Chinese New Year Cleaning: Complete Checklist for Malaysian Homes

Chinese New Year Cleaning: Start the Year Right

We know the pressure that comes with the weeks leading up to Chinese New Year. It is not just about tidying up; it is about the massive cultural expectation to reset the energy of your entire home before the first day of the Lunar New Year.

For 2026, the Year of the Horse arrives on February 17. This gives Malaysian homeowners a specific window to get everything sorted.

Our team at 22 Cleaning Service has handled hundreds of pre-CNY deep cleans across Kuala Lumpur and Selangor. You learn exactly where the hidden dust traps are and which tasks actually make the biggest difference when guests walk in.

This guide outlines the exact strategy we use. It moves beyond basic dusting to cover the specific needs of Malaysian homes, from humidity-prone bathrooms to the heavy grease found in Asian kitchens.

Why CNY Cleaning Matters

The tradition of “sweeping away the dust” (in Mandarin, “chen” sounds like the word for “old”) is fundamental to the celebration. Cleaning is more than a chore here. It is a ritual to drive out the bad luck (huisqi) of the past year.

We respect this tradition deeply. A spotless environment prepares the home to receive the good luck and prosperity that arrives with the new year.

The Practical Reality

Beyond the symbolism, a deep clean changes how you experience the holiday.

Guest Readiness: Hosting reunion dinners requires a space that feels welcoming and hygienic.
Mental Clarity: Clutter adds stress, while an organized home allows you to actually enjoy the festivities.
Health: Removing accumulated dust and mold, especially in our humid climate, protects family members with allergies.

The CNY Cleaning Timeline: Countdown to Feb 17, 2026

Procrastination is the enemy here. We strongly advise against leaving everything for the final weekend.

Local councils in Selangor and KL (like MBSJ and DBKL) often stop bulk waste collection a few days before the holiday. Planning ahead ensures you are not stuck with old furniture or large trash items during the celebration.

3 Weeks Before (Late January)

Focus: Decluttering and Heavy Lifting

Sort through wardrobes and cabinets.
Donate unwanted items to local charities like Community Recycle for Charity (CRC) or The Salvation Army.
Service the air-conditioning units now to avoid the pre-holiday price surge.
Wash heavy curtains and clean exterior windows.

2 Weeks Before (Early February)

Focus: Deep Cleaning Zones

Scrub bathrooms, focusing on grout and water stains.
Deep clean the kitchen, specifically the range hood and oven.
Wipe down ceiling fans (a major dust collector in Malaysian homes).
Clean light fixtures and polish wooden furniture.

1 Week Before

Focus: The “Face” of the House

Touch up the living room and dining area.
Clean the entryway and shoe racks.
Put up decorations like lanterns and couplets.
Buy fresh flowers and kumquat trees.

The Day Before (Feb 16, 2026)

Focus: Final Polish

Sweep and mop floors one last time.
Wipe down visible surfaces.
Take out all trash before midnight.
Important Rule: Put away all brooms and cleaning equipment before the new year starts to avoid “sweeping away wealth.”

Room-by-Room CNY Cleaning Checklist

Living Room

This is the center stage for your guests. We focus heavily on air quality and visible surfaces here.

Ceiling and Air:

☐ Ceiling Fans: Wipe the top of the blades using a pillowcase to trap dust so it does not fall on furniture.
☐ Air-Con Vents: Wash the filters and wipe the exterior casing.
☐ Lighting: Remove glass covers from ceiling lights and wash them.

Furniture and Floors:

☐ Sofas: Vacuum fabric sofas thoroughly, including under the cushions where coins and crumbs hide.
☐ Carpets: Send rugs out for professional cleaning or use a heavy-duty vacuum.
☐ Hidden Spots: Move the sofa to sweep the accumulated dust bunnies underneath.

Finishing Touches:

☐ Windows: Polish the interior glass until streak-free.
☐ Electronics: Use a microfiber cloth on the TV screen and wipe down remotes.

Kitchen

Malaysian kitchens see heavy use, especially with oil-based cooking. Our cleaners often spend the most time here removing sticky residue.

Grease Removal:

☐ Range Hood: Soak the metal filters in hot water and baking soda to dissolve stubborn grease.
☐ Backsplash: Scrub the tiles behind the stove.
☐ Cabinets: Wipe the tops of hanging cabinets where oily dust settles.

Appliance Deep Clean:

☐ Fridge: Empty it out, check expiration dates on sauces, and wipe shelves with a vinegar solution.
☐ Oven/Microwave: Scrub the interiors to remove burnt-on food.
☐ Rice Cooker: Clean the heating plate and the steam vent.

Dining Room

The reunion dinner table must be pristine.

