The Holiday is approaching quickly and I have compiled 3 critical ways to make cleaning a breeze this Holiday season.
1. Make a list of everything you want to clean and the supplies you need to buy
After writing the list of everything you want to clean before the holidays, we suggest thinking strategically. Ask yourself a few questions:
- When can I complete the task? Bear in mind that high traffic areas will just get messy again and you don’t want to make more work for yourself than needed.
- Which tasks can you delegate to your family members (if you don't live alone)?
- Which jobs will make the most impact? It might feel great to clean out your cupboards and wash down the shelves, but I doubt your guests will notice.
From all of these answers, you can chronologically plan your cleaning. Here’s an example of a list with a week by week breakdown.
Your supplies are just as crucial as your cleaning. Trust me; no one wants to clean windows multiple times because they leave streaks. Plus, some cleaners have harmful chemicals in them, and you don't want to end up sick just before the holidays (this is our favorite ammonia-free window cleaner that is completely streak-free). Make sure you do an inventory check of your supplies and make a list of everything you need. We always suggest purchasing in bulk if you have the funds and the space. Your wallet will thank you in the long run, plus it’ll save you time.
2. Work smart, not hard
Cleaning during the Holidays can be a big undertaking. Ensuring that your cleaning is complete in the most effective way possible is super important. That can look different for every household, so make sure you're aware of your family's habits and what needs to be done. There have been many years when I started cleaning super early and do more work than needed. Here are some of the cleaning tips I've learned to focus on:
- Start early! You’ll be able to spread out your tasks and not feel so overwhelmed.
- Clean your supplies first (washing machines and dryers, vacuums, and dishwasher). It'll make your clean-up much more efficient.
- Clean spaces that don't get much use when you start cleaning, such as guest's bedrooms. If you deep clean the kitchen a month before the Holidays, chances are you'll clean it 100 times over again.
- Pay attention to the weather before cleaning any of the windows.
- If you'd like to clean something that your guests won't notice, save it for the New Year. You don't have to do everything all at once.
- Get your family to help out by delegating jobs. Cleaning doesn't have to be a one-person show.
3. Focus on your senses: scent, taste, and feel!
You've already made your lists and done most of your cleaning. What more can you do? I don't know about you, but my scenes are a huge part of my holidays. I love the smell of freshly baked goods, pine trees, and everything Christmas-related. Having freshly baked cookies melt in my mouth and crawling into soft linens at the end of my day are both fantastic feelings. Why not pull that kind of cheer into your home as well? Here are a couple of ideas:
- The night before your guests arrive, grind chamomile and lavender with baking soda in a food processor. Sprinkle this mixture on your carpeted areas and leave for the night. The following day you can vacuum up the mix and have the heavenly smell of greatness in your house. Plus, your carpets will feel lush on your toes.
- You've probably already washed your guest's linens (hopefully with softener) and gotten their room ready. You can freshen it up by making homemade sprays for spraying on your guest's linens. Alternatively you can light a candle, or use a diffuser. Just be aware that essential oils can potentially harm your furry friends.
- You can make appetizers and baked goods ahead of time, freeze them, and throw them in the oven just before you know your guests are going to arrive. It's a win-win as your guests walk into a house that smells delicious and you can have warm treats waiting for them.
- And, for the cherry on top, just before your guests go to bed, throw some nice soft blankets in the dryer, so they are warm as they cuddle up for a Christmas movie or crawl into bed.
Bear in mind, these are all suggestions, and you can pick and choose what you want to do. The Holiday season is stressful enough that you don't have to add more stress by creating more work for yourself. That said, sometimes, the small touches can have the most significant impact on someone's stay. The Holiday season is a mix of keeping your own mental sanity and creating a memorable experience for all. Good luck!
