"I ended up welcoming the New Year without ever getting around to the big clean again this year..."
"Honestly, it's too difficult to get everything done now."

Do you feel that way, and your spirits are a bit low?
But please, rest assured. What's needed to welcome 2025 comfortably isn't to perfectly polish every corner of your home.

The important thing is to identify visible areas and places where dirt tends to accumulate, and tidy up only what's necessary.
Here, we'll introduce the concept and method of "strategic, half-assed spring cleaning" to tidy up without overdoing it in the remaining 5 days.

Let go of perfectionism. A "passing grade" of 60 is enough

The biggest reason why people give up on spring cleaning halfway through is the misconception that "if I'm going to do it, I have to do it perfectly."
With only 5 days left, there's no need to meticulously clean every corner of the range hood or other intricate details.

This year's goal is to
"create a space where you can comfortably welcome guests and deities, and where you yourself can relax."
Let's focus on this one point.

In fact, according to a survey, only about half of those who did spring cleaning reported being able to clean all the areas they had planned.
Many people welcome the New Year by making some compromises.

First, try to concentrate your efforts on these three areas:

• Kitchen (where fire and water are handled)
• Entrance (the entryway to your home)
• Toilet (the place where cleanliness is most easily perceived)

[Days 1-2] Tidy the kitchen by "soaking, not scrubbing"

The kitchen is a place that can take a lot of time, but tidying it up brings a great sense of accomplishment.
However, there's no need to scrub vigorously.

For the range hood and stove, "soak them"

On the first day, you'll want to soak them in hot water dissolved with baking soda or sodium sesquicarbonate.

• Prepare 40-50 degree Celsius hot water in a container lined with a double trash bag.
• Add detergent and place the range hood filters and trivets inside.
• Leave them to soak for about 2 hours.

During this time, you can tidy up other areas if you wish.
Soaking alone will naturally remove most of the dirt. Leave the fine details for next year's you.

For the sink, focus on "luster"

What truly impacts the impression of a kitchen is the shine of the sink.
Simply removing water stains with cleanser or citric acid and then wiping it dry with a cloth will significantly enhance the sense of cleanliness.

[Day 3] The entrance can be tidied simply by putting away shoes

The entrance is, so to speak, the face of your home.
Just having it tidy conveys the impression of a "well-kept home."

First, create an "empty state"

The first step in cleaning the entrance is to put all shoes left out into the shoe cabinet.
That alone should make the space feel much tidier.

Finish with a 1-minute wipe-down

After sweeping up dust, lightly wipe the floor with a damp old towel.
If you have time, wipe the doorknobs as well.

[Day 4] For the toilet, focus on "disinfection" and "cleanliness"

Cleaning the toilet is highly satisfying for the short amount of time it takes.

Walls and floor with care

Many of you probably clean the toilet bowl regularly.
At year-end, try wiping the lower parts of the walls and the floor with disinfectant wipes. This can prevent odors.

Change the towels

After cleaning, simply changing to a new towel, or the best-conditioned one, will make the space feel tidier.

[Day 5] Reserve day and finishing touches for the living room

The final day is for adjustments.
In the living room, focus on "surfaces."

Just by having no items on horizontal surfaces like tables and shelves, the room will look tidier.
Temporarily gather small items into a basket and move them to an unseen spot. Organizing them can certainly wait until after the New Year.

Summary: Be sure to acknowledge your efforts

When it comes to spring cleaning starting with 5 days left, it's important to focus on the areas you did tidy up, rather than the "places you couldn't get to."

• The kitchen is tidy, ready for a pleasant New Year's meal.
• The entrance is tidy, ready to welcome the new year.
• The toilet is clean, allowing you to welcome the New Year with a calm mind.

If these three points are in order, that's enough.
Please, acknowledge your own hard work.