☐ Table: Polish the surface and clean the legs.
☐ Chairs: Wipe down chair legs and vacuum upholstered seats.
☐ Fan/Chandelier: Ensure no dust will fall into the food during dinner.
☐ Crockery: Wash special CNY dishes and glassware that have been in storage.

Bathrooms

Humidity in Malaysia causes mold to grow quickly in tile grout. We recommend using a dedicated mold remover or a bleach solution for these areas.

Sanitization:

☐ Grout: Scrub tile lines with a stiff brush.
☐ Shower Screen: Remove watermarks using a mixture of vinegar and water or a glass cleaner.
☐ Drains: Clear hair and debris to ensure smooth drainage.

Fixtures:

☐ Mirrors: Polish until spotless.
☐ Faucets: Remove calcium buildup (limescale) for a shiny finish.
☐ Toilet: Disinfect the entire bowl, seat, and base.

Bedrooms

A clean bedroom supports the “fresh start” mentality.

☐ Mattress: Vacuum the surface and let it air out near a sunny window if possible.
☐ Bedding: Wash all sheets, pillowcases, and duvet covers.
☐ Under Bed: Clear out stored items and vacuum thoroughly.
☐ Wardrobe: Wipe down shelves and organize clothes by category.

Exterior and Entrance (Car Porch)

The entrance is where “Qi” (energy) enters your home.

☐ Gate and Door: Wipe down the main gate and front door.
☐ Shoe Rack: Organize shoes and wash the cabinet.
☐ Floor: High-pressure wash the car porch floor to remove moss or dirt.
☐ Plants: Trim overgrown plants and remove dead leaves.

Often Overlooked Areas

We always double-check these spots because they are easy to miss but very noticeable once everything else is clean.

Door Handles and Switches: These are high-touch areas that accumulate grime and bacteria.
Top of Door Frames: Run a damp cloth along the top edge of all door frames.
Skirting Boards: Dust settles here and makes the floor look dirty even after mopping.
Washing Machine: Run a tub cleaning cycle to remove residue and odors.
Trash Bins: Wash and disinfect the bins themselves, not just the bags.

Smart Cleaning Tips for Malaysian Homes

The Top-Down Method

Gravity is your friend. We always start cleaning from the ceiling (fans, lights) and work our way down to the furniture, leaving the floors for last. This prevents dust from falling on already-cleaned surfaces.

Dealing with Humidity

Mold returns quickly in our climate. Keep bathrooms well-ventilated during and after cleaning. Use moisture absorbers (like Thirsty Hippo) in closets to keep clothes fresh.

The “One Touch” Rule for Decluttering

When sorting items, touch them only once. Decide immediately: keep, donate, or trash. Do not create a “maybe” pile, as that just moves the clutter to a different spot.

DIY vs. Professional Cleaning: Making the Choice

Sometimes, handling everything yourself is not feasible.

We see a surge in bookings because homeowners realize they would rather spend their weekends shopping for CNY goods than scrubbing toilets.

Feature	DIY Cleaning	Professional Cleaning Service
Cost	Cost of supplies only (approx. RM100-200)	Hourly rates (approx. RM30-RM50/hr) or Package
Time Investment	2-4 full weekends	4-8 hours (one-off session)
Equipment	Standard household tools	Industrial vacuums, steamers, ladders
Results	Standard maintenance clean	Deep clean reaching hidden areas
Stress Level	High physical effort	Minimal effort

When to Outsource

Consider hiring professionals if:

You have high ceilings or hard-to-reach windows.
The house has not had a deep clean in over six months.
You are hosting a large gathering and need the space to be perfect.
Work commitments leave you with no time for chores.

Our CNY Cleaning Service

At 22 Cleaning Service, we offer specialized spring cleaning packages tailored for the busy Chinese New Year season.

Our team is trained to handle the specific demands of this holiday. We do not just wipe surfaces; we deep clean to ensure your home is ready for prosperity.

The CNY Deep Clean Package Includes:

Degreasing of kitchen hoods and hobs.
Sanitization of all bathrooms (floor-to-ceiling tiles).
Interior window cleaning and track vacuuming.
Ceiling fan and light fixture detailing.
Balcony scrubbing.

Booking Advisory for 2026: Slots for January and February fill up incredibly fast. We highly recommend securing your session at least 3 weeks in advance to get your preferred date.

Book Your CNY Cleaning Today

Do not let the stress of cleaning overshadow the joy of the celebration. WhatsApp us at +60 16-254 2022 to secure your slot.

Please provide the following details for a quick quote:

Property type (Condo/Landed) and size (approx. sqft).
Number of bedrooms and bathrooms.
Preferred date and time.
Current condition of the home (e.g., post-renovation or standard use).

We are ready to help you welcome the Year of the Horse with a sparkling, auspicious home.

Gong Xi Fa Cai! 恭喜发财!