Holiday cleaning can seem like an overwhelming process because there is a lot more to do than just your regular quick clean done most weekends. When you’re planning to have visitors, you want every last square inch of your home to be sparkling. But, who really has the time to get everything in order in just a few weeks, or days even?
If you’re stuck wondering how you’re going to get your house in order before the company arrives in just a few short weeks, you’re in the right place. In this article, we’re breaking down all the tips and reminders you need to get it done right and on time. Keep reading to learn more.
Declutter First and Foremost
The very first thing on your holiday cleaning checklist should be to simply declutter your spaces. Get the kids’ toys out of the living room and out of their bedrooms if you have a designated space for their things. Put away all the things that you don’t always use like extra blankets and other small items that just take up extra space.
Dusting
The second most important thing to check off your holiday cleaning list is to dust. You should probably do this as you declutter to kill two birds with one stone. Dust tends to build up where there is clutter anyway. Don’t forget the ceiling fans.
The Bathrooms are the Most Important
You might want to save the bathrooms for just a day or two ahead of your visitors’ arrival but this is essential. The bathroom needs a good deep clean including the countertops, mirror, and even the medicine cabinet. After all, some visitors can be snoopy.
Get the Kitchen Organized
Cleaning tips for the holidays wouldn’t be complete without recommendations for the kitchen. This is perhaps the most used space in your home, especially during the holidays when you’re cooking and mingling.
Clean Out the Refrigerator
The first thing to do, hopefully before you hit the grocery store to stock up on all the goods for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner is to clean out the refrigerator. Get rid of anything over a few days old and actually wipe the inside of the refrigerator down. You’ll need to remove all the food to do this to ensure that you don’t contaminate anything with cleaners.
Wipe Down the Cabinets
Probably the most forgotten space when it comes to cleaning your home is the kitchen cabinets. They get used daily and oil and fingerprints build up over time but it’s not usually something you think about cleaning when you’re picking up on the weekend. Give them a good wipe down with a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser and Clorox wipes.
Wipe Down the Appliances
The microwave and oven/stovetop probably get more attention than the cabinets but they are still susceptible to germs and buildup. Don’t forget to clean the inside of the oven. You can usually do this overnight if you’ve kept up with it over time.
Clean Out the Trash Can
Even though your trash can has a bag inside of it, there is still bound to be built up grime from months of use and maybe a few leaks. Take it outside and hose it out and then wipe it down with Clorox wipes and replace the liner.
Rugs/Carpets
You’ll want to vacuum just before your guests arrive but it’s also a good idea to have the rugs and carpets cleaned ahead of time. Depending on the wear and tear, some spot cleaning may do the trick but it couldn’t hurt to steam clean after a few good vacuums.
Mopping
The kitchen and bathroom floors can get neglected pretty easily over time but it’s essential to have them spic and span before your guests arrive. Not only are they harbors for germs, but a dirty kitchen or bathroom floor can make the whole room feel icky.
Laundry
If you’re like most families, you have a built-up pile of laundry that has been waiting weeks if not months to get done. Try doing at least 2 loads per day for the weeks preceding your hosting event.
Coat Closet
When thinking about how to clean your home for guests, you might easily forget the coat closet because it never gets used beyond the guests you have during the holidays. Remember to remove the board games and other random objects that pile up in there throughout the year.
Baseboards
Once you have the house organized and cleaned, you’ll not want to forget the baseboards. You may have touched them up when you were dusting but at least a few days beforehand you’ll want to wipe them down with a wet cloth to remove any built-up grime and scuff marks.
Fluff Sofa Cushions
Your Christmas cleaning list should also include fluffing the sofa cushions and chair cushions and pillows throughout your home. You can beat the cushions with a broom handle and fluff the pillows by pushing and pulling the corners together and apart to give them more oomph for ultimate comfort.
Decorating
Now that you’re done cleaning, you can decorate and get festive. It will feel so nice to have all your decorations out in a nice clean house and not have to worry about clutter and dust and grime building up and getting in the way. Not to mention that the house will feel even cleaner once you take all the decorations down at the end of the season.
Get Your Holiday Cleaning Under Way NOW
There is no time to procrastinate your holiday cleaning duties. The time is now and you must get started if you want to accomplish everything before the family arrives on Christmas day. If you have family coming for Thanksgiving, that’s even more reason to get started as soon as possible.
If you’re running out of time or you just don’t have the energy to do it all on your own, you’re in luck. We’re here to help! Contact us for a quote and get your cleaning underway without lifting a finger!
