The holidays are a time for celebrating with family and friends. With guests coming over, you’ll want your home looking its absolute best. This is where you will need to focus on home cleaning. By cleaning your home, you can make it look presentable for the guests who will come in. On top of that, you will be able to enjoy the seasonal celebrations in a perfect environment. Follow this comprehensive guide to get every inch of your house sparkling clean before Christmas arrives.
Plan – Make a Cleaning Schedule
Don’t leave the big clean until the last minute. This is one of the most important cleaning tips to keep in mind. Planning and scheduling cleaning tasks over time prevent a stressful rush. Make lists room by room with detailed tasks and deadlines. Tackle a little bit each week in the month before Christmas. This will help you to get the most out of holiday cleaning. Otherwise, you will just waste your time. You should also make a pre-Christmas cleaning checklist to make sure that you don’t miss out on anything.
Start with Clutter and Go Room by Room
Begin by decluttering – excess stuff will make cleaning harder. Donate unused items and deep clean each room from top to bottom. Scrub kitchens and bathrooms first, then living spaces, finishing with bedrooms. Check items off your list as you complete tasks. Make sure that you don’t start with deep cleaning. Expert cleaning advice is to remove clutter and then proceed with deep cleaning.
Supplies – Stock Up on Essentials
Having the right supplies saves time and energy. Stock up on sponges, microfiber cloths, all-purpose cleaners, glass cleaners, scrubbing brushes, dusting tools, trash bags, etc. Consider eco-friendly and non-toxic products. Buy in bulk for the big clean. If you feel that you can’t buy supplies and go through the cleaning process, you may connect with professional cleaning services.
Dust and Remove Cobwebs
Start cleaning by removing dust, dirt, and cobwebs – cleaning is more effective after de-dusting. Use microfiber cloths and extendable dusters on ceilings, walls, corners, vents, light fixtures, fans, and decor. Vacuum behind and under all furniture too. This process will take more time than you expect. Therefore, you should arrange your cleaning schedules accordingly.
Clean Windows and Doors
Mix equal parts vinegar and water for an effective homemade window cleaner. Wipe down windows inside and out using newspaper or microfiber cloths. Clean windowsills and tracks with a small brush. Wash interior doors, door frames, and knobs. Buff exterior doors. You need to use the right cleaning supplies for cleaning doors and windows. Make sure to proceed with eco-friendly cleaning products as much as possible. Then you can make sure that there aren’t any toxic chemicals in your living space.
Disinfecting surfaces
Sanitising kills germs lingering on surfaces. Wear gloves and disinfect counters, cabinets, tables, doorknobs, and shelves using antibacterial wipes or a vinegar solution. Target kitchens, bathrooms, and high-touch areas. Let disinfectants sit before wiping. As mentioned earlier, you should always proceed with toxin-free cleaning products. You can find more than enough natural cleaning solutions. For example, you may even think about using the items you have in your kitchen. They are quite effective in dust elimination and germ removal as well.
Scrub Tile, Tub, Shower, and Toilet Spray shower doors and tiles with a 50/50 vinegar and water solution. Let sit for 5 minutes then scrub with a brush. Use a pumice stone on stubborn buildup. Scrub sinks and toilets with a toilet brush using baking soda and vinegar. Wipe down exterior surfaces.
Clean Appliances Inside and Out
Remove crumbs and clean the inside, outside, and under large appliances. Use baking soda and vinegar to scrub the inside of your oven and microwave. Descale the coffee maker and clean out the fridge. Don’t forget the range hood filter.
Mop, Sweep, and Vacuum Floors
Vacuum carpets, rugs, and bare floors before mopping – this lifts dirt. Sweep then mop tile and seal hardwood using a pH neutral cleaner. For grout, use a mix of baking soda and water. Use a wet/dry vacuum on unsealed floors. After mopping floors, it is a must to proceed with vacuuming thoroughly. Then you will be able to get rid of all dirt and grime.
Finish Floors by Scrubbing Baseboards
Baseboards collect hidden dirt and grime. Scrub them clean using a small brush and all-purpose cleaner. For stuck-on dirt, use an old toothbrush and baking soda paste. Rinse and let dry fully before putting the furniture back. You should also proceed with scrubbing tile and grout. Then you will be able to make your floors look spotless.
Clean Closets, Drawers, and Bedding
Take everything out of closets and drawers to clean inside the empty spaces. Vacuum shelves and rods and wipe down surfaces. Wash all bedding and drapes to eliminate dust mites. Fold and neatly organize clothes using storage bins and hangers.
Clean Electronics and Other Items
Use disinfecting wipes safe for electronics to clean TV screens, computers, tablets, phones, remotes, keyboards, and gaming systems. Clean decor items like vases, candles, and knick-knacks. Freshen lamp shades and clean light bulbs and fixtures.
Check Walls and Ceilings for Grime
Walls can get mysteriously grimy. Spot clean walls using a mix of warm water and mild soap on a soft cloth. Use a small brush on textured walls to agitate dirt from grooves. For ceilings, attach a microfiber mop to extend your reach.
Detail the Exterior and Outdoor Areas
Don’t neglect exterior cleaning. Sweep debris from walkways, patios, and porches. Hose down the siding if needed. Pressure washes outdoor furniture and decking. Clean leaves and debris from gutters. Make the outside sparkle too.
Prep Kitchen and Dining Areas for Guests
To make kitchens guest-ready, thoroughly clean counters, cabinets, sinks, appliances and floors. Organize serving trays, dishes, glassware, and utensils. Set out clean linens, napkins, towels, and potholders. Stock up on food and beverages for holiday parties. Once you are done, you don’t need to worry about anything when welcoming guests.
Extra Touches – Add Holiday Sparkle
After cleaning, add special holiday touches. Hang wreaths, garlands, and lights outside. Decorate inside with a Christmas tree, holiday knick-knacks, candles, table centrepieces, and bows. Replace regular lightbulbs with festive colours. These extra touches can offer much-needed assistance to you with enjoying the holidays.
Maintain Cleanliness Between Guests
Keep your home looking festive-fresh by quickly tidying and cleaning after holiday gatherings. Run the dishwasher, take out the trash, wipe counters, spot mop floors, and declutter party debris before bed to stay on top of messes.
Final words
By planning and taking time to deeply clean, you can welcome the holidays surrounded by tidy, sparkling spaces. Follow this guide to make your entire home guest-ready and spotless from floor to ceiling. Focus on areas guests will see and high-traffic zones. With some elbow grease, your tidy home will help make the season bright.
If you have a tight schedule, you will not be able to do all these tasks on your own. That’s where you can hire a professional cleaning service. Anyone in Brisbane can contact Eco Cleaning for it. As a reputed cleaning company, these experts will come to your location and take care of the job.
