The holiday season is a favorite time of year for many ATX homeowners, especially because we often make a point to see family and friends whom we haven’t seen in a long time. But when you’ve got a busy schedule of decorating, wrapping, cooking, and special holiday activities, it can be even harder than usual to find time to keep your home clean. When you’ve got picky parents or in-laws on your doorstep, however, you’ll be super glad you took a little bit of time to clean these important areas that guests see most.
Entryway – This is the first thing your guests will see when they come into your home. Take a few moments to straighten up any furniture or other items on your front porch and sweep away any leaves and other outdoor debris. Use a spray bottle filled with white vinegar and water and a microfiber cloth to brighten up any entryway windows, including those in your door. Make sure things that tend to pile up at the front of your home, such as shoes, coats, keys, and mail, are put away or at least neatly organized. If you have a small coat closet, you can double up your coats, hanging them two to a hanger, to ensure you’ll have enough space for guests’ coats.
Living room/family room – Carry a large box around the room where you normally entertain guests and fill it with any random debris that doesn’t belong there. If you’re really crunched for time, just tuck the box out of sight and worry about sorting it out after your guests have gone home. Dust visible surfaces, such as end tables and the mantle, and run a disinfecting wipe over items such as TV remotes and light switches. Vacuum the floor and spot-clean the carpet if necessary, and fluff your throw pillows and blankets – if they’re looking a little sad, toss them in the washer on gentle.
Kitchen – People tend to congregate in kitchens, especially during the holiday season, so make sure yours is clean and clutter-free! Make sure your stove and microwave are clean, wipe down your counters, change your dish towels, and chop up a lemon (peel and all) and run it through the garbage disposal. Get rid of any old food from your refrigerator or freezer, and put away any appliances that clutter the counter tops. To make your home smell warm and inviting, brew some coffee or heat a pot of water with cinnamon sticks on the stove.
Guest bedroom – If your guest bedroom isn’t used frequently, it’s probably dusty. Dust all visible surfaces, vacuum the floor, and use a vacuum attachment to clean the comforter and pillow shams if you don’t have time to wash them. Make sure the bedding is fresh and the pillows are fluffed. Clean the windows and dust the blinds.
Bathrooms – Do a general quick clean in any bathroom that your guests may end up using. Wipe down the mirrors, sink, and counter tops and clean the toilet. Sweep the floor and any rugs. Clean the tub and shower. Put away any non-necessary items that are cluttering up flat surfaces and hang fresh towels. Pay special attention to the details in the bathroom – get rid of any gunk around faucets, check for stained grout, and wash your shower curtain liner if it needs it (even plastic ones can go in the washing machine).
Your Austin maid service, It’s Cleaning Time, is more than happy to help you get your home in shape for holiday guests! Our friendly associates can dust, sweep, and wipe down surfaces while you handle the more personal touches around your home. Let us save you time and stress this holiday season!
