For many, the holidays are the most enjoyable time of year but having a clean house makes a difference. Whether you plan to host a party, entertain out-of-town guests, or be leisurely with some hot cocoa, mere dusting isn’t enough. Even though you may enjoy holiday gift shopping, planning how you tidy up can be done in little time.
Start Your Christmas Cleaning Now
Unless your home is very cozy (as in small), it’s best to begin your cleaning schedule at least one month ahead. The more space you have, the more you’ll have to stagger chores on your Christmas cleaning checklist. This is to say you shouldn’t try to tackle your entire home at once, especially if you have other obligations.
Depending on how often you clean your home, chances are strong you need to do a deep cleaning. Deep cleaning means getting under hard furniture to vacuum or mop, as well as sanitizing to remove bacteria and viruses. This also entails damp wiping hard-to-reach areas or spaces with tight crevices that need more than dusting. Since this takes time, you may want to make your holiday cleaning checklist a two-step process. This means you can tackle large spaces at the beginning and end, along with small details in other rooms.
If you’re having guests over, polishing door knobs and other handles takes little time and prevents the spread of germs. Keeping a list also helps you manage trouble areas and figure out what needs a professional touch.
Begin Your Holiday Cleaning Checklist Room by Room
In most homes, the living room or den is the largest and probably the room where we usually entertain company. If you use both as common areas, then it’s best to start with the most foot-trafficked room. The room that is used the most should be done in two parts.
Den or Living Area
If you have both a living room and a den where guests hang out, choose the dirtiest room first. Save the other room for the second cleaning while you fix stains or other issues in the first room.
- Hard Surfaces – Wipe with a damp cloth and place a colorful sticker to indicate where spots or stains may need special treatment.
- Walls – Wipe down with a wet cloth and make sure to reach corners that may have cobwebs or excess dust.
- Floors – Sweep to remove excess dust, followed by a wet mop. Also, wipe down dusty corners.
- Cabinets and storage – Remove all books, bric-a-brac, and standalone items and clean with furniture cleaner or a damp cloth.
- Ceiling fans, clocks, and decorative items – Use a fresh damp cloth to wipe down surfaces. Use glass cleaner as needed.
Kitchen and Dining Room
These rooms are places where food is served and stored, so cleanliness is everything. From basic tidiness to eliminating food odors to organization, most people dread this because it’s time-consuming. However, doing this as part of your Christmas cleaning makes it easier to manage in the New Year.
- Walls and counters – Wipe down and use a degreaser where needed
- Stove and other appliances – clean the oven using the best cleaner for your needs. In other words, large, cooked-on grease spills may require overnight or multiple cleaning applications. Remove and wipe refrigerator containers using diluted lemon juice. Food stains in the microwave or refrigerator should be treated using a product that’s safe for those surfaces and doesn’t leave a strong aroma.
- Furniture – Wipe down counters and tables with attention to sticky spots where people eat.
- Floors – Sweep and mop underneath floors last. If there are any tile cracks, seal with durable tape until you can get these professionally repaired.
Bathrooms
While the bathroom is a room where bacteria and germs lurk, it’s also a place of peace after a hectic day. Knowing you cleaned it from top to bottom makes hot bubble baths so much better.
- Ceiling fan – Wipe down with a damp cloth, along with wall corners to eliminate cobwebs.
- Walls and counters – White and light-colored surfaces benefit from using a bleach alternative. If you notice stubborn stains, look for an appropriate cleaner and try again during the second cleaning round.
- Tub, shower, and sink – Use a non-staining cleaner and limescale cleaner to remove water deposits on and around fixtures.
- Use a mild cleaner and damp cloth to clean doorknobs and light switches.
- Wipe around the toilet base and underneath cabinets before mopping.
Bedrooms
There’s nothing like coming home to a clean personal space after a day of holiday shopping or other festivities. If you’re sharing your bedroom with a guest, cleanliness ensures they can sleep well.
- Ceiling and walls – Wipe down with a damp cloth, paying attention to corners for excess dust. If you have a ceiling fan, wipe the blades and check the base for dust.
- Cabinets – Remove items that are not needed or are better off in private storage. Wipe down with a damp cloth and clean the mirror, if needed.
- Closets and drawer space – If you’re sharing your bedroom with another person, make sure there’s a clean, ample space to store their items.
- Bed – If guests are sleeping in a bedroom, make sure linens are fresh when they arrive. Also, fluff pillows and make sure the blanket or throw is clean. You also may need to flip the mattress if you haven’t done this in a while.
Closets, Entryways, Hallways, and Utility Rooms
Places we use for storage can become cluttered over time but this can be expected as the years pass. De-cluttering works if items in your home no longer serve a purpose or can be given away.
- Organize – If something can be donated or given away, this is the time to do this. If parting with these items is out of the question, an outside storage facility may be the answer.
- Wipe down hard surfaces – If it can’t be removed with a multipurpose cleaner, then a degreaser or spot treatment may do the job.
- Sweep or damp mop floors.
- Also, look out for cobwebs.
Accomplishing Your Cleaning Goals
If you think this is a lot to have a tidy home, it is! While some people are natural cleaners, others may need a checklist or a little of both. We at MaidThis only hire natural cleaners who take their job seriously and are trained to observe everything. Whether you want to enjoy your holiday to the fullest or want a little help, we’re here for you. Visit the MaidThis website or call during business hours to find a cleaning solution for your home or vacation rental.
