Helpful Holiday House Cleaning Tips:

Getting your home ready for guests

The holidays are fast approaching, and that means opening your home to family and friends over the next few weeks. Of course, you’ll want your home to look as festive and welcoming as possible for your guests, which typically involves a lot of cleaning – especially if you have a larger home. We’ve put together some practical holiday cleaning tips to help you prioritize chores and get your home clean and ready for the celebrations ahead – everything from tasks you can complete weeks in advance to tips for getting ready just before your guests arrive.  

Before diving in to make your home sparkle and shine, here are a few simple things to consider: You’ll probably want to make a to-do list of everything you want to be cleaned and organized. Once your list is complete go ahead and remove some of the items that may not be necessary at this busy time of year such as organizing your utility closet or cleaning out from under the bathroom sink. Go ahead and save those tasks for a later date. Keep in mind that the holidays are supposed to be fun for you too! Next, be sure to stock up on plenty of cleaning supplies such as cleaning sprays, dishwasher detergent, garbage bags, cleaning wipes, detergent, and floor cleaner so that you’re prepared and ready to go. 

Take it one room at a time. You don’t need to clean your entire house all at once. Maybe start with the kitchen one day, then tackle the living room the next. That way, you won’t get overwhelmed by everything on your to-do list. Most importantly, try not to stress. Things don’t have to be picture-perfect when it comes to the holidays with family and friends. They will understand. The most important thing is that you are able to celebrate and enjoy the holidays this year together! 

Helpful holiday cleaning tips to get your home ready for guests: 

The kitchen 

If your holiday festivities include food, there’s a good chance your kitchen will be on display for guests to see. You’ll want to spend some time cleaning the kitchen, since it’s usually the hub of the home and where guest like to congregate. 

• Wash your table linens, napkins, dishtowels, and washcloths, which can be done a few weeks ahead of time. That way you know you have enough of everything, and they’re ready when you need them. 
• Wipe down the countertops, cabinets, and small appliances.
• Clean and shine kitchen sink
• Clean range or stovetop, surfaces, and grates.
• Clean your oven and microwave. These appliances get a major workout this time of year, so make sure they’re clean for all the cooking and baking you have planned.
• Dust the top of your refrigerator 
• Clean out your refrigerator to make room for party foods and, of course, holiday leftovers. 
• Take recycling to recycling bins or facilities

The bathroom  

Every guest, friend, and family member will be using your bathroom so you want it to be sparkling clean. 

• Clean the toilet from top to bottom, including all the nooks and crannies at the base of the bowl.
• Clean and polish the faucet and sink with an all-purpose cleaner and microfiber cloth. 
• Clean mirrors to remove streaks and water spots
• Make sure the soap dispenser is full. Adding a holiday-scented soap is also a nice touch.  
• Hang clean hand towels and wash them after each gathering.
• Fill a basket with extra toilet paper and empty the trash bin 
• Consider adding an automatic air freshener or some potpourri (a mixture of dried, naturally fragrant plant 
• materials) in a decorative bowl.
• Check the sink and shower drains for hair before guests come to stay. Have extra drain cleaner on hand in case of clog emergencies.

The Living room  

During the holidays, the living room is typically the most used space for gathering, especially, if there is a cozy fire in the fireplace.

• Toss pillow coverings and throw blankets in the washing machine (if possible) to get them clean and smelling fresh, especially if you have pets. 
• Wipe down coffee tables, end tables, shelves, the fireplace mantel, and anywhere else that dust has settled. 
• Remove all the cushions from the couch and vacuum away any crumbs or debris that has gathered under there.
• Check lamps and ceiling lights to make sure they are all working and replace lightbulbs as needed. 
• Before you start to decorate for the holidays get rid of any clutter. Put away, books, boxes, and other miscellaneous items before adding your touches of seasonal décor.
• A really good vacuuming will make your house look and feel clean. Make sure to vacuum up any pet hair. 

The entryway 

As it gets closer to the holidays, make sure your entryway is ready to receive guests  

• Sweep or shovel your front porch. Having a clean entrance is a nice way to welcome your guests.
• Clean the windows and mirrors. Entryways are high-traffic areas so make sure they sparkle.
• Put away any clutter that doesn’t belong in the entryway.  
• Straighten coat closet, making room for guests’ coats. Add extra hangers if needed.
• Wash or spot clean area rugs
• Make some space for boots and shoes and add a few plastic mats so guests know where to put their footwear.

Checklist of day-of-touch-ups 

• Clean trash receptacles and add fresh liners.
• Wipe down any dirty areas in the bathroom with a household cleaner and paper towels.
• Wipe down bathroom mirrors and counters. Wipe down floors with a damp towel.
• Put toilet bowl cleaner in the toilets and brush.
• Hang fresh guest towels 
• Damp-mop the kitchen floor.
• Vacuum carpets and dry-mop wood floors.
• Make sure the dishwasher is empty before guests arrive.  
• Fluff sofa cushions and pillows.
• Add a few sweet-smelling candles to set a festive tone 

The holidays can be a hectic time with visits from family and friends, shopping, and cooking special meals. But cleaning doesn’t have to add to your stress. A little strategic holiday cleaning and decluttering will go a long way. You may also want to consider hiring a professional cleaning service like Clean Nation Company to help you get your home ready for the holidays. Let our trained cleaning PROs do the cleaning for you so you can focus on the party planning,  wrapping gifts, and adding any finishing touches of festive holiday décor.

Clean Nation Company is a full-service cleaning company with over 50 years (three generations) of experience in the cleaning industry. Our high standards, attention to detail, and ongoing employee training are what set us apart from other cleaning companies. We provide quality house cleaning services you can count on. If you are not completely satisfied with any area in your home we have cleaned, just give us a call within 24 hours and we will re-clean it for free—no questions asked! All of our cleaners are bonded, insured and background checked before they are hired.

At Clean Nation Company, we are committed to providing the best cleaning services available!

• Woman-owned and operated full-service cleaning company
• Over 50 years (three generations) of experience in the cleaning industry
• 24/7 cleaning options & support
• Emergency one-time cleanings
• Professionally-trained cleaning specialists
• Healthy home electrostatic spray disinfection
• Commitment to the highest level of clean
• Licensed, bonded, and insured
• Customized cleaning solutions
• Quick response times
• 100% satisfaction guarantee
• OSHA, HIPAA, EPA, CDC, compliant
• BBB Rating: A+

For more information about our comprehensive holiday house cleaning services in Liberty Lake, Post Falls, Spokane, and Spokane Valley, or to schedule a cleaning, please give Clean Nation Company a call today at (509) 217-4729. Request a free online cleaning quote now!