7 Spring Cleaning Tips to Prepare Your Home for Chinese New Year (CNY)

Spring cleaning, again? Yes, it’s that time of the year! You may have done some cleaning recently (before Christmas and after New Year), however, it’s been two weeks since then, and according to traditional beliefs, cleaning your home for Chinese New Year is like “sweeping away bad luck to bring in good fortune into your life”.

So forget escaping the chores, embrace them instead as it will benefit you eventually. Here’s our list of essential spring cleaning tips to help you get started.

1. Start with Positivity

We understand how physically exhausting spring cleaning can be but being mentally drained too can really put a damper on things – that’s why it’s important to have a positive mindset when you’re tackling heavy duty tasks. A clean home will benefit both your physical and mental health. Chances of getting sick are lesser and you will feel less stressed and distracted – reducing your risk of depression. Remember, hard work and some elbow grease will always pay off in the end!

Tip: Remind yourself of your purpose – i.e. I am doing this for good energy and fortune or I want to be a proud owner of a flawless home.

2. Create a Cleaning Schedule

It is impossible to do everything in one day because despite our best efforts, we’re not superhuman. It’s important to pace ourselves – you got this! Set aside two to three days (minimum two to three hours each day) for every section of the house.

Tip: Start from the most highly used areas of the house (like your living room and bathrooms) and simply concentrate on those sections of the house throughout the festive period.

3. Get Your Cleaning Basket Ready

As CNY inches closer and closer, the last thing you want to do is waste valuable time searching for a cleaning tool. Load your cleaning agents and tools into a plastic basket (we recommend the ones with handles), so that they’re always within easy reach.

Tip: Skip the harsh stuff and DIY your own cleaning solutions. For glass, mirrors, and windows: Use white vinegar and warm water on a 1:1 ratio and wipe with newspapers. For mould and dirt (in bathrooms) and grease (in the kitchen): Use baking soda, salt and vinegar on a 1:3:1 ratio. Leave it for an hour or overnight, then scrape with a wooden spoon afterwards.

4. Put on the Right Outfit

Do you know that the way you dress can influence your mood? It may be a no-brainer but you should always be in your most comfortable state when you start cleaning. Be sure to wear clothes which you don’t mind getting soiled.

Tip: Protect yourself from all the grime. Firstly, wear a mask – there’s bound to be dusty situations and you cannot afford to fall sick on this joyous occasion! Secondly, wear rubber gloves – you’ll be dealing with harsh chemicals while removing stubborn mould and grease.

5. Finish Pending Home Repairs

Nothing feels better than finally getting that leaky pipe fixed! If you’re procrastinating on things (i.e. a faulty door lock or a broken cabinet hinge), now’s the best time to get it repaired once and for all. Your home may get messy when such works are ongoing (such as drilling and the tiny fragments that come with it). So make sure all of this is completed before you start spring cleaning.

Tip: You don’t have to look any further because we’ve got you covered. Engage our Handyman Service today!

6. Declutter Your Home

The logic is simple – the more you declutter, the lesser you have to clean. But then again, it’s easier said than done, especially if you tend to hoard your belongings. For starters, throw away things which cannot be fixed – no you don’t need to hold on to your grandfather’s clock unless you can put it up for auction – and expired items, be it cosmetics, toiletries or dry goods in the pantry.

Tip: Try the KonMari method, a system of simplifying and organising your home by getting rid of physical items that do not bring joy into your life. Read up our 5 Space-saving Tips That Spark Joy for Your BTO Flat.

7. Start from Top to Bottom

We often overlook what’s above our heads like our ceiling, lights, and fans. However, things on top get just as dusty as things on the ground too. Once you’re done, move on to fittings and furnishes such as cabinets, kitchen tops, tables, and shelves before starting on the floors.

Tip: Don’t throw away old pillowcases! They are useful for cleaning ceiling fan blades. Place the blade into a pillowcase and just wipe the dust down from the outside.

We know that prepping for festive occasions can be overwhelming, but with a clear mindset, good vibes, and a well-planned schedule – we believe you are ready to take on and conquer this cleaning quest! Set your intentions straight and be genuine about it. Chinese New Year is where family and friends come together for a good food and hearty laugh; it’s the best time to create beautiful memories with your loved ones in your home, so start making your New Year-ready home!

Rather leave home improvement works to a professional? We have handyman services to help you get your home in tip-top condition just in time for your upcoming reunion dinner.