Spring cleaning is a great way to refresh your home, but the timing can vary depending on your location. So, when do you start spring cleaning in Singapore? In Singapore, the best time to start spring cleaning is typically before the Lunar New Year, as it’s a cultural tradition to clean the house thoroughly before the new year begins. This usually falls between late January and early February.
Want to kickstart your spring cleaning efficiently? Read on for a beginner’s guide packed with tips and strategies to make your spring cleaning in Singapore effective and stress-free!
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Why is Spring Cleaning Done Before Chinese New Year?
There are two main reasons why spring cleaning is done before Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival:
- Symbolic cleansing: The act of cleaning is believed to sweep away bad luck and negativity from the previous year. In Chinese, the word for “dust” is a homophone for “old,” so cleaning literally represents discarding the old to make way for the new. This fresh start is seen as inviting good fortune and prosperity into the home for the coming year.
- Practical preparation: Chinese New Year is a major time for family gatherings and celebrations. Spring cleaning ensures the home is sparkling clean and presentable for hosting guests. A clean and organized space is also considered more inviting and comfortable for festive activities.
So next time you hear about spring cleaning before Chinese New Year, you’ll understand the deeper meaning behind the tradition. It’s a way to cleanse the past year’s troubles and welcome a fresh start filled with good luck and prosperity.
How to Spring Clean the House?
Spring cleaning is an excellent opportunity to refresh your living space and tackle those tasks that are often overlooked during regular cleaning routines. Here’s our step-by-step guide to spring cleaning your house with a focus on key areas:
1. Declutter
Objective: Remove unnecessary items to create a more organized and stress-free environment.
Steps:
- Sort Items: Go through each room and sort items into four categories: keep, donate, recycle, and trash.
- Start Small: Begin with smaller areas like a single drawer or closet to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
- Utilize Storage Solutions: Use bins, baskets, and organizers to keep items neatly arranged.
- Digital Declutter: Organize and back up digital files, delete unused apps, and clear out old emails.
2. Deep Clean
Objective: Clean areas that are often neglected during regular cleaning sessions.
Steps:
- High Dusting: Dust ceiling fans, light fixtures, and the tops of cabinets.
- Wipe Down Walls and Baseboards: Use a damp cloth or sponge with a mild cleaner.
- Clean Upholstery: Vacuum and spot-clean couches, chairs, and other fabric surfaces.
- Polish Wood Furniture: Use a wood polish to restore shine and remove dust.
3. Floors
Objective: Clean and refresh all types of flooring in your home.
Steps:
- Carpets and Rugs: Vacuum thoroughly, then use a carpet cleaner or hire a professional service for deep cleaning.
- Hardwood Floors: Sweep or vacuum, then mop with a cleaner designed for hardwood.
- Tile and Grout: Scrub grout lines with a mixture of baking soda and water, then mop tiles with a suitable cleaner.
- Laminate and Vinyl: Use a damp mop with a cleaner specific to these surfaces, avoiding excess water.
4. Windows
Objective: Achieve streak-free, crystal-clear windows.
Steps:
- Dust Blinds and Shades: Use a duster or a damp cloth.
- Clean Window Tracks: Vacuum and wipe down with a cloth.
- Wash Windows: Use a mixture of water and white vinegar or a commercial window cleaner. Wipe with a microfiber cloth or squeegee.
- Wipe Frames and Sills: Use a damp cloth to remove dirt and grime.
5. Refrigerator and Freezer
Objective: Ensure the food safety and efficiency of your appliance.
Steps:
- Empty and Sort: Remove all items and discard expired or unwanted food.
- Defrost Freezer: If necessary, defrost to remove ice build-up.
- Clean Shelves and Drawers: Wash with warm, soapy water, then dry thoroughly.
- Wipe Interior: Use a solution of baking soda and water to clean the interior walls.
- Organize Items: Return items, grouping similar foods together.
6. Dishwasher
Objective: Maintain efficiency and cleanliness of your dishwasher.
Steps:
- Empty Dishwasher: Remove all dishes.
- Clean Filter: Remove and rinse the filter to eliminate trapped food particles.
- Wipe Interior: Use a damp cloth to wipe down the interior surfaces.
- Run a Cleaning Cycle: Place a cup of white vinegar on the top rack and run a hot water cycle. Follow with a baking soda cycle if necessary.
7. Bathroom
Objective: Deep clean and sanitize to maintain hygiene.
Steps:
- Clean Toilet: Scrub with toilet cleaner and a brush, focusing on under the rim.
- Scrub Shower and Tub: Use a suitable cleaner for tiles and grout, and remove soap scum and mildew.
- Clean Sink and Countertops: Use an all-purpose cleaner, and don’t forget to clean the faucet.
- Wipe Mirrors and Fixtures: Use glass cleaner for mirrors and polish fixtures to shine.
- Clean Floor: Sweep, then mop with a disinfectant cleaner.
Expert Tips:
- Use the Right Tools: Microfiber cloths, dusters, squeegees, and specific cleaning solutions for different surfaces can make the job easier and more effective.
- Work Top to Bottom: Clean from the highest point in a room (ceiling fans, shelves) to the lowest (floors) to prevent re-cleaning.
- Schedule Tasks: Spread out the tasks over several days or weekends to avoid burnout.
- Involve the Family: Assign tasks to family members to make the process quicker and more enjoyable.
- Maintenance: Implement a regular cleaning schedule to maintain the freshness and cleanliness achieved through spring cleaning.
By following these detailed steps, you can ensure that your home is thoroughly cleaned, organized, and ready to enjoy throughout the year.
Is It OK to Spring Clean on Chinese New Year?
No, it’s not considered ideal to spring clean on the exact day of Chinese New Year. Traditionally, cleaning sweeps away bad luck, but on Chinese New Year’s Day, you’re also sweeping away good luck that just arrived.
Here’s how it works:
- Before: Cleaning your house thoroughly before Chinese New Year is considered a good thing. It symbolizes clearing out the old and making way for good fortune in the new year.
- During: Avoid cleaning on the first day of Chinese New Year. Focus on festivities and spending time with family.
If you need to finish some cleaning tasks, it’s best to do them before the celebrations begin. Don’t let cleaning chores steal your joy during Chinese New Year. Sureclean’s professional spring cleaning service frees up your time to celebrate and reconnect with loved ones. Welcome the year of good fortune with a sparkling clean home! Contact us today to get started.