Easy Tips for a Clean Home for the Holidays

By Uma Campbell

The holidays are here, and getting your house ready for family, guests and holiday parties can be stressful. Celebrating the end of a calendar year with family and the beginning of a new one with a freshly cleaned home is a satisfying feeling. We’re not just talking about a surface clean, but a deeper clean that requires a steam cleaner and effective chemical solutions. Holiday cleaning is the perfect time to clear and refresh your home before the new year. Here are a few tips to help you clean your home before the craze of the holidays.

Prep Beforehand  

Do a quick walkthrough of high traffic spaces and make a prioritized list of everything you want to clean and organize before guests pour in. The holiday season is one of the busiest times of the year, leaving everyone scatterbrained and anxious. Once you have a bit of a game plan, make sure you’re stocked up on your favorite basic cleaning supplies. Ensure you get enough wipes, detergent, garbage bags, sprays, and floor cleaner and paper towels so you can start tackling the first thing on your list with no interruption. Make sure your house is pest-free before you start, and set up any prevention methods once you’re done. 

Deep Clean Bathrooms

Bathroom traffic is likely to increase with all your guests and family spending so much time in the home. You want to make sure it’s a pleasant experience for everyone. Don’t overlook the nooks and crannies when cleaning the sinks and toilets and floors. Make sure there are clean towels, full soap dispensers, and extra toilet paper. Consider adding a reed diffuser or some holiday air freshener so it smells extra fresh for every use!

Spruce Up Guest Spaces

Having a clean entrance is one of the best ways to make a good impression on visitors. Clean the windows and mirrors and throw any rugs in the wash so they are fluffed and ready for heavy holiday foot traffic. Shake out doormats and make room for guests to store boots and shoes without cluttering up the walkway. Consider removing some of your unused outerwear or adding some extra hangers in your front closet for guest coats.  

Straighten bedrooms early so guests can make themselves at home after their travels. Make sure they don’t feel like they are a second thought or staying in a closet. Remove and store any clutter out of sight. This also serves as the perfect opportunity to donate unused miscellaneous items and clothing.

Focus on Living Spaces 

Put the most energy into the major areas in the house. The kitchen and living rooms will probably see the most traffic. Wash all the pillows and throws to get them clean and fresh smelling. Dust and wipe down coffee tables, shelves, the mantel staircase and anywhere you imagine dust might have settled. Vacuum the floors to make sure there’s no pet hair or crumbs coating the carpet. Don’t forget to check the couch for lost mystery items and dirt. Make sure lamps hallway and ceiling lights are all working so your guests aren’t left in the dark at night and your living spaces are well lit and homey. 

Stock up on dishwasher detergent, countertop wipes, and garbage bags. Wash tablecloths napkins and dish towels a few weeks in advance so they are ready when you need them. Wipe down the countertops, cupboards and any dusty or greasy appliances. Deep clean your oven, microwave, and stovetop so they are ready for holiday meal prep. Just before people begin to arrive, you can even make a quick stovetop potpourri to get your home smelling nice and cozy!

Accept Imperfection

Guests will be grateful to spend time with you and gracious that you have opened your home to them during the holidays. Don’t overstress by making sure every surface sparkles 24/7. Meals and holiday activities will likely re-clutter the house and that’s all part of the fun.

The holidays are supposed to be fun for you too, so don’t forget to enlist help and delegate if things get overwhelming. Hopefully, these tips will help you start with a clean base for decorating and welcoming guests when they first arrive.