Spring cleaning holds great significance for Chinese people in Malaysia, particularly before the arrival of the Chinese New Year. It is deeply rooted in their cultural beliefs and traditions. One of the main reasons Chinese people engage in spring cleaning before the festive season is to sweep away any bad luck or negative energy accumulated from the previous year. A clean and clutter-free environment is believed to attract good fortune and positive energy into their lives.
By thoroughly cleaning their homes, they create a harmonious and auspicious space to welcome the new year and all the opportunities it holds. Spring cleaning is seen as a way to honour their ancestors and pay respect to their heritage. Chinese families often clean their ancestral altars and display new decorations to show reverence to their ancestors. Here are the 10 best tips and tricks for spring cleaning in Malaysia.
What Are the Things You Have to Do Before Spring Cleaning?
Before diving into spring cleaning, it’s helpful to do some preparation to ensure a smooth and efficient process. Here are some things you should consider doing before starting your spring cleaning:
1. Create a Plan
Outline which areas of your home need attention and prioritise tasks. A clear plan will help you stay organised and focused during cleaning.
2. Gather Supplies
Ensure you have all the necessary cleaning supplies, such as cleaning solutions, disinfectants, microfiber cloths, scrub brushes, garbage bags, and specialised cleaners for specific surfaces.
3. Declutter
Before cleaning, go through each room and declutter. Remove items that you no longer need or use. This will make cleaning more efficient and create a neater living space.
What Are the Auspicious Dates for Spring Cleaning in the Year of the Dragon 2024?
Spring cleaning before the Lunar New Year is a tradition that signifies leaving behind the old for a fresh start in the upcoming year. Despite today’s busy lifestyles, many still follow this practice. It involves thorough cleaning of homes, appliances, curtains, bedding, windows, floors, and dusting. The Chinese characters “Chen” [尘] and “Chen” [陈], sounding like ‘dust’ and ‘old,’ highlight the symbolic removal of the old. This tradition is rooted in history and seen as a way to ensure family well-being. Cleaning during the first to fifth day of the first lunar month is considered unlucky, so selecting an auspicious date is crucial for a successful cleaning session.
Read more to discover products that can expedite your Spring cleaning process:
- Best Cordless Vacuum Cleaners in Malaysia
- Best Floor Cleaners in Malaysia
- Best Kitchen Spray Cleaner in Malaysia
- Best Types of Cleaning Sponges in Malaysia
- Best Toilet Cleaners in Malaysia
- Best Cleaning Gloves in Malaysia
10 Best Tips and Tricks for Spring Cleaning in Malaysia 2024
1. DIY Natural Cleaning Solution – Save Your Money
If you prefer using fewer chemicals or find yourself in need of a backup cleaner, you can easily make your own natural cleaning solution using common household ingredients.
Check out this simple recipe shared by Melissa Maker from Clean My Space that can be used on various surfaces such as quartz, granite, marble counters, appliances, and sinks.
Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup of water
- 3/4 cup of rubbing alcohol
- 5 to 10 drops of peppermint, lemon, or orange essential oil
- 1 squirt of natural dish soap
Instructions:
- Mix all the ingredients in a spray bottle and shake well to thoroughly combine them.
- Spray the solution onto the surface you want to clean.
- Wipe the surface with a clean cloth, ensuring it is thoroughly cleaned.
2. 3 Steps to Clean Your Ceiling Fan
Before tackling other chores, start by cleaning your ceiling fans. This prevents dust particles from being dispersed around the room when you eventually switch on the fan.
Step 1: Place a sheet or drop cloth on the floor beneath the fan to catch any dust that falls during cleaning. This will save you from having to vacuum later.
Step 2: Position a reliable ladder beneath the fan to ensure safe access. Standing on a chair is not recommended, especially for fans located at higher heights.
Step 3: After dusting, dampen a microfiber cloth with warm, soapy water (dish soap works well) and gently wipe each blade. Then, use a dry cloth to dry the blades thoroughly.
3. Wipe Out Bacteria From Surface – Extra Protection
High-touch surfaces include areas in your home frequently touched with bare hands, such as doorknobs, light switch plates, appliance handles, faucets, and TV remotes. Keep them clean by regularly wiping them down using a microfiber cloth dampened with warm, soapy water (plain dish soap works well) or an all-purpose cleaner. If a family member is unwell with a cold or flu, consider using a disinfectant spray for an added layer of protection.
4. Hassle-Free Tips for Cleaning Your Refrigerator
Cleaning your refrigerator does not have to be a lengthy hassle. Here is the essential minimum you can do until you can complete this task as swiftly as possible:
Step 1: Quickly look through your fridge food, check the labels for expiration dates, and throw away anything past its prime.
