How to embrace the Japanese cleaning tradition of Oosouji ahead of the New Year

As the year draws to a close, many in Japan practice Oosouji, or 'big cleaning' – a tradition to purify and refresh homes before the New Year.

Such is the popularity of this mindful and meaningful ritual, it's practiced in many homes around the world. Our expert guide reveals exactly how you can do so too.

Armed with our guide and the ultimate cleaning supplies, you'll soon have your home perfectly refreshed for 2025.

What is Oosouji?

Oosouji is a deep-cleaning practice rooted in Japanese culture that prepares homes, workplaces, and even temples for the New Year. The tradition is meant to sweep away the old and invite good fortune and fresh energy into a space.

Karina Toner, operations manager at Spekless Cleaning, says, 'The practice of Oosouji is deeply symbolic, representing a fresh start by clearing away the dirt, dust, and clutter accumulated over the year. It also reflects a mindset of mindfulness and gratitude, as every corner of the home is attended to with care.'

Oosouji, therefore, goes beyond regular cleaning, focusing on tidiness, purification, and creating a welcoming, positive environment for the new year.

How to do Oosouji at home

1. Go from top to bottom

To begin Oosouji, work from the top of your space to the bottom, symbolically clearing away old energies.

Jon Christensen, CEO of home improvement hub Bidmii, says, 'Oosouji is a tradition I enthusiastically partake in. To embrace Oosouji, set aside a day (or several in my case) to tackle your entire home, room by room.

'Begin by decluttering – decide what needs to stay and what should go. Next, move to cleaning tasks often overlooked during regular maintenance: cleaning air vents, washing windows, scrubbing baseboards, and wiping down walls.

'To complete the process, consider refreshing any tired or worn-out items like curtains or area rugs.'

2. Declutter

To declutter thoroughly, sort through belongings and decide what to keep, donate, recycle, or discard. The aim is to create a more orderly, serene home.

Steve Evans, owner of Memphis Maids, says, 'If you are a spiritual person, I think it makes a lot of sense to get rid of things that are “stale” in your home – anything not bringing any purpose or joy. And if you’re not spiritual, I think it still makes plenty of sense to have a clear out at least once a year.'

Papers, clothes and – if you have kids at home – toys tend to accumulate more than most items over the year. Be strict with yourself, retaining only things that have a specific purpose or bring your happiness. For more tips, check out how to get motivated to declutter, and five truths no one tells you about decluttering.

We have tried dozens of decluttering methods and organized them by personality type in our H&G Decluttering Library for easy digesting.

For storage, Christensen recommends these IRIS USA Storage Bins from Amazon, which are eco-friendly and stackable.

3. Get cleaning

Start by dusting ceilings, fans, and light fixtures, then move down to walls, surfaces, and floors. Tackle often-overlooked areas, such as corners, vents, and windowsills.

A Swiffer Dusters Heavy Duty Extendable Handle Dusting Kit from Target offers 3 ft reach that will help you attack those long-forgotten light fixtures or closet tops.

Evans says, 'Most people don’t realize that every single area of your home is gathering dust and grime: light fixtures, baseboards, door frames, ceilings, bookshelves, closets…

'They're not the easiest spots to get to, but if you want to try Oosouji, these are key areas you should pay attention to.'

Evans recommends readying yourself with a cleaning caddy – such as this Mainstays Portable Cleaning Caddy from Walmart – filled with sprays and equipment.

Use DIY cleaning solutions or natural commercial cleaners such as these luxury-smelling Method cleaners – to reflect the purity of the tradition. Incorporate fresh scents like citrus or green tea to add a refreshing touch and enhance the cleaning process.

You can clean with vinegar, baking soda, citric acid, and even toothpaste around the home. Here is a selection of key products our experts recommend:

• These Mrs Meyer's cleaning products are a great starting point for purchasing your home cleaning kit. Toner says, 'This range offers an eco-conscious solution with essential oils, ideal for deep cleaning surfaces while avoiding harsh chemicals.'
• If you decide to go for a homemade spray, these LiBa Amber Glass Spray Bottles from Amazon will protect your solution and ensure it's distributed evenly.
• Great Value Distilled White Vinegar from Walmart forms an effective foundation to a homemade cleaning spray.
• ECOS Hypoallergenic Liquid Dish Soap from Walmart offers eco-friendly impact.
• A few drops of this SpaRoom Lavender Essential Oil from Target will leave a lasting, fresh scent.
• This Arm & Hammer Pure Baking Soda Bag from Target is an essential multipurpose cleaner that's great for scrubbing tough spots like sinks, ovens, and grout without damaging surfaces.
• These USANOOKS Microfiber Cloths from Amazon will help with cleaning and dusting around the home. Toner says, 'Microfiber is highly effective at trapping dust without chemicals. It's eco-friendly and reusable, making it perfect for Oosouji cleaning.'
• This Black+Decker Dustbuster Handheld Vacuum from Amazon is great for getting into corners and tight spaces.

4. Tackle key areas

Bathrooms, kitchens, and entryways are key focus areas, as they hold the most day-to-day activity. Carpets should be deep cleaned to remove embedded dust and allergens. Check out these other things people with nice-smelling entryways always do.

Windows, too, will require a thorough scrub. Toner says, 'In traditional Oosouji, windows are a key focus. Clean both inside and outside with a mixture of vinegar and water for a streak-free finish.

'In Japan, Oosouji often extends to cleaning the entrance and yard. Add the finishing touch by sweeping outdoor areas and wiping down the front door, symbolizing a welcoming entrance for the New Year.'

What not to do

To conduct Oosouji correctly, there are a few things to avoid – including rushing the process. Christensen says, 'Osoji is meant to be thorough and meditative, so allocate ample time for each area – even if this means spreading it over several days. Also, don't skip decluttering. This is a key part of the process – cleaning without decluttering will leave your space feeling congested.'

Be careful also not to overlook the most cluttered areas of your home. Toner says, 'It’s easy to overlook storage spaces where clutter hides, such as attics, or basements. To achieve a truly fresh start, make sure these areas are included in the Oosouji process.'

Lastly, try to refrain from accumulating new items immediately after Oosouji – whilst it may be tempting, doing so can quickly undo your hard work. Check out the items to stop buying for you home – according to pro organizers.

FAQs

When should I start Oosouji?

Ideally, complete it by December 31st. Some start a week or two earlier to give themselves ample time, but the point is to have a fresh home for the New Year so fit it around your routine and at your convenience.

Is Oosouji only for the home?

No, Oosouji can be applied to workplaces or personal items, such as your car, to prepare all areas of your life for the new year.

Can I modify Oosouji to fit my schedule?

Absolutely! You can adapt it to suit your time and energy – focus on a few main areas if you can’t do the entire space in one go. That can help you clean when you're feeling overwhelmed.

So there you have it – how to embrace the Japanese tradition of Oosouji ahead of the new year. By engaging in this reflective tradition, you set the tone for a peaceful and organized new year.

Next, ensure your home stays in tip-top shape by checking out these six things people with clean homes swear by.