Check out these unique Japanese habits that will inspire you to transform your home into a spotless and more organised space.
Maintaining a clean and tidy home can sometimes feel like a never-ending task. However, thanks to their unique and effective cleaning habits, Japanese households have mastered the art through a combination of traditional and modern practices.
These habits not only ensure cleanliness but also promote an orderly living environment. From daily routines to cultural beliefs, here are seven habits from Japanese households that contribute to their immaculate homes.
7 Japanese Cleaning Habits for a Clean and Tidy Home
1. Leaving Their Shoes at Genkan (Entrance Area)
One of the most well-known Japanese practices is the genkan ritual. Guests and family members alike are expected to remove their shoes at the genkan (entrance area) upon entering and switch to indoor slippers. This simple act prevents dirt and debris from outside from entering the house, significantly reducing the amount of cleaning needed inside.
In many modern Japanese homes, the genkan is built with an adjoining storage area where they keep items that are considered “dirty,” such as shoes, baby strollers, sports gear, and umbrellas. This setup helps prevent outside germs from these items from spreading throughout the house.
2. Washing Hands and Gargling Mouth Upon Arriving Home
Japanese children are commonly taught to wash their hands and gargle their mouths as soon as they arrive home. This routine is part of the country’s strong focus on hygiene and preventing illness. By doing this, kids remove any potential contaminants they may have picked up throughout the day.
Schools and parents both encourage this habit by making it a regular part of daily life. It’s a simple yet effective way to maintain personal hygiene and reduce the risk of spreading germs and bacteria.
Additionally, there is a growing demand for newly built homes in Japan to include a small sink near the genkan. Positioned close to the entrance, this convenient feature allows family members and guests to wash their hands before entering the main living areas and helps keep outside dirt at bay.
3. Sharing One Bathroom for the Entire House
In many Japanese homes, it is common to have only one bathroom, often called a furoba, for the entire house. This practice is closely related to traditional family bathing customs, where family members bathe in a specific order and share the same water for the bath. This communal bathing practice helps maintain a shared routine and reinforce family bonds.
Maintaining a single bathing area simplifies cleaning and upkeep compared to having multiple. With only one designated space for bathing, it is easier to manage cleanliness and prevent the accumulation of grime or mildew. Regular cleaning routines are straightforward, and focusing on a single area makes it easy to keep it consistently hygienic.
4. Having A Separate Toilet Room
Bathrooms in many modern Japanese homes don’t usually include a toilet, as it is often located in a separate room. In Japan, having a separate toilet room and a distinct bathing area is a common design feature.
The separate toilet room also allows for independent use, so two people can use the facilities simultaneously—one taking a bath while the other uses the toilet. This layout enhances hygiene as well as minimises the risk of cross-contamination with the bathing area.
5. Sorting Trash Responsibly
Japanese households are meticulous about waste separation and disposal. Gomi-bako, or trash bins, are used to sort waste into categories such as recyclables (plastic, paper, glass), burnables, and non-burnables. This system helps manage waste properly and keeps homes tidy by preventing the mixing of trash or improper disposal.
The practice of using a gomi-bako to separate trash reflects Japan’s cultural values of respect for cleanliness and order. By sorting waste efficiently, Japanese households reduce clutter and promote recycling.
6. Beating and Drying Futons in the Sun
Traditionally, Japanese people sleep on the floor by laying out their futons (sleeping mats) at night and folding them back up in the morning. As a result, daily care of futons is a common practice in Japanese households. In Japan, it is customary to beat and dry futons, blankets, and pillows under the sun.
This method, also known as futon hoshi, involves hanging futons, blankets, or pillows outside to benefit from natural sunlight and fresh air. It is standard practice to hit these items with a bat or similar tool to shake out any dust and particles that may have accumulated.
The sun’s rays are believed to help eliminate moisture, reduce odors, kill bacteria, and keep the bedding clean and comfortable. This practice is especially important for maintaining the quality of futons, which are often used directly on the floor.
7. Spring Cleaning Ritual
Spring cleaning in Japan is also known as ōsōji. It refers to the tradition of seasonal deep cleaning and decluttering, typically done at the end of the year and as a way to welcome the New Year.
This practice involves a thorough cleaning of the entire home in the springtime, including areas that are usually neglected. The goal is to reset the home and make the space clean and clutter-free for the New Year. This deep cleaning ritual is seen as a way to welcome good fortune and start the year afresh.
More than cleaning, ōsōji also carries cultural significance. It’s a time for Japanese families to reflect, organise, and prepare their homes for the upcoming year. Ōsōji ensures that the home starts the new year with a clean slate, symbolising renewal and purification.
Incorporating Japanese Cleaning Habits to Your Home
Adopting some of these Japanese cleaning habits into your own home can lead to a cleaner and more organised living space. The focus on daily maintenance, respect for nature, and thoughtful hospitality are key elements that make these practices so effective.
If you’re thinking about embracing the Japanese way of a clean and tidy home, perhaps you can start by removing outdoor shoes at the entrance to prevent dirt from spreading indoors, or create a designated area for shoes, similar to a genkan, to keep your living spaces cleaner.
Even small steps like these can make a significant difference in maintaining a spotless and inviting home.
