1. Entryway & Living Room
Welcome guests into a sparkling space!
- Declutter: Put away shoes, coats, and other items in the entryway. Store or organize any clutter in the living room.
- Dusting: Dust all surfaces, including shelves, picture frames, light fixtures, baseboards, and ceiling fans. Use a
microfiber cloth for best results. - Vacuum & Mop: Thoroughly vacuum carpets and rugs, and mop hardwood or tile floors.
- Windows & Mirrors: Clean windows inside and out if possible, and polish mirrors for a streak-free shine.
- Furniture & Upholstery: Use a vacuum attachment to clean sofas, chairs, and cushions. For tougher stains, spot-clean
with a suitable cleaner. - Decorations: Dust any holiday decorations that may collect dust over the season.
2. Kitchen
This is where holiday magic happens, so make it spotless!
- Appliance Deep-Cleaning:
- Oven: Run a self-clean cycle if available, or scrub with baking soda and vinegar.
- Refrigerator: Remove all items and wipe down shelves, drawers, and doors. Check expiration dates before
replacing items. - Microwave: Fill a microwave-safe bowl with water and lemon juice; heat until steamy, then wipe clean.
- Dishwasher: Place a bowl of vinegar on the top rack and run a hot cycle to clean and deodorize.
- Cabinets & Drawers: Empty and wipe down shelves. Organize as you put items back, especially pots, pans, and
holiday cooking essentials. - Countertops & Backsplash: Disinfect surfaces, paying extra attention to corners and grout on tile backsplashes.
- Sink & Faucets: Scrub the sink with a mild abrasive cleaner, rinse thoroughly, and polish the faucet for a shine.
- Floors: Vacuum and mop thoroughly, paying attention to corners and baseboards.
3. Dining Room
Make this gathering space inviting and ready for holiday feasts.
- Table & Chairs: Wipe down the table and each chair, especially if they’re upholstered. Consider spot-cleaning fabric
seats if needed. - Light Fixtures: Dust and clean any chandeliers or pendant lights over the dining table.
- Silverware & Serving Dishes: Polish silverware and serving items if they’re stored here, or ensure they’re clean and
ready for holiday use. - Floors: Vacuum and mop or polish floors, especially around the table where crumbs may collect.
4. Bathrooms
Give each bathroom a hotel-like sparkle for guests.
- Shower & Tub: Scrub tiles, grout, and glass doors with a mildew remover or a baking soda paste. Rinse thoroughly.
- Toilet: Clean thoroughly, including the base and behind the toilet. Use a pumice stone for any hard water stains.
- Sink & Countertops: Wipe down counters, clean the sink and faucet, and organize any personal items.
- Mirrors: Use a glass cleaner for streak-free mirrors.
- Fresh Towels & Toiletries: Place fresh towels, stock toilet paper, and add hand soap and a small seasonal touch like a
holiday candle or mini wreath. - Floors & Baseboards: Vacuum and mop floors, paying special attention to baseboards.
5. Bedrooms
Create a cozy, relaxing space for family and guests.
- Bedding: Strip beds, wash all linens, and replace with fresh sheets and blankets.
- Dusting: Dust surfaces, especially nightstands, shelves, and any electronics.
- Closet Organization: Take a few minutes to tidy the closet; remove any seasonal clothing you no longer need.
- Under the Bed: Clear any items under the bed to eliminate dust bunnies and vacuum thoroughly.
- Floors: Vacuum carpet or mop hard floors, making sure to hit corners and baseboards.
6. General Finishing Touches
For a final layer of polish throughout the house:
- Trash Bins: Empty and wipe down all trash bins, especially if you’ll have extra guests.
- Air Vents & Filters: Dust and clean air vents; replace filters if needed for fresh air.
- Doors & Handles: Wipe down doors, handles, and light switches, which are high-touch areas.
- Scent: Add a holiday touch with a gentle, seasonal air freshener or a potpourri of simmering cinnamon sticks and
cloves.