Clean New Year

In Japan there is a tradition of doing a deep cleaning ahead of New Year’s Day. The idea is partially one of ensuring you do not sweep away the New Year spirits by accident. I finished a decent bit of cleaning on New Year’s Eve. However, some of the deep cleaning needed to wait since I had my reasons for leaving the Christmas decorations up through the New Year.

Whether you already did your deep cleaning or not, I hope my favorite cleaning supplies might prove useful for you this year. I briefly mentioned a couple of these in “Plastic Less.” Though I usually try to avoid promoting any particular brand, this is an honest unpaid list of my favorite American and Japanese finds.

Laundry

Japan: scallop powder, dryer balls, drying rack

America: laundry sheets, borax, stain stick, dryer balls

Japanese laundry highlight: This 618 scallop powder is the newest addition to my cleaning supplies. I purchased a packet from Borderless Creations and have been really happy with the results. I sprinkle about half a teaspoon in with my laundry sheets and this base works even better than vinegar and soda for deodorizing my dogs’ bedding. It is also a great reuse of the scallop shells.

American laundry highlight: This Meliora stain stick is one of the only plastic-free stain remover options I have found and I really love it! I dampen the stained spots and give it a rub with the stick before tossing it in the washing machine. I do check the stain before putting the clothing item in the dryer to see if it needs a second treatment. I got this from Grove Collaborative but it is available from a few suppliers including directly from Meliora.

Kitchen

Japan: baking soda, vinegar, fine steel wool, washcloth, bar dish soap, dish brush.

America: baking soda, vinegar, SOS pads, refillable concentrated multipurpose cleaner, washcloth, bar dish soap, dish brush, plastic free dishwasher pods.

Japan kitchen highlights: Vinegar, baking soda, and fine steel wool are available in most places and yet they are often overshadowed by more complicated cleaning supplies. This is the best for clearing drains, and cleaning stainless steel sinks and appliances. Bonus highlight, if you are looking for bar soaps and dish brushes or similar products in Japan, I recommend checking out the brick and mortar or online shop From Now On.

American kitchen highlight: From dish soaps to multipurpose cleaners Grove Collaborative or Blueland are great options for concentrated cleaning supplies without the plastic waste. The reduced water weight also reduces the shipping carbon footprint.

Bathroom

Japan: bar hand soap, nail brush, diluted scallop powder, pumice powder, cotton cloth

America: bar hand soap, nail brush, Bon Ami, Concentrated tub and tile cleaner, toilet bowl powder in tin, cotton cloth, Norwex window cloth

Japanese bathroom highlight: The pumice powder was something I first discovered for cleaning metal while making jewelry. It is a bit more abrasive than baking soda and works great when combined with a spray, like diluted 618 scallop powder, and a good wooden or bamboo scrub brush. This can be found in the cleaning supplies at most shops.

American bathroom highlight: I was very excited to find this foaming toilet bowl cleaning in a plastic-free aluminum tin on Grove Collaborative. Besides the lack of plastic packaging, there is non of the toxic blue dyes. Even without this particular toilet bowl cleaner, the scallop powder or bon ami work pretty great. Bonus highlight: I keep a cotton cloth rolled up next to the sink and use it to wipe water droplets off the counter and faucet after each use to keep the space clear.

Floors

Japan: vinegar, cloth, steam mop.

America: vinegar, cloth, steam mop.

Japanese/ American floor highlight: When it comes to my hardwood, tile, or laminate floors, I like to steam mop here and there after I sweep up with a broom or vacuum. The hot steam means no cleaning agent is necessary. For my handmade wool carpets, I keep a spray bottle with half water and half vinegar handy and dab then wipe with the direction of the carpet pill. Just be careful with vinegar on hardwood as it can break down the wax coating.

Did you find any of this helpful? What are your favorite cleaning supplies?