The holidays are a time for warmth, joy, and spending time with loved ones. However, when preparing for these festive gatherings, it becomes crucial to have a home that is spotless and inviting.
From the kitchen to the cozy common areas, let us take a room-to-room look together in holiday cleaning. Here is your step-by-step guide to prepare each room and let your house shine.
Holiday Cleaning Checklist
This checklist covers every major area to help you keep things tidy, comfortable, and appealing for your guests.
Entryway: Your Holiday Welcome Zone
The entryway is the first impression your guests will have, and making it warm and welcoming really sets the festive tone once they step inside.
- Entry Mats and Rugs:
Place rugs or mats to catch any dirt from shoes. - Clean Out the Coat Closet:
Make room for guest coats by clearing out extra items and hanging sturdy hangers. - Plan for Rainy Weather:
Have a boot tray or space for wet shoes and gear that will catch dirt before it spreads into the home.
Kitchen: Prepping Ground for Holiday Delights
The kitchen is the epicenter of feasts during holidays, where warm and sweet treats come to life. It’s also a place of considerable mess! Let’s get it in top shape so that you are prepared to work out some holiday magic without much stress.
- Clean and organize the refrigerator:
Holiday treats are coming in, so clear out expired items, clean the shelves, and make sure everything has a home. - Countertops and Appliances:
Cleaning the countertops to shine and wipe down appliance exteriors. - Sink and Faucet:
Sanitize your sink and give your faucet a nice polish for that nice sparkle. - Take out the garbage:
Replace with a new liner, and don’t forget to wipe down the can to prevent odors. - Sweep and Mop Floors:
Sweep those crumbs off and clean up those spills from the floors for cleanliness and freshness when doing your holiday cooking.
Dining Room: A Festive Feast Zone
With loved ones who come to share meals, your dining room will become the heart of holiday magic. A clean, well-prepared dining area makes everyone feel welcome and at ease, so here are some tips to make sure it’s guest-ready.
- Prepare Table Linens:
Immediately following each holiday meal, soak all soiled linens, napkins, and placemats to freshen. - Dusting and Polishing Furniture:
The dining table and chairs should be properly polished, with coasters set out to avoid beverage rings. - Mirror and Glass Surfaces:
Make the room sparkle-free and without streaks on all glass surfaces and mirrors. - Vacuum or Dust Upholstered Furniture:
Remove dust from chairs or upholstered furniture to make it cozy in the space.
Common Areas: Festive And Clean Spaces
Common spaces, like the living room or family room, will be the focal point for gathering to talk, relax, and take a good look at the holiday makeover. Here’s how to make the room warm and tidy.
- Dust and Polish Surfaces:
Dust the surfaces of shelves, window sills, and decorative items. - Vacuum or Sweep Floors:
Vacuum and mop floors, focusing on baseboards to catch dust bunnies. - Clean Windows for a Clear View:
Make the space bright with clean windows so holiday decorations can be enjoyed inside out. - Tidy Up Plants:
Wipe down broadleaf plants with a damp cloth or mist smaller-leaf plants to give them a fresh look.
Bathroom: A Shared Commodity
A prepared bathroom speaks volumes about your hospitality. It’s among the very first places guests will go to, so let’s make sure it’s fresh, clean, and comfortable for one and all.
- Thoroughly Clean the Shower and Toilet:
Scrub the shower and tub. Sanitize the toilet to make sure every surface shines. - Disinfect Counters and Sink:
Wipe down the sink and counters, giving special attention to soap scum or hard water spots. - Stock Fresh Towels:
Keep new hand towels on hand and fold them appealingly for a welcoming touch. - Empty Trash:
Take out the trash, replace the liner, and leave the bathroom fresh for company.
Bedroom: A Cozy Space for Relaxation
If you’re expecting overnight guests, every spare bedroom or guest room should be a haven. A little preparation here makes guests feel at home and gives them a quiet refuge from the hustle and bustle of the holiday—especially if they had a drink or two.
- Refresh Bed Linens:
Do a wash of sheets and bedding so that when your guests arrive, they’ll have a clean, comfortable place to lay their heads. - Dust and Clean Furniture:
Dust nightstands, dressers, and other surfaces, giving any mirrors in the room a good polish. - Clear clutter off:
Organize magazines, books, and other items to leave surfaces clear for guests. Vacuum/sweep floors: Vacuum gives the floor a fresh feel and is inviting.
Extra Tips for Holiday Cleaning:
With your checklist in hand, here are a few more tips that can make the process of holiday cleaning smoother and even more enjoyable.
Tip #1: Plan Ahead Your Tasks
Steer clear of that last-minute scramble. Break down tasks over several days to keep your stress levels low, and give yourself time to enjoy each step.
Tip #2: Remember To Organize
A more organized house just feels cleaner and calmer. Create spaces for holiday items like extra guest towels, cleaning supplies, and seasonal decor. Setting up dedicated storage areas keeps things in order and easy to access.
Tip #3: Don’t Forget the Appliances
Give particular attention to high-use appliances, especially the refrigerator, oven, and microwave. These should be cleaned in advance so that last-minute messes are at bay and ready for those holiday meals.
Tip #4: Clean One Room at a Time
Instead of trying to do it all in one day, focus on one room at a time. You can cross things off your list this way, and psychologically, it’s not as overwhelming.
Tip #5: Concentrate on High-Traffic Areas
Since holidays are the time when kitchens, bathrooms, and entryways are in greater demand, such rooms should be cleaner than ever. A little extra attention here will maintain an organized feeling and keep your home feeling welcoming.
Tip #6: Don’t Clean Alone
Get everyone involved: Holiday cleaning can be made a family affair by apportioning different tasks to various members of the family. Even small kids can help dust something or arrange their toys. Cleaning up together can make it faster and more fun.
Tip# 7: Set The Holiday Mood With A Finishing Touch
Make cleaning for the holidays a holiday in itself! Put on your favorite holiday music, light a holiday-scented candle, or set out a few holiday decorations as you go. Then, it doesn’t feel like work; instead, it’s holiday preparation.
Enjoy the Holidays While We Handle the Cleaning!
Let us take the burden this holiday season so that you can enjoy yourself. Let us take this opportunity to deep clean your home with our professional service so that you can be free to use that much-needed time and energy on what’s truly important in life.
Book your deep cleaning with us today for a stress-free, sparkling clean home!
