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The holiday season brings joy, festivities, and a house full of guests, but with all the merry-making comes the inevitable mess. After the party winds down, you might feel the urge to collapse into your couch, but before you do, there are key areas in your home that need a bit of extra attention. Cleaning after holiday hosting is more than just tidying upit’s about tackling those spots that tend to be forgotten in the chaos. According to cleaning professionals, these six areas are the ones you’ll want to prioritize for a fresh start in the new year.
1. Kitchen Counters and Appliances
The kitchen is the heart of any holiday gathering, and while it’s bustling with activity, it can also get downright messy. After cooking, serving, and maybe even mixing a few too many cocktails, your counters and appliances can become the epicenter of spills, crumbs, and grease. Cleaning these areas is a must, especially when you consider the bacteria and food residue that can accumulate.
Start by wiping down all surfaces, including countertops, backsplashes, and cabinet handles. Use a multi-surface cleaner that is safe for your countertops and appliances. Pay special attention to your stovetop, microwave, and refrigerator. A simple paste of baking soda and water works wonders for removing stubborn grease on your stovetop, while a deep clean of your fridge can get rid of leftover food that might start to spoil.
2. The Living Room Sofas and Chairs
If there was any place where guests hung out during your holiday festivities, it was probably the living room. From spilled drinks to crumbs from appetizers, your sofas and chairs likely took a beating. It’s easy to forget about them in the midst of cleaning up the kitchen or dining areas, but a thorough cleaning of these upholstered furniture pieces is essential.
Vacuum first to remove loose crumbs and dust. If you have a fabric sofa, consider using a handheld upholstery cleaner or steam cleaner to eliminate stains and freshen up the fabric. For leather furniture, use a soft cloth and a cleaner designed specifically for leather. Don’t forget to check between the cushions for any hidden debris!
3. The Bathroom Sink and Toilet
The bathroom is a high-traffic area during any gathering, and with guests coming and going, it’s bound to get a little less than pristine. The sink and toilet, in particular, deserve some extra attention. After all, you don’t want to start the new year with lingering grime or unpleasant odors in the bathroom!
First, clear any clutter from the sink areasoap dishes, makeup, or toothpaste tubes should be wiped down. Use a disinfecting cleaner to tackle the sink and faucet. Pay special attention to areas like the handles and around the drain, where water can leave mineral deposits.
When it comes to the toilet, be sure to scrub both the inside and outside. A toilet brush and a strong toilet cleaner will do the trick, but don’t forget to disinfect the handle and flush leverthese are some of the most touched areas and can harbor germs.
4. Dining Table and Chairs
While the kitchen sees most of the action during a holiday meal, the dining table is where guests gather to enjoy the feast. From spilled wine to drips of gravy, it’s important to give this area a thorough cleaning. After all, you don’t want any sticky residue or crumbs to linger for long.
Start by clearing the table of any leftover dishes or decor. Wipe down the surface with a gentle cleaner that’s safe for your table material, whether it’s wood, glass, or marble. If you have upholstered dining chairs, vacuum them to remove crumbs and then spot clean any stains with a fabric cleaner. For wood chairs, a polish can help restore their shine and protect the finish.
5. Entryway and Hallways
Your entryway is the first thing guests see when they enter your home, so you want it to look welcoming. After all the holiday chaos, it might be filled with muddy shoes, piles of coats, and leftover confetti from the New Year’s Eve party. Keeping this area tidy ensures that your home feels organized and ready to face the year ahead.
Start by sweeping or vacuuming the floors. Pay attention to corners and under any furniture for debris that might have been overlooked. Wipe down surfaces like entry tables or benches where guests may have placed their bags or coats. A good dusting of light fixtures or mirrors can also brighten up the space.
6. The Floors
Whether you have hardwood, tile, or carpet, the floors are often the most neglected area after a holiday party. Between spilled drinks, crumbs, and tracked-in dirt, they take a real beating. Cleaning your floors should be one of your top priorities to remove stains, dirt, and bacteria.
Start by sweeping or vacuuming the floors to remove dust and debris. If you have carpets, consider a deep clean with a carpet cleaner or rent a steam cleaner to remove tough stains. For hard floors, mop with a cleaner that’s appropriate for your floor type. Don’t forget to pay attention to high-traffic areas, like entryways or living room floors, where dirt and grime tend to accumulate the most.
Cleaning Experience and Tips for a Holiday Clean-Up
Cleaning up after holiday hosting can feel like an overwhelming task, but with the right approach, it can be manageable and even a bit satisfying. One cleaning pro suggests breaking the work into manageable chunks. Focus on one area at a time, and don’t hesitate to ask for helpfamily members or friends who were part of the festivities are usually happy to pitch in and help make the house shine.
Another great tip from cleaning experts is to keep a few essentials on hand during your hosting. By stocking up on cleaning supplies like multi-surface cleaners, microfiber cloths, and disinfectant wipes, you can quickly address any messes as they happen. For example, if a drink is spilled on the couch, grab the fabric cleaner right away to avoid a stain setting in.
One cleaning trick that’s been especially helpful for holiday hosts is to focus on high-traffic areas first. Entryways, bathrooms, and the kitchen are typically where the most mess accumulates, so tackling those areas early in the clean-up process sets a good tone. Plus, your guests will appreciate the effort to keep the spaces they use the most looking fresh and clean.
Lastly, while it may seem tempting to save the cleaning for later, experts recommend addressing spills and messes as they happen. The sooner you can clean, the less likely you are to have stains that set or odors that linger. And if you’re really pressed for time, don’t hesitate to hire a professional cleaner to take care of the heavy lifting. After all, you’ve already done the hostinglet someone else handle the scrubbing!
Conclusion
Holiday hosting is full of joy and laughter, but it’s also full of messes that need to be dealt with afterward. By focusing on these six spotskitchen counters and appliances, living room furniture, the bathroom sink and toilet, dining tables and chairs, entryways, and floorsyou can ensure your home is sparkling clean and ready for the new year. Remember, the key to a successful clean-up is breaking it down into manageable tasks, and when in doubt, don’t hesitate to reach out for professional help.
