December 19, 2024 by Abby Urbinek
The holidays are a time for gathering with family and friends, enjoying festive meals, and making cherished memories. But after the celebrations come to an end, there’s the inevitable aftermath—leftover food, spilled drinks, and cluttered spaces. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the thought of cleaning up after a holiday party or hosting out-of-town guests, don’t worry. With the right approach and cleaning tips, you can quickly transform your home from chaos to calm without too much stress.
In this blog, we’ll share essential holiday home cleaning tips that will make post-party cleanup a breeze. Whether you’re looking for quick fixes or a deep-clean routine, these tips will help you restore your home to its former glory. Plus, we’ll explain how Simply Clean’s expert cleaning services can take your cleaning game to the next level—leaving you more time to enjoy the holiday season!
Before diving into the detailed cleaning process, it’s essential to clear the clutter. With all the wrapping paper, serving dishes, and gift bags, it’s easy for things to get disorganized. The first step in your post-holiday home cleaning should be decluttering the spaces.
- Tidy up the kitchen: Start by putting away leftovers in containers, and clearing any empty bottles, cans, or wrappers. Wipe down countertops to remove any crumbs or sticky residue from spilled beverages or food.
- Clear the living areas: Pick up any stray decorations, used napkins, or gift wrapping. Put away stray coats, shoes, and bags in designated places to minimize the clutter in your home.
Decluttering first will make the actual cleaning process much easier and faster. Once everything is picked up and organized, you can move on to the next step—deep cleaning.
The kitchen and living room are typically the busiest areas during the holidays. Whether it’s from cooking, dining, or guests mingling, these spaces accumulate dirt and stains quickly. Tackling these high-traffic areas first will make the rest of the cleaning process feel less daunting.
- Kitchen: After your guests have left, wipe down all kitchen surfaces, including counters, tables, and stovetops. Be sure to clean any food splatters from walls or appliances. Don’t forget to clean the sink and take out the trash, especially if it’s full of food scraps or leftover party items. If you had a big holiday meal, your oven and microwave might need a deeper clean as well.
- Living Room: The living room is where your guests likely spent a lot of time. Vacuum or sweep the floors to pick up crumbs, pet hair, and any other debris. Use an upholstery cleaner to remove stains or spills on couches and chairs. Don’t forget to dust all surfaces, including shelves, lamps, and TV screens.
By starting with the areas that see the most traffic, you can quickly restore order to your home.
Holiday parties often mean a lot of foot traffic, food spills, and muddy footprints. Your floors, whether they’re hardwood, carpet, or tile, likely need some attention after your guests leave.
- Vacuum and mop: If you have hardwood or tile floors, be sure to vacuum first to remove dust and debris. Follow up with a mop to remove any sticky spots or stains. Use a gentle cleaner to avoid damaging the floor’s finish.
- Carpet Care: If you have carpet, use a vacuum with a rotating brush to remove debris from the fibers. For stubborn stains from wine or food, try using a mixture of vinegar and water or a store-bought stain remover. If the carpet has absorbed a lot of dirt, consider renting a carpet cleaner or calling in a professional.
At Simply Clean, we understand how important it is to have your floors spotless after the holiday chaos. Our professional team can provide deep cleaning services that bring your floors back to life, whether it’s through a detailed carpet cleaning or tile and grout cleaning.
If your home hosted multiple guests, your bathrooms probably took a heavy hit. After the party’s over, it’s time to restore your bathrooms to their pristine state.
- Sanitize surfaces: Start by wiping down sinks, countertops, and mirrors. Use a bathroom cleaner to scrub away soap scum, toothpaste stains, and watermarks.
- Clean the toilet: Give your toilet a thorough cleaning, including scrubbing the bowl and disinfecting the handle and seat. Don’t forget to wipe down any other high-touch areas like light switches and towel racks.
- Refresh the floors: Sweep the floors, and mop with a cleaner designed for bathroom surfaces. Pay special attention to any stains or grime that may have accumulated around the toilet or sink area.
With Simply Clean’s expert bathroom cleaning services, we go above and beyond to ensure every inch of your bathroom is sparkling clean. Whether you’re preparing for guests or recovering from a holiday party, our professional team can take the stress out of bathroom cleaning.
During holiday celebrations, spills and stains are inevitable. From red wine on the carpet to gravy on the tablecloth, these messes can feel like they’ll never come out. Here are some tips for tackling common holiday stains:
- Red wine: If someone spilled red wine on your carpet, immediately blot the stain with a clean cloth. Apply a mixture of baking soda and water, then vacuum once it dries. For tough stains, a professional carpet cleaner may be necessary.
- Grease stains: Food spills like gravy or butter can leave greasy stains behind. Use dish soap or a degreaser on fabric or upholstery, but always test a small area first to avoid damage.
- Candle wax: If you’ve used candles in your holiday decor, you might have candle wax drips on your furniture or carpets. Freeze the wax with an ice cube, then gently scrape it off. You can also try applying a stain remover before washing the fabric.
These stains can be tricky to handle, but a little care and the right products can help keep your home looking spotless. Simply Clean offers expert stain removal services if you need a professional touch to get rid of stubborn holiday stains.
After all the cooking, guests, and indoor festivities, your home might not smell as fresh as you’d like. To freshen up your home, consider these simple tips:
- Air out your home: Open the windows for a while to let fresh air circulate. Even in colder months, letting your home breathe for just 15 minutes can help.
- Scented candles or diffusers: Light a scented candle or use an essential oil diffuser to introduce pleasant scents into your space. Try festive scents like cinnamon, pine, or vanilla for a cozy atmosphere.
- Baking soda: Sprinkle baking soda in areas that tend to hold odors, such as carpets or upholstery. Vacuum it up after 15-20 minutes to neutralize smells.
If you’re looking for an even deeper freshening, Simply Clean offers air purification services, helping eliminate indoor odors and improve your home’s air quality after holiday gatherings.
If the post-holiday cleanup is too much for you to handle, or you simply want to skip the hassle and get back to enjoying the season, Simply Clean is here to help. Our professional cleaning services offer a range of solutions—from one-time deep cleans to regular maintenance.
Our experienced team uses high-quality products and equipment to ensure your home is spotless, sanitized, and ready for the next gathering. Whether you need a thorough cleaning of the kitchen, living room, bathroom, or all of the above, Simply Clean can take the stress out of your holiday home cleaning.
Holiday home cleaning doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By following these essential tips and knowing when to call in the pros, you can quickly turn your post-party chaos into a clean, welcoming space. Whether you need a quick declutter, stain removal, or deep cleaning, Simply Clean is here to support you every step of the way.
If you’re ready to enjoy a stress-free holiday season and leave the cleaning to the experts, Simply Clean is just a phone call away. Contact us today to learn more about our services and schedule your post-holiday cleaning.