【CNY 2026】Spring Cleaning Checklist & Tips

The Cantonese saying “Twenty-eighth, get prosperous” reflects the belief that cleaning the home on the 28th day of the lunar month brings good fortune for the new year. To welcome prosperity, a thorough home cleaning is essential—clearing away the old to make room for the new and greeting the coming year with a fresh, tidy environment.

Yet with Hong Kong’s fast-paced lifestyle, many people lack the time or don’t know where to start when it comes to deep cleaning. This guide offers a practical and efficient whole-home cleaning plan—from scheduling and cleaning order to often-overlooked details—to help you prepare a spotless home for the new year.

The Symbolism of Cleaning on the 28th

The tradition of cleaning on the 28th day of the final lunar month symbolizes “clearing out the old and welcoming the new,” inviting good fortune and warding off misfortune. Deep cleaning helps remove stale energy and bad luck from the past year, while refreshing the home for new blessings. Many families use pomelo leaf water to wipe furniture and floors — believed to drive away evil and illness while inviting good health.

It’s also a moment of togetherness, with family members cleaning side by side in preparation for the New Year. However, cleaning or taking out garbage is considered inauspicious from Lunar New Year’s Eve until the fourth day, as it may “sweep away” wealth and luck. Cleaning is best resumed after the fifth day to preserve good fortune.

Preparations For Spring Cleaning

Start planning your deep clean a few days before the 28th to avoid rushing.

• Create a detailed cleaning task list and divide it by room or category.
• Check your cleaning supplies — vacuum cleaner, cloths, gloves, natural cleaning agents, and brushes.
• Evaluate whether you need to hire a professional cleaning company for deep stains or hard-to-reach areas.
• Organize your schedule so the process remains smooth and efficient.

Thorough preparation ensures a stress-free and well-coordinated cleaning session.

Spring Cleaning Checklist

Clean from top to bottom, inside to outside for best efficiency. Below is a breakdown for each main area:

Living Room

• Wipe ceiling lights, fans, and curtain tracks
• Wash fabric or venetian blinds to remove dust
• Vacuum or steam-clean fabric sofas
• Use a microfiber cloth or soft brush to clean shelves and cabinets
• Vacuum carpets and floors thoroughly, then clean windows and mop with disinfectant

Bedroom

• Declutter wardrobes, bookshelves, and under-bed storage; organize or donate unused items
• Wash curtains and bedding to remove mites and bacteria
• Clean corners and air-conditioner filters; apply mild anti-mold sprays
• Vacuum and mop floors for a clean finish

Kitchen

• Deep clean the range hood, stovetops, and greasy walls
• Use a kitchen-grade degreaser to remove stubborn oil stains and odors
• Dispose of expired food in the fridge; clean cookware and utensils
• Clean the floor, sink, and drain to prevent clogging and odor build-up

Bathroom

• Remove mold and limescale from tile grout
• Clean basins, mirrors, bathtubs; replace shower curtains and mats
• Use natural anti-mold detergent for freshness
• Scrub toilet bowl and seat thoroughly

Cleaning Tips in High-Touch Areas

How to Clean the Air-Conditioner Filters

Steps:

1. Turn off the power and open the unit cover to remove the filter
2. Use a vacuum cleaner to remove surface dust
3. Use a neutral detergent with a soft brush to gently scrub away fine dust and grease
4. Rinse with clean water and air dry completely before reinstalling

Avoid: Harsh rubbing (may deform filter) and corrosive cleaners or bleach.

How to Clean the Windows

Steps:

1. Dust the surface first to prevent scratches
2. Wipe using diluted vinegar or lemon water
3. Clean from center outward in circular motions
4. Use a soft brush for window tracks and corners
5. Dry with an old towel or newspaper to prevent watermarks

Avoid: Steel wool or hard brushes, and pouring water directly (may cause seepage).

How to Clean the Stoves & Range Hood in the Kitchen

Steps:

1. Remove stove parts and hood filters
2. Spray Kitchen Degreaser on oily areas; let sit 3–5 minutes
3. Wipe from outside to inside with a sponge; use a toothbrush for thick grease
4. Rinse and dry to avoid streaks

Avoid: Metal brushes or strong corrosive cleaners that may damage the surface.

How to Remove Mould in the Bathroom

Steps:

1. Mix diluted white vinegar or baking soda with water; spray on tiles and grout
2. Leave for 15–20 minutes, then scrub with a toothbrush or sponge
3. Keep the area well-ventilated with dehumidifiers or exhaust fans

Avoid: Using bleach or strong chemicals in enclosed spaces.

Recommended GreenSTORE Products

How to Clean Hard-to-Reach Areas?

Common neglected areas include under cabinets, window grooves, air-conditioning interiors, and bathroom grout. These tight spaces accumulate dust, hair, and bacteria over time — becoming hotspots for mold and mites, particularly harmful to young children, the elderly, or allergy sufferers.

Consider hiring a Professional Cleaning Company that uses industrial-grade vacuum systems, steam sterilizers, or UV mite-removal devices for deep sanitization. This ensures thorough cleaning, saves time, and enhances indoor hygiene.

Recommended Professional Service

Johnson Group Home Cleaning Service — Your Best CNY Cleaning Partner

Spring Cleaning FAQs