Cleaning and New Year’s Day: Traditions and Superstitions

No matter where you celebrate, New Year’s Day traditions mean delightful feasts, lively gatherings, and cherished rituals. But after the confetti settles, there’s one question many of us find ourselves asking: Is it really bad luck to clean on New Year’s Day?

Depending on who you ask, cleaning on New Year’s Day is either the ultimate way to start fresh or a surefire way to sweep away your good luck. Let’s pop the cork on the myths, traditions, and modern solutions around New Year’s cleaning. Plus, we’ll share expert tips to make your home shine from January to December.

Article contents

• Is It Bad Luck to Clean on New Year’s Day?
• What Can You Clean on New Year’s?
• Cleaning on New Year’s Eve: The Ultimate Reset Ritual
• The Benefits of New Year’s Cleaning
• Is DIY Cleaning the Best Choice for the New Year?
• Start the New Year Right With Help from Molly Maid
• FAQs About Cleaning on New Year’s Day

Is It Bad Luck to Clean on New Year’s Day?

First things first: We’ve all heard the old superstition that says cleaning your home on New Year’s Day invites bad luck. Some cultures and traditions believe that sweeping or washing anything on January 1st means you’re symbolically “sweeping away” your good fortune for the year ahead. Others think doing laundry could “wash away” a loved one or invite misfortune.

Here’s the good news: Traditions are what you make of them. If tidying up brings you peace, clarity, and joy, maybe that’s your good luck charm. After all, what better way to welcome abundance than by making space for it?

If you’re feeling cautious, you can always save the heavy scrubbing for January 2nd—and even let a professional handle it while you relax and sip that leftover sparkling cider.

What Can You Clean on New Year’s?

New Year’s cleaning superstitions vary by region and culture, but certain tasks like doing dishes and sweeping floors are the primary taboos. While the superstitions may keep some away, there are actually practical reasons to clean your home on New Year's Day.

Can you wash dishes on New Year’s?

The sink is the last battlefield of every great celebration. Whether it’s filled with glitter-coated glasses or appetizer platters that could tell stories, it’s natural to wonder whether you can safely wash dishes on New Year’s Day.

Superstitions surrounding cleaning (and possibly breaking) dishware may conflict with your desire to enjoy a clutter-free kitchen. We say, why not split the difference? Rinse what’s necessary, but don’t spend your first day of the year elbow-deep in suds.

And as far as cleaning the rest of the kitchen, simply make a note to schedule professional cleaning. Outside help ensures your cooking space is ready for the year ahead—no luck lost, just time gained.

Can you sweep on New Year’s?

A common superstition, particularly in China, holds that sweeping on New Year’s “sweeps away” wealth and luck for the rest of the year. To avoid the issue, homes are cleaned before New Year's Eve so that the household can enter the new Lunar Year in a clean and fortunate environment.

Whether you prefer to sweep before the party or chance it on New Year’s Day, each brush of the broom clears out cluttered energy and makes room for positivity.

Cleaning on New Year’s Eve: The Ultimate Reset Ritual

If you want to sidestep the “bad luck” altogether, many experts (and cultures) recommend cleaning on New Year’s Eve instead. There’s something deeply satisfying about welcoming January 1st in a spotless space.

Cleaning on New Year’s Eve can even be a fun family ritual:

• Play upbeat music and make it a mini dance party.
• Set a timer for 30 minutes per room.
• Light a candle or diffuse essential oils to set the tone for abundance.

Once the clock strikes midnight, you’ll not only be celebrating a new year—you’ll be celebrating a new level of calm.

The Benefits of New Year’s Cleaning

We’ve all heard the saying, “new year, new you.” But maybe it’s time to say, “new year, clean you.”

A tidy environment reduces stress, boosts focus, and even helps you sleep better—all things we could use more of after the holiday rush. So, whether you’re setting goals, detoxing from December indulgence, or just craving order, cleaning on New Year’s Day is an act of self-care.

But the key is doing it without burnout. You don’t have to spend your first day of the year scrubbing baseboards or battling dust bunnies, but the first week of the year is an excellent time to establish the routines that will allow you and your household to enjoy a clean, revitalizing space all year long.

Cleaning strategies for the year ahead

Whether you’re superstitious or simply practical, these quick tips can help you start your year on the right (and clean) foot:

1. Declutter before midnight. As the old year ends, let go of anything that no longer serves you physically or emotionally.
2. Set cleaning intentions. Instead of resolutions you’ll forget, set rituals like “Wipe Wednesdays” or “Tidy Tuesdays.”
3. Book your January clean early. Professional appointments fill fast when everyone on the block is chasing that “fresh start” feeling.
4. Keep it cozy. A clean home feels even better with soft lighting, warm blankets, and your favorite playlist.
5. Celebrate your effort. Cleaning doesn’t have to be a chore. Make it a form of gratitude for your space.

Is DIY Cleaning the Best Choice for the New Year?

We all love a good DIY project, but after weeks of holiday chaos, tackling your own New Year’s cleanup might not be the best use of your energy. Here’s why:

• You’re still recovering from the holidays. After cooking, entertaining, and shopping, you’ve earned a break.
• You might miss the details. Professional cleaners spot things we often overlook, like light switches, baseboards, and the tops of cabinets.
• You deserve more “you time.” The first week of January should be about setting intentions, not scrubbing floors.

So while you can clean your own home, the real question is—should you?

Start the New Year Right With Help from Molly Maid

Whether you want to avoid courting bad luck by cleaning on New Year’s Day or are simply wiped out from hosting the holidays, a professional cleaning service is the answer. Molly Maid offers custom cleaning plans tailored to your needs, including one-time, occasional, and recurring schedules. Our courteous, efficient team provides a thorough cleaning every time, backed by the Neighborly Done Right Promise® to ensure your satisfaction.

Whether it’s cleaning on New Year’s Eve before your guests arrive or cleaning after New Year’s Day so you can rest guilt-free, the team at Molly Maid delivers care, consistency, and freshness you can feel. Request a free estimate from your local Molly Maid team today!

This article is intended for general guidance only and is not applicable to every situation. You are responsible for determining the proper course of action for your property and situation. Molly Maid is not responsible for any damages that occur as a result of advice and/or guidance derived from its blog content. Molly Maid services may vary by location. For the most accurate guidance, contact the Molly Maid nearest you for more information and a professional on-site assessment.