"I probably won't be able to finish the big cleaning. But I want to start the New Year feeling refreshed..."
If you feel that way, focus only on your entryway right now.
The entryway is the only place through which the Toshigami-sama (deity of the New Year), who presides over the New Year, enters your home. What all lucky homes have in common is, without exception, a well-maintained entryway.
Here's the quickest route to a "purifying finish" for your entryway, completed in just 30 minutes.
Why the "Entryway" is the Most Important
In Japanese culture, the entryway is considered the "boundary between outside and inside" and a place that determines the overall impression of the home.
In fact, there is data showing that when guests judge "the cleanliness of a home," the entryway is the most important factor.
To prepare for Toshigami-sama, it's more important to "remove dirt" first, rather than focusing on elaborate decorations. In just 30 minutes, let's reset not only physical dirt but also any gloomy atmosphere.
[0-5 minutes] Remove visual clutter
First, let's start by returning the entryway to an "open space."
- Put away all shoes left out: Are there more shoes on the "tataki" (floor area) than there are people in your family? For a 30-minute challenge, put them all in the shoe cabinet without hesitation. If they don't fit, it's okay to temporarily move them to another room.
- Organize the umbrella stand: Say goodbye to broken umbrellas and unused plastic umbrellas with gratitude.
- Dispose of unnecessary cardboard boxes: It is said that empty online shopping boxes in the entryway are the biggest drain on good fortune.
Just doing this will transform the look of your entryway in the first 5 minutes.
[5-15 minutes] Remove dust following the "top-down" principle
The golden rule of cleaning is "from high places to low places."
- Top edge of the door and lighting: Quickly wipe the narrow top edge of the door and the light fixture shades, which are often overlooked. Dust here is considered a symbol of "old energy."
- Doorknob and intercom: These are the first places Toshigami-sama and people touch. Carefully wipe them clean with a disinfectant wipe or alcohol.
- Wipe the entire door: It's surprisingly dirty with exhaust fumes and dust. Simply wiping both the outside and inside with a damp cloth will make the color noticeably brighter.
[15-25 minutes] "Purifying wet wipe finish" for the "tataki"
This is today's main event: "wet wiping the tataki."
In feng shui and household wisdom, wet wiping the entryway floor is called "purification."
- Sweeping: First, completely remove all dust and sand with a broom or vacuum cleaner.
- Tips for wet wiping: Wring out a rag tightly and wipe with water mixed with a small amount of "salt" (a pinch is fine) in a bucket. Salt is believed to have purifying effects, and it also gives a mental sense of "having done a thorough job."
Don't worry about stubborn dirt in the tile grout this time. Aim for a state where the entire area is "damp and the dirt is removed."
[25-30 minutes] Finishing touches of "fragrance" and "light"
In the last 5 minutes, complete the "energy" of your entryway.
- Ventilation: Open the door and air out the space for a few minutes.
- Fragrance: Use your favorite aroma, incense, or air freshener to create a "pleasant scent."
- Lighting: Check if any light bulbs are out. A bright entryway is said to invite good fortune.
With this, your "purified entryway" is complete and ready for Toshigami-sama's visit at any time.
Summary: If your entryway is tidy, you'll feel at ease
Even if you don't finish the entire house's deep cleaning, the fact that "at least the entryway is perfect" will give you great confidence and peace of mind.
- Put away shoes (eliminate clutter)
- Dust from top to bottom (thorough basics)
- Wipe the tataki with salt water (purifying finish)
By following these 3 steps in 30 minutes, the start of 2025 will be surprisingly refreshing.
Why not set a timer for 30 minutes and get started now?
