Holiday cleaning 101

With holidays around the corner, the need for thorough housekeeping approaches as fast. Whether you are hosting your big family, or simply enjoying the holidays in a smaller circle, deeper cleaning of your place will be needed.
Since you need to take care of all the spaces that will be used for cooking, dining, and celebrating, as well as create that beautiful, cosy atmosphere everyone would like to have. Instead of stressing out before, during, and after the fun days and constantly cleaning and checking various areas, you can take this stress off your shoulders and follow the amazing Holiday checklist we created. It will help you cover as much area as possible, while still having time to celebrate and enjoy the festivities, and generally make your household a lot more manageable.

Before you begin with the actual cleaning, make sure you declutter first. Make space for decorations and remove all things that might be unsightly and unsuitable for the holiday spirit.

• Start in the kitchen and remove any appliances and tools that will not be used during the holiday season. There will be a lot of food so make sure you have space for it.
• Move to the living/dining room and put away toys, books, and other items. Make sure you have enough space for pretty decorations that will contribute to the fun.
• Empty your laundry basket and clear out your bathroom surfaces (especially in the guest bathroom). If you have family staying over, make sure there is space for their personal belongings so that they feel comfortable.
• Declutter and clean your entryway. Dust and wipe doorknobs, remove your many coats from the hangers, and make space for your guests’ items. Decorate with festive items, lights, and trinkets.
• Launder bedding for overnight guests and prepare fresh sheets in the guest bedrooms.

Cleaning tasks in the Dining/Living room

This area of your house sees a lot of trafficking in your everyday life, especially around the holidays. A lot of drinks, snacks, appetisers, and meals will be prepared which can cause a general mess. It is best to start on a clean slate and be prepared with a lot of cleaning supplies in case of emergencies.

• Clean the baseboards and sweep and mop the hard surface flooring.
• Vacuum the carpet and rugs, then use an extension tool to reach under furniture and into corners.
• Any stains on the carpets or upholstered furniture should be treated.
• To eliminate dust and debris, dust surfaces such as shelves, windows, and door frames, then wipe them with a damp microfiber cloth.
• Clean your windows inside and out, including the window tracks, after removing and cleaning the screens.
• Remove any worn-out cushions or pillows and fluff them to remove dust.
• Before reinstalling the cushions and pillows, vacuum the sofas and chairs.
• Use a moist microfiber cloth to clean decorations and trinkets.
• Give your plants a thorough washing to revitalise them.
• Remove any pet hairs and odours.

Extra tip: As the party goes on, ask your guests to bring their own dishes and glassware to the kitchen/load them in the dishwasher once they are done.

Cleaning tasks for your Kitchen

Before you stock your refrigerator with groceries and holiday preps, give it a thorough decluttering and cleaning. Leave an open box of baking soda inside – it will absorb any unpleasant odours.

Scrub your stovetop and oven.

Gram a damp cloth and wipe all your countertops and cupboards.

Give your dishwasher a deep cleaning (run a rinse cycle if you are short on time).

Sweep and mop your kitchen floor.

Empty and disinfect your rubbish bin.

Extra tip: Clean as you go to keep your kitchen clean during the festivities. Wipe away any spills and have paper towels around so your guests can do that too.

Cleaning tasks for your Bathroom

If your guests are staying overnight, they will probably need to use your bathroom. Make sure it is clean and welcoming.

Wipe down your shower walls, floors, mirrors, and glass surfaces.

Wash your shower curtains.

Empty and disinfect your rubbish bins.

Wipe and declutter your vanity and make space for their toiletries.

Stock fresh towels and toilet paper rolls.

More tips for preparing your house for the holidays:

• Decorations and lighting can really set the mood for festivities. Make sure you decorate the areas where your guests will be celebrating. Sparkling lights over curtains or window frames can create a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Hang reflective ornaments around to open up the space and create more depth.
• Make sure your house smells festive as well. If you are already baking biscuits or anything else that smells nice, your house will be filled with cosy scents. You can bake apple/pumpkin pies, cupcakes, or fruits. Light scented candles, or place aromatic oils and fresh herbs around the house.