Christmas is a magical time to make unforgettable memories with family and friends, enjoy delicious food, and embrace the spirit of giving. But for those tasked with hosting this season’s celebrations, the hectic pace of preparing for the holidays can be overwhelming.
After you’ve created the perfect menu, searched for presents, and transformed your home into a festive wonderland, cleaning becomes the next important task. And we all know it can be a big undertaking.
That’s exactly why we created the ultimate downloadable app. Christmas house cleaning checklist!
This checklist makes cleaning your home a breeze by summarizing everything you need to do in the three days leading up to Christmas or Christmas Eve. By following these steps, you can achieve a sparkling, inviting home that not only fills you with pride but also captivates your guests, with minimal stress.
Things necessary
Before you start cleaning, make sure you have the following essentials on hand.
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- Sponge, cloth, brush: These will be needed for wiping, scrubbing, and dusting various surfaces. Choose a microfiber cloth for a lint-free and streak-free finish. Use different colors and labels to avoid cross-contamination between rooms and areas.
- Vacuum cleaner: A vacuum cleaner with an attachment is essential for cleaning carpets, rugs, curtains, upholstery, and hard-to-reach areas. Choose a model equipped with a HEPA filter to trap allergens and dust mites.
- Mop and bucket: A mop and bucket are useful for holding hot water and soap when cleaning hard floors such as tile, wood, and laminate. You can also use a steam mop for an even deeper clean without the use of chemicals.
- Broom and dustpan: Convenient for cleaning dirt and debris on hard floors and outdoor areas.
- Duster cloth and microfiber cloth: Dusters with long handles or extension poles are useful for dusting ceiling fans, light fixtures, walls, and other high places. Microfiber cloths are great for dusting furniture, picture frames, and mirrors.
- Spray bottle: Spray bottles are useful for applying cleaning solutions such as vinegar and water, or for making homemade cleaners. Having more than one will help you create a variety of cleaning solutions.
- Cleaning products: Different cleaning products are needed for different purposes, including all-purpose cleaners, glass cleaners, wood cleaners, metal cleaners, disinfectants, degreasers, stain removers, and mold removers. Choose non-toxic “green”. There are ready-made products available, or you can make your own using natural materials. See below for some recipes and recommendations.
- gloves: Gloves are important to protect your hands from harsh chemicals, dirt, and germs. It can also protect your nails from damage and wear. Choose disposable or reusable gloves that fit well and are comfortable.
- Cleaning rag: These can be used to wipe away dirt and grime and leave surfaces around your home sparkling clean.
- Garbage bag: Garbage bags are necessary for collecting and disposing of trash, clutter, and unwanted items. Use different sizes and colors and separate your trash according to local recycling regulations.
3-4 days before Christmas: Tidy up your room.
The first step to a clean home is to get rid of the clutter that has accumulated over time. Clutter makes your space look cluttered, takes up valuable storage space, and makes cleaning difficult.
Here are some tips to keep your space organized.
- Start with the areas your guests will see, living room, dining room, kitchen, bathroom, guest bedroom, etc. You can leave other rooms behind, or close the door if you don’t want anyone looking in.
- Focus on one room at a time, one category at a time. For example, you can start with books, then magazines, then newspapers, and so on. This will help you avoid becoming overwhelmed and distracted.
- Use boxes, bags, and baskets Sort your items into four piles: Keep, Donate, Sell, or Discard. Label them clearly and place them in designated areas, such as the garage, basement, or spare room. Do not mix or leave unattended.
- be honest. Ask yourself if you really need, use, or even like the items you find but don’t know what to do with. If you hesitate or the answer is no, let it go. Don’t hold onto something you haven’t touched in years, even if you think you might need it someday. Remember, less is more.
Other tasks to complete:
- remove spider webs along corners and ceilings.
- Vacuum under furniture and in corners To remove dust and dirt.
- Dust shelves, bookcases, tables, and mantels. Use a microfiber cloth or feather duster. You can also use a brush vacuum to remove dust and cobwebs.
- Clean ceiling fans and lampshades.
- Clean windows inside and out.
A few days before Christmas: Clean the bathroom.
The bathroom is one of the most important rooms to clean before Christmas, as it is where your guests feel refreshed and comfortable. You want your bathroom to look and smell clean and have all the essentials your guests will need.
Here are some tips for cleaning your bathroom.
