Planning a festive holiday gathering involves a lot of work, from preparing a delicious menu to creating a welcoming atmosphere in your home. One crucial aspect of getting ready for entertaining season is ensuring your home is clean and tidy for guests. While it’s not necessary to deep clean every corner, focusing on key areas like the living room and kitchen where guests will gather is essential. This also helps in taking stock of necessary items like bathroom essentials and entertaining must-haves. To keep you organized, a holiday cleaning checklist has been prepared to guide you through cleaning every room in your home before guests arrive.
Meet the Experts:
– Kathy Cohoon, director of franchise operations at Two Maids
– Mary Gagliardi, in-house scientist and cleaning expert for Clorox
Cleaning Checklist for Different Areas:
Entryway:
– Clean the floor
– Vacuum and place a welcome rug
– Organize shoes and coats in a nearby closet
– Disinfect high-touch surfaces like doorknobs
Living Room:
– Clean the ceiling fan
– Use a lint roller on couches and chairs
– Wash and organize blankets
– Fluff throw pillows
– Dust all surfaces
– Wipe down the TV
– Clean windows
– Sweep or vacuum and mop the floor
– Spot treat stains on rugs
Dining Room:
– Sweep or vacuum and mop the floor
– Clean table and chairs
– Clean windows
– Wipe down all surfaces
– Clean linen napkins and tablecloth
Kitchen:
– Sweep and mop the floor
– Clean out the refrigerator
– Wipe down countertops
– Clean the oven
– Polish silverware
– Clean serveware and drinkware
– Wash dish towels
– Wipe down appliances
Bathroom:
– Sweep or vacuum and mop the floor
– Provide clean hand towels
– Clean the toilet, sink, faucet, shower, and bathtub
– Wipe down mirrors
– Restock supplies like toilet paper and hand soap
Guest Room:
– Prepare a welcoming space for overnight visitors during the holiday season
With these detailed cleaning checklists, you can ensure your home is clean and inviting for guests to enjoy during the festive season.
Are you expecting guests this holiday season? It’s time to prepare your spare room for their arrival. According to Cohoon, a clean and well-stocked guest room can make visitors feel more welcome and comfortable. Here’s a checklist to ensure your guest room is in top shape:
1. Sweep or vacuum and mop the floor to remove any dirt or dust.
2. Clean the ceiling fan to avoid spreading dust around the room.
3. Wipe down windows to let in natural light and provide a clear view.
4. Clean mirrors to ensure they are free of smudges and streaks.
5. Wash all bedding, including sheets, pillowcases, and blankets, for a fresh and inviting touch.
6. Fluff pillows to make them look and feel plump and comfortable.
Don’t forget about your closets when preparing for guests. This is where they may store their belongings during their stay. Gagliardi advises against using closets as a dumping ground for clutter. Follow these tips to get your closets guest-ready:
1. Sweep or vacuum the closet floor to remove any dirt or debris.
2. Clear out space by donating unused items to make room for your guests’ belongings.
3. Provide empty hangers for guests to hang their clothes and keep them organized.
4. Dust shelves to keep the closet clean and tidy.
The exterior of your home is the first thing guests will see when arriving, so it’s important to make a good impression. Boost your home’s curb appeal by completing these outdoor cleaning tasks:
1. Clear leaves and debris from the yard and walkways to create a neat and welcoming entrance.
2. Sweep away cobwebs from doorways and outdoor structures to maintain a clean appearance.
3. Stock up on firewood if you plan to have a fire during your guests’ visit.
4. Check outdoor lights and replace any that are burned out to ensure safety and visibility.
5. Clean patio furniture that has been left outside for the season to provide a comfortable outdoor seating area.
By following these cleaning checklists, you can create a welcoming and comfortable space for your holiday guests. Remember, small touches like fresh bedding, organized closets, and a well-maintained exterior can make all the difference in making your visitors feel at home.
