You're standing at the kitchen sink. It’s January 1st. The counter is basically a graveyard of champagne flutes, sticky plates, and half-eaten appetizers. You reach for the sponge. Then, your brain stalls. You remember that weird thing your aunt used to say—something about "washing away" your luck. Now you're staring at a crusty lasagna pan wondering if scrubbing it will actually ruin your entire 2026.
So, can you wash dishes on New Years? Honestly, it depends on whether you're a logic-driven pragmatist or someone who keeps a lucky penny in their shoe.
The idea that you shouldn't do chores on New Year's Day is one of those deeply rooted cultural "rules" that nobody can quite prove, but everyone is low-key terrified to break. It’s part of a broader set of superstitions designed to set the "tone" for the coming twelve months. If you start the year working like a dog, the legend goes, you’ll be a drudge for the rest of the year. If you wash the dishes, you might just wash a family member right out of your life.
It sounds intense. It is intense. But where did this actually come from?
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Most of these domestic taboos originate from old-school folklore, particularly from Appalachian traditions and certain European customs. The core belief is built on the principle of "sympathetic magic." Basically, what you do on the first day of the year acts as a preview or a magnet for the rest of it.
If you clean the house, you’re suggesting the house needs cleaning, or worse, you’re physically removing the good vibes that just arrived at midnight.
Some people take it way further than just the sink. There’s a specific, rather grim variation of the "can you wash dishes on New Years" dilemma that suggests washing anything—dishes, clothes, even your hair—could result in a death in the family before the year is up. The logic is that you are "washing away" a soul. Is there any statistical evidence for this? Of course not. But tell that to a superstitious grandmother who hasn't touched a dish brush on January 1st since 1974.
The Laundry Connection
Usually, if someone tells you not to wash the dishes, they’ll also warn you about the washing machine. "Wash the clothes, wash a life away" is the rhyming omen that keeps laundromats empty on New Year's Day. It’s the same vibe as the dishwashing ban. You’re trying to keep the "newness" of the year intact.
The Practical Reality of New Year's Day Chores
Let’s be real for a second. If you don't wash the dishes, your kitchen is going to smell like old shrimp and stale beer by January 2nd. For a lot of people, starting the year with a mess is actually worse for their mental health than any potential curse.
There's a psychological concept called "the fresh start effect." Researchers like Katy Milkman at the University of Pennsylvania have studied how certain dates—like New Year's—act as temporal landmarks. They give us a sense of a "clean slate." If your clean slate is literally covered in grease and crumbs, it might actually hamper your productivity and mood.
So, if you’re asking can you wash dishes on New Years because you’re a "clean space, clean mind" person, the answer is a resounding yes. In fact, many people argue that cleaning before the clock strikes twelve is the real secret. You clear out the old energy to make room for the new. If you missed that window, doing the dishes on the 1st might just be your way of reclaiming control over your environment.
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Different Strokes for Different Cultures
It’s not just an American thing. Not even close.
- Chinese New Year: This is a big one. You absolutely do not clean on the first day of the Lunar New Year. You don't even sweep. If you sweep the floor, you’re sweeping away the wealth that the New Year brought in. People usually do a massive "spring cleaning" in the days leading up to the holiday so they can put the broom away the moment the festivities start.
- Scottish Hogmanay: The "First Footing" tradition is huge here. The first person to cross your threshold after midnight sets the luck. Cleaning isn't the main focus, but having a tidy, welcoming hearth is part of the hospitality that ensures a good year.
- Jewish New Year (Rosh Hashanah): While the timing is different, the focus is on sweetness and renewal. You wouldn't find people obsessing over "bad luck" chores in the same way, but there’s a heavy emphasis on symbolic actions, like eating apples dipped in honey.
Avoiding the "Curse" Without Living in Filth
If you're genuinely worried about the superstition but can't stand the mess, there are some middle-ground solutions. You don't have to choose between a ghost in the house and a cockroach in the sink.
First, consider the "Paper Plate Strategy." If you know you're going to be superstitious on the 1st, use disposables for your New Year's Eve party. It’s not the most eco-friendly move for one night, but it solves the dish dilemma entirely.
Second, some people believe the "curse" only applies to heavy labor. Rinsing a coffee mug? Probably fine. Scouring a burnt pot for forty-five minutes? That might be pushing it. The "rule" is often more about the spirit of the work. If it feels like a chore, don't do it. If it feels like clearing your head, go for it.
What Experts Say About Superstition
Psychologically, superstitions like these are "control mechanisms." When the world feels chaotic—and let's be honest, the start of a new year is a lot of pressure—following a simple rule like "don't wash the dishes" gives us a sense of agency. We feel like we're doing something to ensure our success.
Stuart Vyse, a psychologist and author of Believing in Magic: The Psychology of Superstition, notes that these behaviors often reduce anxiety. If not washing the dishes makes you feel more relaxed about 2026, then that’s a benefit in itself. But if the pile of dishes is causing you more stress, the superstition is actually backfiring.
Final Verdict: Can You Wash Dishes on New Years?
The short answer: Yes. The police aren't going to come, and the universe probably has bigger things to worry about than your Dawn dish soap.
However, if you grew up in a household where this was a big deal, that "guilt" can be hard to shake. Culture is a powerful thing. It shapes how we move through the world, even the parts of it involving plumbing and sponges.
If you want to play it safe, here is your game plan:
- Do a pre-midnight blitz. Clean every single dish on December 31st by 11:59 PM.
- Lean into the laziness. Use New Year's Day as a legitimate excuse to do absolutely nothing. Order takeout. Use the one clean fork you have left.
- Redefine the ritual. If you decide to wash the dishes, tell yourself you aren't "washing away luck," you're "polishing your future." It’s all about the narrative you tell yourself.
The most important thing to remember is that one day of chores—or lack thereof—isn't going to dictate the next 364 days. Your habits, your mindset, and your actions will. But maybe leave the heavy laundry for January 2nd. Just in case.
Actionable Steps for a Mess-Free (and Luck-Filled) New Year
- The 24-Hour Rule: Commit to not doing any "deep cleaning" for exactly 24 hours starting at midnight. This satisfies the superstition without letting the house fall apart.
- The Soak Method: If things are really crusty, put them in the sink with soapy water on the 1st. Technically, you aren't "washing" them yet; they're just soaking. You can finish the job on the 2nd.
- Prioritize the "Entryway": In many traditions, the front door is more important than the kitchen sink. Make sure your entrance is clear and welcoming. This is said to let the good luck in, regardless of what's happening in your dishwasher.
- Focus on "Firsts": Instead of worrying about what not to do, focus on what you should do. Eat something lucky (like black-eyed peas or greens), call someone you love, or spend ten minutes outside. These "first actions" are generally considered much more powerful than whether or not you scrubbed a frying pan.
The transition into a new year is always a bit heavy with expectation. Whether you're scrubbing the sink or lounging on the couch, the goal is to enter the month feeling capable and ready. If that means washing the dishes, get to it. If it means letting them sit, enjoy the break. Your year is what you make of it.