Lunar New Year Spring Cleaning Checklist

With Chinese New Year just around the corner, it’s time to roll up your sleeves. There’s so much to do, especially when it comes to getting your home spick and span. But don’t stress! 

We’ve put together a simple Lunar New Year spring cleaning checklist so you’ll know exactly where to start and get ready to welcome the year of the Wood Snake. Let’s dive in!

Why Do People Clean Their House For The Lunar New Year?

House cleaning for Chinese New Year is an important tradition. People clean their homes to sweep away bad luck and negativity from the past year, making space for a fresh start. The word ‘dust’ in Chinese is a homophone for ‘old’, so cleaning is seen as a way to get rid of the old and make room for new blessings. It’s also believed to bring good fortune, prosperity, and harmony. 

The cleaning is done before the new year begins, as tidying on New Year’s Day might sweep away the good luck. Plus, it helps prepare the home for festive decorations and family gatherings.

When Can I Clean My House In Lunar New Year?

Lunar New Year cleaning is a tradition that’s best done before the big day. It’s important to finish all your cleaning before midnight on Lunar New Year's Eve. 

Doing any cleaning on New Year's Day itself is thought to risk sweeping away the good fortune and luck that the new year brings. By tidying up in advance, you clear away the bad luck of the past year and create space for positive energy and blessings in the year ahead.

House Cleaning For Chinese New Year: Your Checklist

Mental Preparation & Timing

• Set A Clear Intention: Take a moment to set a clear intention before you begin cleaning your house during Chinese New Year. This isn’t just about tidying up; it’s about clearing out the old energy to make your house for the fresh, positive vibes that the new year has to offer.
  
  

• Set Realistic Goals: Break your Chinese New Year decluttering into small tasks and set simple goals each day.
• Allocate Time Wisely: Split your tasks into short, focused sessions of around 30 to 60 minutes each and spread them across several days to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
• Pre-New Year Preparations: It’s said that cleaning and decluttering too near the New Year can interfere with the flow of good luck, so aim to finish everything a day or two before Lunar New Year’s Eve.
• Enlist Help: Starting the new year by enlisting the help of your family – not only will it speed up the process, but it’ll also make everything a lot more fun!

Start With Old Items

Move through each room and declutter by deciding what you no longer need. Consider donating, selling, or recycling those items, or perhaps passing them on to friends or neighbours - a gesture often seen in Chinese culture. Books, toys, and clothes can find new homes through charities or local community swaps, while sentimental belongings could make meaningful gifts for loved ones.

Tidy Storage Spaces

Tidy up your closets, drawers, and cabinets to create more organised, accessible spaces. Neatly fold your clothes and consider packing away seasonal items for later use. 

Here’s a decluttering tip: labelled storage boxes or vacuum-seal bags not only save space but also make it a breeze to find what you need when you need it.

Tidy The Altar Area

This space plays a key role in fostering harmony and welcoming positive energy into your home, so make sure it’s tidy and peaceful, setting the perfect tone for the year ahead. Below is a guide on what to do and what to avoid when cleaning the altar area.

Purge Kitchen Items

Clear your kitchen counters and pantry by throwing away expired or unused food. Organise drawers with only the utensils you use. One of the deep cleaning tips for the kitchen is to clean often-overlooked areas like fridge seals and appliance undersides. 

For a more organised fridge, try using silicone food bags to store leftovers or vegetables. They not only help reduce clutter but also keep your food fresher for longer.

A helpful tip from Chinese kitchens is to use a vinegar and water mix to remove grease and keep surfaces spotless. You can also use a damp cloth to wipe down surfaces and keep your kitchen fresh.

Sort Paperwork And Documents

Go through your old bills, receipts, and paperwork, and get rid of anything you no longer need by shredding or recycling it. Don’t forget to take down last year’s wall calendar, clearing the way for a fresh start. After that, organise the important documents into folders, so they’re easily accessible whenever you need them.

Clear Cluttered Surfaces

Clear away clutter from tables, desks, and countertops by removing items like trinkets or old posts. For a more organised look, consider using storage bins or trays to neatly arrange the essentials.

Focus On Bedrooms

To create a more serene and organised bedroom, start by clearing nightstands, under-bed storage, and any other areas where clutter tends to gather. Tidy up personal items like accessories, books, or electronics, neatly storing them away to preserve a clean and tranquil atmosphere.

