Post-Holiday Cleaning: Top After-Party Cleaning Tips for a Fresh Start
The holiday season is always filled with joy, celebrations, and (of course) plenty of cleaning! This year was extra special for our family—not only did we celebrate Christmas, but we also had the honor of watching our son graduate from college just a few days before. Between the festive parties and family gatherings, it felt like we were constantly on the go.
Once the last guests left, I sat down and looked around my house—it looked like a bloodhound had been let loose in it, desperately searching for its prey. After the whirlwind of the holidays, my home was in desperate need of some TLC.
I know I’m not the only one who feels this way come January. Many of our clients hire us for post-holiday cleaning services and deep cleaning around this time of year. If you’re looking to start the new year with a clean, organized home, here are some practical after-party cleaning tips to help you get everything back in shape in no time.
1| Declutter Your Space: Sort Out Unwanted Gifts
One of the first things to tackle after the holidays is the influx of gifts. Sort through them and make a pile of items you won’t use. Whether it’s to exchange, donate, or re-gift, clearing this clutter will help your home feel instantly less chaotic. If you’re keeping something that you don’t use, consider donating it to a charity or local shelter.
2| Wash & Pack Holiday Dishware
The last thing you want after a holiday party is a mountain of dirty dishes taking up space in your kitchen. As soon as you can, load your holiday dishware into the dishwasher, dry it off, and put it away. It might feel tempting to leave this for later, but the sooner you do it, the easier the task will be.
3| Clean & Organize Your Fridge
By the end of the holidays, our fridge is always bursting at the seams. To get it back in order, start by tossing any spoiled leftovers. Then, remove all food, clean out the compartments, and organize the shelves. Once it’s clean, neatly restock it. Need more fridge organizing tips? Stay tuned for our upcoming post on how to organize your fridge like a pro!
4| Clean Your Oven
With all the cooking and baking that happens around the holidays, your oven is likely to be in need of a deep clean. Remove the racks and wash them in the sink. Then, use baking soda and vinegar to scrub away any stubborn stains inside the oven. If you’ve got tough stains, let the mixture sit overnight before wiping it down. Don’t have the time to clean your oven yourself? You can request this as an add-on service during your next cleaning!
5| Check Carpets & Upholstery for Stains
With all the foot traffic from guests, pets, and little ones, your carpet and upholstery may have taken a hit this holiday season. Walk through your living areas after the party and check for any hidden stains, whether it’s mud, food, or wine. For those high-traffic areas, consider adding rugs or mats to protect your floors next year.
6| Bonus for Pet Owners: Check the Floors!
For pet owners like us, cleaning up after the holidays can be extra challenging. Our dog loves food, and with kids and guests walking around with snacks, there are always a few crumbs left behind. Make sure to vacuum or sweep thoroughly in areas where food and drink were consumed. You’d be surprised how much your pet can find under the furniture!
I hope these after-party cleaning tips help you start off the new year with a clean and organized home. If you need a little extra help, we’re here for you! Contact us today to schedule a professional post-holiday cleaning, and let us take the stress out of your home cleanup.