Step 2: If something like soy sauce or ketchup spills, remove the nearby items and wipe up the mess with a cloth soaked in hot water and an all-purpose spray.
Step 3: For enamelled steel, use a cloth and the same multipurpose spray to wipe the front of the fridge. If your fridge is stainless steel, use a microfiber cloth with distilled white vinegar or a stainless steel cleaner to clean the exterior.
5. Wipe Away the Stains on the Walls
Do not forget that walls also need your attention when it comes to spring cleaning. Use a damp microfiber cloth to refresh painted walls and get rid of fingerprints, dust, and stains. Start from the top and work your way down, including doorframes and baseboards.
For quick touch-ups between deep cleans, address stains and marks promptly with a damp microfiber cloth. Apply the same method for cleaning tile walls in bathrooms, but consider using a disinfecting bathroom cleaner for germ protection. Be cautious with vinyl wallpaper by ensuring the damp cloth or mop is well-wrung to prevent damage.
6. Deep Clean Your Mattress – Sleep Better
The importance of cleaning your mattress might not be as apparent as compared to your bed sheets. Celebrate Chinese New Year with a cleaned mattress for a fresh and auspicious start to the year!
Here are the essential steps:
Step 1: Utilise the hose attachment to eliminate any accumulated dust, debris, or loose dirt on the mattress.
Step 2: Evenly sprinkle baking soda over the mattress and let it sit for approximately an hour. Baking soda serves to deodorize and neutralise bacteria.
Step 3: Remove all the baking soda (along with any remaining dirt or dust), ensuring it reaches into crevices for a thorough cleaning. If your mattress is flippable, repeat the process on the other side.
7. Easy Tricks to Clean The Microwave
Don’t neglect your microwave, the appliance you rely on almost daily, especially when you are looking for a quick and convenient meal. Effectively address those stubborn stains that have been bothering you by steaming your microwave by following the steps below.
Step 1: Pour one cup of water into a large bowl safe for microwaving
Step 2: Add slices of lemon, lime, or orange—or opt for several tablespoons of vinegar
Step 3: Put the bowl into the microwave and set it to high for several minutes until the mixture boils and the window steams up.
Step 4: Let the microwave cool for five minutes before opening the door.
Step 5: Take out the bowl and use a sponge to clean both the interior and exterior of the microwave.
8. 2 Tips to Scrub Your Toilet Squeaky Clean
Cleaning the toilet often ranks high on the list of most-dreaded household chores, perhaps leading to a lack of interest in learning the proper techniques.
Here are quick and straightforward tips to keep in mind:
- Allow the Toilet Cleaner to Work Its Magic
Step 1: Spritz the toilet cleaner inside the bowl, ensuring complete coverage up to the rim.
Step 2: Allow it to sit for a minimum of 10-15 minutes, providing ample time for the cleaner to disinfect surfaces.
Step 3: Afterward, scrub with a sturdy bristle brush or consider using a toilet wand for convenience. - Apply Disinfectant to All Toilet Surfaces
Step 1: While the toilet cleaner works on the bowl, spray disinfectant on every other part of the toilet, including the seat, under the seat, the base, and the surrounding floor area.
Step 2: Wipe down these surfaces with paper towels and dispose of them in the trash.
9. 5 Quick Ways to Wash Your Makeup Brushes
Clean all your makeup brushes to achieve the desired look and confidently showcase your style in your Chinese New Year outfits.
Here are ways to clean those dirty brushes:
Step 1: Dispense a few drops of baby shampoo or dish soap into your palm.
Step 2: Rub the bristle tips of the makeup brush into the soap, generating suds, and gently work the suds through the bristles.
Step 3: Rinse the brush by holding it under warm running water with the bristles facing downward.
Step 4: Shake the brush gently over the sink to eliminate excess water.
Step 5: Lay the brush on a paper towel to finish the drying process.
10. 8 Tips to Clean Washing Machine
Cleaning your washing machine can help you ensure it functions effectively and to prevent odours and mould growth. Here are steps to wash your washing machine:
Step 1: Set the machine to the hottest water setting and add about four cups of white vinegar.
Step 3: While the machine is filling, put a cup of baking soda in the drum.
Step 4: Pause the cycle and let the vinegar and baking soda soak for about an hour.
Step 5: Continue the cycle to let it finish cleaning.
Step 6: While the machine is empty, wipe down the inside surfaces, including the rubber seal.
Step 7: If there are detergent dispensers, take them out and clean them.
Step 8: After cleaning, leave the machine door open to air dry.
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