- Start by removing everything from counters, shelves, and showers. Place it in a basket or bag and set it aside. This makes it easier to wipe down and disinfect surfaces.
- Spray sinks, faucets, bathtubs, showers, and toilets Use a disinfectant cleaner like lemon scent and let it sit for a few minutes. Then scrub with a sponge or brush and rinse with water. Don’t forget to clean the drain, shower head, toilet seat, and toilet lid.
- Wipe mirrors, light fixtures, door handles and switch plates Use a microfiber cloth and glass cleaner. Polish it until it shines.
- Use a small brush or cotton swab to beautiful tile joints.
- Clean corners, crevices, mold, etc. Shower/tub area.
- sweep and mop the floor Use a broom and mop, or use a vacuum cleaner if you have one. Be sure to get into corners and under furniture.
- Cleaning and replacing towels, bath mats, and shower curtains, replenishing toilet paper and hand soap as needed. You can also add special touches like scented candles, vases, and baskets of toiletries for your guests.
💡Tips: If you don’t have time, you can also clean the bathroom on the same day as cleaning the kitchen.
1-2 days before Christmas: Prepare the kitchen
The kitchen is the heart of the home and a high-traffic area during Christmas celebrations. You want your kitchen to be clean, organized, and ready to cook, prepare, and serve at any time.
Here are some tips to keep your kitchen clean.
- First, empty and clean your refrigerator and oven.. Throw out expired or spoiled food and wipe down shelves and drawers with a damp cloth and mild detergent. If your oven has a self-cleaning feature, use it, or spray it with oven cleaner and let it sit overnight. Then wipe with a damp cloth and rinse with water.
- Clean stoves, microwaves, toasters, coffee makers, and other appliances. It’s what you use. Remove grease, crumbs, and dirt using a damp cloth and a mild detergent or vinegar and water solution. Don’t forget to clean the knobs, buttons, and handles, too.
- Wash and dry dishes, utensils, pots, pans, and bakeware. Things needed for cooking and serving. You can use your dishwasher if you have one, or you can hand wash it with hot water and soap. Be sure to rinse well and dry with a clean towel. Store it in a safe and accessible location such as a cabinet, drawer, or rack.
- Wipe countertops, backsplashes, sinks, and faucets Use a disinfectant cleaner and a microfiber cloth. Disinfect them and remove dirt, spills, and grime. You can also use a baking soda and water paste to scrub away stubborn stains.
- Clean oven hood and fan filters.
- Organize your cabinets, drawers, and pantry. Throw away expired food and wipe down shelves.
- Finally, vacuum and mop the floor.surely Get into corners and under furniture.
The big day: the finishing touches
There is no need to do any major cleaning on Christmas Day as most of the work has already been done. To make your home look and smell festive and inviting, you need to do some finishing touches.
Here are some finishing tips to fill your home with holiday warmth.
- Make it fluffy and arrange it Place a pillow on the sofa or armchair. Decorate your seating area with cozy Christmas blankets and soft throws.
- decorate your home Add wreaths, evergreen wreaths, candles, poinsettias, and your favorite ornaments and decorations. We’ll be showcasing rare photos, handmade artifacts, and rare holiday collectibles. And of course, decorate it by placing wrapped presents under the Christmas tree.
- set the table Stock up on the best holiday tablecloths, napkins, plates, glasses, silverware and more. Decorate with festive centerpieces like pine cones, poinsettias, and Christmas figurines.
- welcome guests Illuminate your porch or entrance with Christmas lights. Light a candle or make a DIY shimmer pot to fill your home with joyful Christmas scents.
- sweep away the rubble From your porch, deck, patio, or entryway.
- Create a Christmas atmosphere Play your favorite carols and light the fireplaces and candles throughout the house.
💡 Most of these can be done the night before if you have guests over early.
Once you’ve decorated your perfect home in holiday luxury, you’re ready to celebrate Christmas surrounded by friends and family.
Checklist + DIY cleaning recipes
We’ve created a printable report to help you track your cleaning progress. holiday cleaning checklist You can print it out and use it as is.
The checklist includes the main tasks for each room and area of the house, but you can add to or change it as needed. You can also check off completed tasks so you don’t miss anything.
Check out the links below for simple, easy, and healthy cleaning recipes.
enjoy christmas
After cleaning your house and getting it ready for Christmas, you can relax and enjoy the holiday with your family and friends.
Congratulations on a job well done and have a Merry Christmas!