Holiday Cleaning Checklist

The holiday season is upon us, and with it comes the excitement (and sometimes stress) of hosting family and friends. Whether you’re expecting a house full of relatives or a small gathering of close friends, ensuring your home is clean, organized, and welcoming is essential for making a great impression. If you’re in Pittsburgh and feeling overwhelmed by the preparation process, this blog offers a step-by-step holiday cleaning checklist to help you get your home guest-ready.

By following this guide and calling in a professional cleaning service or recurring cleaning service, like Mrs. Clean Pittsburgh, you can take the stress out of holiday cleaning and focus on enjoying the season.

1. Start with the Kitchen: The Heart of the Home

For many families, the kitchen is the central hub during the holidays. Whether it’s for preparing a festive meal or serving snacks and drinks, your kitchen will likely see a lot of traffic. Here’s how to make sure it’s spotless:

Declutter and Clean Surfaces:

Clear off countertops, organize cabinets, and ensure enough space for cooking. Wipe down all surfaces with an all-purpose cleaner, paying particular attention to areas around the stove, sink, and fridge.

Clean Appliances:

Wipe down the exterior of your fridge, microwave, oven, and other small appliances. For an extra touch, clean the inside of your microwave and run a self-cleaning cycle on your oven if necessary. If you’re short on time, Mrs. Clean Pittsburgh can ensure your appliances shine and are holiday-ready.

Empty and Clean the Fridge:

With all the extra food you’ll be storing during the holidays, now is an excellent time to purge expired items and wipe down the shelves. Organize your fridge for optimal use during holiday meal prep.

Floors and Baseboards:

Sweep and mop the floors, and don’t forget the often-overlooked baseboards, which can accumulate dust and grime.

2. Give Your Bathrooms a Deep Holiday Cleaning

Bathrooms are high-traffic areas for guests, so ensuring they are pristine is essential. Here’s how to deep-clean your bathrooms ahead of the holiday rush:

Scrub the Shower and Tub:

Give your shower and tub a thorough scrubbing to remove soap scum, hard water stains, and mildew. Don’t forget to replace the shower curtain if it’s looking a little tired.

Clean the Toilet and Sink:

Disinfect your toilet, paying attention to both the bowl and the outer surfaces. For the sink, wipe down the countertop, clean the faucet, and ensure the drain is clear. If you want the bathroom to shine extra, Mrs. Clean Pittsburgh can ensure everything is spotless.

Refresh Towels and Mats:

Replace old towels with fresh ones, and wash any bath mats. Keep a set of clean towels ready for guests, and ensure there are enough hand towels for frequent use.

Empty the Trash and Restock Supplies:

Be sure to empty bathroom trash cans and restock essential supplies like toilet paper, hand soap, and tissues.

3. Tidy Up the Living Room

Guests will likely spend a lot of their time in the living room. This area should feel cozy, comfortable, and clutter-free. Here’s how to get it ready:

Dust All Surfaces:

Dusting is essential for creating a polished look in your living space. Pay special attention to often-missed areas like light fixtures, ceiling fans, and behind the TV.

Vacuum and Clean Floors:

Whether you have carpet or hardwood, vacuum or mop your floors.To make things easier, call Mrs. Clean Pittsburgh to professionally clean your floors.

Fluff Cushions and Clean Upholstery:

Fluff your throw pillows and cushions to make the room feel extra inviting. If your upholstery is looking a little worn, a quick cleaning can refresh the space. You may also want to launder any blankets or throws that guests might use.

Organize Clutter:

Put away unnecessary clutter and tidy up items like magazines, books, and electronics. A neat and organized living room will instantly make your home feel more welcoming.

4. Prepare Guest Bedrooms

If you’re hosting overnight guests, the bedroom should feel like a peaceful retreat. Here’s how to prepare it:

Fresh Bedding:

Strip the bed of old linens and replace them with fresh sheets, pillowcases, and blankets. If the comforter or duvet hasn’t been washed in a while, now is a great time to do so.

Clear Closet Space:

Make room in the closet or a dresser for guests to store their clothes. Even just a few empty hangers can go a long way toward making your guests feel more at home.

Dust and Clean Floors:

Just like the other living spaces, dust all surfaces and vacuum or mop the floors. Don’t forget to dust the tops of dressers, nightstands, and even lampshades.

Add Small Comforts:

Consider adding a few small touches to make your guests feel welcome, such as a bedside lamp, fresh flowers, or a tray with holiday treats.

5. Don’t Forget the Entryway

The entryway is the first thing your guests will see, so making a great first impression is essential.

Sweep the Front Porch:

If you have a porch or stoop, sweep away any leaves, dirt, or debris. To set a festive tone, you might also consider adding a holiday wreath or some decorative lights.

Wipe Down Doors and Handles:

Wipe down the front door and any door knobs or handles to remove fingerprints and dirt.

Organize Shoes and Coats:

If you have a designated spot for shoes or coats, make sure there’s enough room for guests’ belongings. Consider adding extra hooks or baskets to keep things organized and tidy.

6. Finishing Touches: Set the Holiday Mood

Once your home is sparkling clean, it’s time to add those final touches that make your home feel festive and welcoming:

Decorate Tastefully:

Add some holiday décor to common areas like the living room and kitchen, but be mindful not to clutter surfaces you’ve just cleaned.

Set Out Candles or Fresh Flowers:

Candles and fresh flowers can instantly make a room feel more inviting. Opt for lightly scented candles or fresh greenery that complements your holiday décor.

Holiday Music and Snacks:

Prepare a holiday playlist and set out a few snacks, such as cookies or a bowl of fruit, for guests to enjoy as they arrive.

Call in the Pros for Extra Help with Holiday Cleaning

If you’re overwhelmed with holiday preparations, don’t hesitate to contact Mrs. Clean Pittsburgh. As a trusted Pittsburgh home cleaner, Mrs. Clean Pittsburgh can help you tackle the heavy lifting, giving you more time to focus on what really matters: enjoying the holidays with your loved ones.

By following this holiday cleaning checklist, your home will be ready to welcome guests with warmth and cleanliness, ensuring a stress-free holiday season. When the tasks feel too overwhelming, or you just need a little extra help, Mrs. Clean Pittsburgh is here for you. From Mt. Lebanon to Shadyside and from Monongahela to Murrysville, Mrs. Clean Pittsburgh has you covered with exceptional cleaning services that ensure every corner of your home sparkles for the holidays. Fill out our free estimate form today!