service now, and welcome the Year of the Snake with a sparkling home!
