In many cultures and traditions, New Year’s Day (January 1st) is the primary day you are not supposed to clean. Superstition holds that sweeping, dusting, or doing laundry on the first day of the year will “wash away” or “sweep away” your good luck for the coming 12 months.
The idea is not to sweep or dust on New Year's Day, because you could 'sweep your good luck away' - so let the dust accumulate, along with your luck. Cleaning and washing before the New year starts.
Don't Clean the House on New Year's Day
You will wash away any good luck coming your way.
Cleaning or sweeping on New Year's Day is considered bad luck, as it's thought to sweep away good fortune. The same goes for doing laundry or taking out the trash — avoid these chores if you want to keep your luck intact.
1️⃣ Monday The absolute worst day. Washing floors or doing a deep clean on Monday = sweeping away money and good luck for the entire week. So many people notice: clean on Monday → surprise bills pop up immediately. 2️⃣ Friday Big no-no after sunset.
No washing or cutting your hair
It is believed that if you wash your hair on New Year's day, you'd also be washing away all your luck.
One common rule is to avoid deep cleaning your house on Thursdays. While being clean is good, traditions say you should not mop the floors or clear old cobwebs on this day. It is believed that scrubbing the house hard might wash away the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi. Just let the home's energy rest and settle.
Chores bring in bad luck
According to superstition, you'll be sweeping away good luck along with dirt and dust mites, so avoid cleaning until Jan 2nd. People may think it's a little silly to avoid cleaning and putting away Christmas lights, but there's no harm in taking the day off.
One belief is that it's bad luck because it washes away your good fortune and the second belief is that it is a good thing to shower on New Year's Day because it washes away the old year and gives you a fresh start.
You aren't supposed to do any type of cleaning. The idea is you'll wash or sweep away your good luck before the year really begins. There are dozens of other superstitions from across the globe.
There is no scientific evidence that cleaning, washing dishes or showering on New Year's Day affects luck or fortune. Still, these customs endure because they offer a symbolic pause at the start of the year. For some, avoiding chores is about protecting good fortune.
This custom refers to the first person to enter a home after midnight on New Year's Eve. According to tradition, the “first footer” should ideally be a dark-haired man, as this is considered most auspicious.
New Years Superstitions
Keep Cash in Your Pocket: Having money in your wallet or pocket at the stroke of midnight is believed to ensure a steady flow of cash throughout the year. Avoid Paying Bills: Do not pay back loans or mail out checks on January 1st.
Brooming, cleaning, and dusting on Thursdays are not allowed. There is a very old and mythological reason for this. It is said that in general, there is a lot of wealth and prosperity in the corner of the house or a facility.
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.
The 20 minute rule of cleaning is simple: clean for 20 focused minutes, then treat yourself to a 10-minute break. It's a guilt-free, feel-good way to tackle messes without burnout. The idea is rooted in motivation and reward, two essential ingredients for any busy homeowner.
Here's how it works: Choose 5 items to throw away. Choose 5 items to donate. Choose 5 items to put back where they belong.
No Laundry on New Year's Eve or New Year's Day is believed to “wash away” good luck, abundance, or blessings for the year ahead.
Avoid breaking things on the first day. Don't cry on the first day of the year. At midnight, open all doors to let the old year escape. Make loud noises at midnight to scare away evil spirits.
Stepping on money on New Year's Eve can bring good fortune for the New Year. It's not bad luck to spend money on NYE, as this money should be used towards your first purchase in the New Year, which brings luck and wealth throughout the year.
FAQ. Q: Is it bad luck to do laundry on New Year's Eve? A: Many cultures believe washing clothes on New Year's Eve or Day could bring bad luck, but there's no scientific evidence for this—it's up to personal belief.
Many individuals hold the belief that washing clothes on December 31st could potentially wash away good luck or even lead to losing loved ones in the upcoming year. This tradition is influenced by folklore across various cultures.
Many New Year's superstitions recommend finishing cleaning before midnight on December 31st. Tasks like sweeping, taking out trash, or deep cleaning are often avoided late at night to prevent “removing” luck before the New Year begins.
According to Southern traditions, you will have good luck for the entire year if you have the traditional New Year's Day meal. That means a meal of green cabbage (money), black-eyed peas (prosperity), and cornbread (gold).
In the Gregorian calendar, New Year's Day is the first day of the calendar year, 1 January.