Here are a few suggestions to enhance your bedroom even further:

• Bring a soothing touch with a reed diffuser or soy candle: In Chinese culture, fragrances like sandalwood and jasmine are thought to promote relaxation and positive energy. These gentle scents can help cultivate a peaceful environment, encouraging restful sleep and a harmonious flow of energy.
• Refresh your room with soft, inviting bedding: a fitted sheet, a snug blanket, and plush pillows are key to ensuring you get the sleep and comfort you need.
• Choose a mattress protector: Keep your bed in top condition for the new year. Not only does it extend its life, but it also ensures a cleaner, more hygienic sleeping space. Plus, choosing a mattress cover shows you care about your space.

Clean The Bathroom

Of course, remember to clean the bathroom thoroughly. In addition to wiping down the surfaces, pay attention to the items you use daily, such as towels, shower sponges, and shower washcloths. If any need replacing, be sure to grab some fresh ones. It's worth investing in high-quality products made from materials like cotton and bamboo, or eco-friendly loofah.

Declutter Entryways

Transform your hallway or foyer into a warm, inviting space by organising shoes, coats, and bags with hooks, baskets, or shelves. Clear away any stuff to keep the area fresh and welcoming. For an extra touch, try adding a reed diffuser to freshen the air, particularly in a space where shoes can sometimes leave an unpleasant odour. 

This small yet thoughtful addition will create an even more inviting atmosphere for your guests as you welcome the New Year.

Final Tips For Lunar New Year Spring Cleaning

Now you know where to start with cleaning the house during Chinese New Year! For the final touches, check out these decluttering tips for your home.

• Decorate With Care: Once everything’s clean, put up your Chinese New Year couplets and paper cuttings. Keep them straight and neat - it’s all about bringing stability to the home.
• Focus On Key Areas: Pay extra attention to spots like the entrance, living room, and dining table - these are where everyone gathers, so they should look their best.
• Don’t Forget Hidden Spaces: Take a peek behind furniture, under beds, and inside drawers. Clearing out forgotten clutter helps refresh the energy in your home.
• Mop The Floors: Be sure to give your floors a thorough clean, especially in high-traffic areas, one of the deep cleaning house tips for a fresh start. A good mop and polish will help clear away negative energy and set the stage for a prosperous new year.
• Add Prosperity Touches: Arrange oranges, pomelos, or red envelopes to brighten the space and boost the festive vibe.
• Check The Lights: Make sure all the lights and appliances are working. A bright home symbolises a bright year ahead!
• Make It Personal: Make it personal by adding something special - like fresh peonies in pink, purple, or red, which are said to bring good luck and prosperity. Or, you could add the lovely soy candle of jasmine to welcome new beginnings in style.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is The Meaning Of Spring Cleaning In Chinese New Year?

Spring cleaning is a cherished Chinese New Year tradition, symbolising the removal of bad luck from the past year and making way for a fresh beginning. It involves a deep clean of the home and its surroundings, ensuring everything is spotless before the new year arrives.

What Is The New Year's Cleaning Tradition?

Spring cleaning is a time-honoured tradition in China and other parts of Southeast Asia, such as Singapore and Vietnam, to mark the New Year. This often includes:

• Cleaning windows, gutters, and the outer walls
• Vacuuming and washing vents
• Scrubbing baseboards, door frames, ceilings, and walls
• Sorting through old clothes and purging unwanted items
• Donating unused food and shredding unnecessary paperwork

It’s a perfect way to refresh your home and embrace the new season.

Can I Clean My House On New Year's Eve?

In Chinese culture, it's customary to avoid cleaning on New Year's Eve. It's believed that doing so could sweep away good fortune and prosperity for the year ahead. This is why knowing when to clean the house during Chinese New Year is so important.

People carry out their spring cleaning beforehand, clearing away bad luck and making room for fresh, positive energy. New Year's Eve itself is a time for celebration, not for tidying up.

How Many Days After Chinese New Year Can I Clean My House?

The ideal time to start cleaning your house is usually after the fifth day of Chinese New Year, when bad luck is thought to have passed. Some families even wait until the 15th day, which marks the end of the celebrations, to begin cleaning.

Can I Buy Stuff On Chinese New Year?

It’s fine to buy things like new bedding, kitchen essentials, or bath and laundry items during Chinese New Year. These purchases are seen as a way to refresh your home and invite good luck for the year ahead. However, it’s best not to overspend in the first few days, as some believe it could cause financial problems later in the year.

Conclusion

As you prepare for Lunar New Year cleaning, bear in mind that spring cleaning is not just about clearing the clutter - it’s about ushering in good fortune and embracing a fresh start. With this handy checklist, you’ll create a clean, uplifting space for the year to come. Take your time, enjoy the process, and may the Year of the Wood Snake bring you prosperity and joy! 

If you’re wondering where to shop for everything from bedding to bath essentials, look no further than Weavve. We offer a wide selection to help you kick off the new year in style and comfort.