9 guidelines to follow: Why spring cleaning is a must before Lunar New Year hits

Upgrade to High-Speed Internet for only ₱1499/month!

Enjoy up to 100 Mbps fiber broadband, perfect for browsing, streaming, and gaming.

Visit Suniway.ph to learn

February 1, 2026 | 5:41pm

MANILA, Philippines — The Lunar New Year is coming. This most auspicious date on the Lunar Calendar has become a part of the Philippine calendar of events and is perhaps the most-awaited celebration in the country after Christmas.

Its date changes depending on the Lunar Calendar, and this 2026, it falls on February 17, a Tuesday. So, households are gearing up to do some serious spring cleaning before the Year of the Fire Horse comes galloping in.

According to Feng Shui, spring cleaning is a must to get rid of unnecessary clutter and greet the New Year with a clean environment. Cleaning the home gets rid of bad luck and negativity from the previous year and sets the tone to fill it with good luck, positive energy and overflowing blessings in the New Year. It would not hurt to follow tradition if it is something positive and beneficial to the household anyway.

So, are you ready to hit the broom, rags and vacuum cleaner? Here are some Feng Shui guidelines to follow:

1. Do it before Lunar New Year

It is important that you take action before the Lunar New Year hits as it intensifies a few days before the auspicious date. Make sure you finish the chores you’ve set to do before the fireworks break out into shades of color and light up the sky to signal the official start of the Year of the Fire Horse.

2. Repaint your home

If your house is in dire need of a fresh new coating of paint to make it look bright, new and beautiful, now is the time to do so. The Chinese believe in greeting every New Year with a clean, pleasant and clutter-free environment, and this should be a good way to start the year.

3. Fix what is broken

Been meaning to have your washing machine and dryer, oven toaster or sofa with a broken leg fixed? Now is the time to do so.

4. Discard what you no longer use and need

The rule of thumb is that if you did not look for an item you’ve been keeping for six months, then you might no longer need it at all.

Just go through your “dispensable” stuff very quickly before Chinese New Year and donate still good items that you no longer need, especially clothes and shoes, to a charitable institution. This way, you will be decluttering and helping other people as well.

5. Pay your debts

It should feel good to start the year without any burdensome debts.

6. Get a haircut

Face the New Year with a new you. A good haircut can give you that feeling of freshness.

7. Give your mattress, pillows and linen a good cleaning

Who does not want to sleep on a clean bed and pillow?

8. Check food stuff for expiration dates

Prepare three boxes: one for expired items, one for items that can still be used but nearing expiration, and one for items that are good for another year or so.

The ones that go into the expired box should already be thrown away. The items nearing their expiration dates should be stored where they will be within reach. The good stuff can stay at the back in your cupboard or grocery cabinet.

9. Sweep toward the right direction

Sweep from the door of the house inward and sweep the dirt and trash out the back door. Sweep the floor on the last day of the Year of the Snake to rid your house of “leftover” dust and litter.

Do this way before the clock strikes 12 midnight and ushers in the Year of the Fire Horse.

RELATED: Bongbong Marcos, Sara Duterte: Clashing signs in Year of the Fire Horse