The holidays are a time filled with of a lot of joy, celebrations, and gatherings. However, with all the excitement, it can also bring a lot of stress especially when it comes to maintaining a clean and welcoming home for guests. Between decorating, cooking, hosting, and gift wrapping, maintaining a clean home may seem like a daunting task. But with a few strategic cleaning tips, you can keep your space in tip-top shape and still have plenty of time to enjoy the festivities.
Here are some helpful pointers for cleaning during the holiday season that will keep your home fresh, organized, and ready for all the seasonal fun.
Before you begin any deep cleaning, decluttering is essential. Clear out the spaces where you’ll be entertaining, such as the living room, dining area, and kitchen. Store away items that you don’t need over the holiday season to create a more open, welcoming environment. Decluttering also makes cleaning easier and quicker since there will be fewer things to dust and wipe down.
During the holidays, things can get messy quickly, especially in the kitchen. One of the best ways to stay on top of the untidiness is by cleaning as you go. While you’re preparing holiday meals, take time to wash dishes and wipe down countertops between cooking tasks. This prevents dishes from piling up and minimizes the amount of cleaning required after meals. If you’re hosting, encourage your guests to place their dishes directly in the sink or dishwasher to help you keep things tidy. You’ll be grateful for the extra help!
With family and friends coming and going, focus your cleaning efforts on high-traffic areas. The living room, kitchen, and bathroom are the most important spaces to keep clean. Give these areas a thorough clean before guests arrive—vacuum or sweep floors, dust surfaces, and ensure that the bathrooms are fully stocked with fresh towels and toiletries.
Once the high-traffic areas are clean, you can unwind knowing that your home is ready for guests even if less frequented rooms like bedrooms or home offices aren’t as pristine.
You can try breaking up your cleaning over the course of several days, so you don’t feel rushed. You might start with the guest bedroom one day, tackle the kitchen the next, and focus on the living room last. Having a plan can make the cleaning process less stressful and more manageable. Plus, it helps you avoid the holiday cleaning rush right before guests arrive.
You should also pay attention to doorknobs, light switches, and handrails, these areas can accumulate dirt and grim. And make sure to wipe down surfaces like coffee tables, remotes, and countertops to keep your home feeling fresh and clean.
Also, don’t forget the entryway! First impressions matter, and the entrance to your home is the first thing your guests will see. Ensure the entryway is clear of clutter and give the floors a good cleaning so that guests are greeted by a clean, welcoming space.