Chinese New Year is a season of renewal in Singapore. Beyond preparing red packets and festive meals, households take part in the long-standing ritual of spring cleaning before the Lunar New Year. This tradition is more than tidying up — it represents sweeping away the old to welcome luck, health, and prosperity into the home.
If you’re preparing your home for the festivities, this guide shares practical and symbolic cleaning tips that every household can follow. From decluttering and deep cleaning to refreshing fabrics and aligning with Feng Shui, these essentials will help you start the year in a positive way.
Declutter First for a Fresh Start
Before you dust or mop, begin with decluttering. Removing unused clothes, broken décor, and old items clears both physical and energetic space.
Practical tips:
-
Sort items into three categories: donate, recycle, or discard.
-
Avoid holding onto broken or unused items “just in case.”
-
Be mindful of storage spaces like wardrobes, kitchen drawers, and storerooms.
Decluttering also makes cleaning faster and more effective. If the task feels overwhelming, a professional spring cleaning service in Singapore can help you reset your home efficiently before the celebrations.
Deep Clean Areas Often Missed
Chinese New Year cleaning goes beyond surface tidying. It requires attention to overlooked areas that accumulate dust throughout the year.
Focus on these spots:
-
Ceiling corners and high shelves.
-
Behind sofas, wardrobes, and appliances.
-
Ceiling fans, aircon vents, and window tracks.
Many house cleaning services don’t shift bulky furniture like fridges or beds, so plan to move them yourself before cleaners arrive. If you’re uncertain about scope, check our Trusted House Cleaning Service in Singapore page to know what’s typically included.
Refresh Fabrics and Soft Furnishings
CNY is a time for fresh beginnings — and nothing makes a home feel more renewed than clean fabrics.
-
Wash curtains, bedsheets, and cushion covers.
-
Replace worn-out pillowcases with bright, festive designs.
-
Vacuum rugs and upholstery to remove dust and allergens.
Families with children or pets benefit most from refreshed fabrics. For ongoing upkeep beyond the festive season, see our guide on How to Maintain a Clean and Healthy Home with Kids and Pets.
Kitchen and Dining Area Cleaning
Food is central to Chinese New Year celebrations, so your kitchen and dining areas deserve extra care.
-
Clean stovetops, ovens, and microwaves thoroughly.
-
Clear expired pantry items and wipe cabinets.
-
Sanitize sinks and countertops with safe cleaners.
-
Polish dining tables so they shine for family gatherings.
For busy households that host visitors during the festive season, a weekly house cleaning service helps maintain kitchen hygiene in the lead-up to the new year.
Clean With Feng Shui Principles
CNY cleaning is also about energy flow. Feng Shui emphasizes removing clutter and dirt to allow positive Qi to circulate.
Key practices:
-
Keep entryways clear so good fortune can flow freely.
-
Wash windows for clarity and opportunity.
-
Mop floors from the back of the house toward the main entrance, symbolically sweeping away stagnant energy.
For inspiration on festive symbolism, see our Chinese New Year Spring Cleaning: Year of the Snake blog — it explores zodiac-specific traditions that complement these general tips.
Give Surfaces a Natural Shine
Festive homes should feel vibrant and welcoming. To achieve this, polish visible surfaces with natural cleaning agents.
-
Use vinegar, baking soda, or lemon juice for tables and cabinets.
-
Wipe mirrors and glass for extra brightness.
-
Add essential oils with citrus or pine scents for a festive fragrance.
These small details make your space more inviting when guests arrive.
Checklist for a CNY-Ready Home
Before New Year’s Eve, run through this quick list:
✅ Entrance cleaned and decorated
✅ Kitchen scrubbed and pantry cleared
✅ Fabrics washed and refreshed
✅ Floors mopped and swept
✅ Windows and mirrors polished
✅ Clutter removed and recycled
If you’re moving into a new space during the festive season, carry this same energy into your next chapter. Our Move-In Cleaning Checklist shares how to create a fresh start in your new home.
Celebrate in a Clean and Joyful Space
Chinese New Year cleaning isn’t just about a tidy home — it’s about intention. By decluttering, deep cleaning, and aligning your space with tradition, you prepare both your home and your energy for the year ahead.
Whether you clean as a family tradition or engage trusted professionals, a refreshed space sets the tone for joy, abundance, and prosperity in the months to come.
Our house cleaning service is featuring on Smart Singapore too. Check it out.
