Why Pre-Holiday Cleaning Matters

The holidays are a time for joy, connection, and celebration – but let’s face it, no one enjoys last-minute scrubbing before guests arrive. Whether you’re hosting family or friends this holiday season, your home should feel fresh, welcoming and effortlessly tidy. A little prep now ensures your home looks (and smells) amazing when it’s time to entertain. Remember, first impressions last, so make it count!

This pre-holiday cleaning guide covers some A Touch Above- recommended products, DIY cleaning tips, and smart hacks to make your home sparkle from top to bottom. You might find that some (if not several) of these products are already in your home!

Step 1: Strategize

Make a game plan! Like any successful undertaking, having a strategy keeps you organized and helps you stay on track. Start by identifying your high-traffic and guest areas – typically the living room, kitchen, bathrooms, and entryway. Focus on one room at a time instead of trying to tackle everything at once. Without a clear plan, it’s easy to feel frazzled and lose track of what’s done (and what isn’t).

use a checklist for your pre-holiday cleaning

Pro Tip:

Use a checklist and set a timer for each space. You’ll stay focused and finish faster. Put away your phone and avoid any other distractions so you can stay in the zone, and get the job done quickly.

Step 2: Declutter and Freshen Up

Before cleaning, remove clutter that collects dust and distracts the eye. You cannot clean if the space you’re going to tackle is cluttered. As we always tell our clients, putting things away before our team arrives is extremely helpful, so that we can get the job done efficiently.

Follow the 12-12-12 method: 12 items to keep, 12 to throw away and 12 to donate. (Feel free to adjust the figures depending on the amount of stuff you have).
Clear countertops and tables – put stuff where it belongs.
Use baskets/decorative bins for easy, aesthetic storage.

Step 3: Deep Clean the Kitchen

The kitchen is holiday-central – so make it shine!

Clean cabinets with warm water and dish soap, degreaser, or a product meant for wood surfaces. Dry well.
Disinfect your countertops, backsplash and faucets with your preferred disinfectant spray, or isopropyl alcohol.
Deodorize the sink: Sprinkle baking soda, take half a lemon and rub it on the surface for a fresh finish. Bar Keepers Friend or a cream cleanser can be used as well!
Degrease the stove using baking soda and lemon. You may also use Bar Keepers Friend or a degreaser with a Scrub Daddy sponge to get the grime off the stove and keep the shine.
Wash/shine exterior appliances – Dawn, stainless cleaner, 409, etc. and a microfiber rag.
Touch up interior appliances if needed – spills, gunk caked on, foul odors, etc. Use degreaser, Dawn, pumice stone for inside ovens. A multi-surface, disinfectant or dish soap is fine for microwave and refrigerator.
Trash can care: To avoid your trash cans from smelling, clean and disinfect them (with either an alcohol spray or 409 multi-surface cleaner) often to combat odor-causing bacteria. You can also place a couple of cotton balls with 5-10 drops of your favorite essential oils on the bottom of the can to keep them smelling fresh.
Empty garbage/recycling and replace liners.
Vacuum and mop flooring.
Tidy up the room – pick up/put away any clutter on surfaces.
Remove rugs and towels – wash and replace.
Add a holiday candle or diffuser to add a nice scent.

Step 4: Shine Up the Bathrooms

Guests ALWAYS notice and appreciate clean bathrooms! Give yours extra love to ensure they are clean/sanitized for guests.

Clean shower/tub with Bar Keepers Friend, The Pink Stuff, a bleach cleanser and a magic eraser. You can also use a multi-surface cleaner or bathroom/shower cleaner of your choice. Be sure to rinse well.
Rinse and squeegee shower glass to prevent streaks
Keep your bathroom well-ventilated by cracking a window open or turning the vent on for the air to circulate.
Clean the toilet bowl with your trusted toilet bowl cleaner.
Use a pumice stone for stubborn rings and stains inside the toilet bowl. Disinfect the rest of the toilet with isopropyl alcohol or disinfecting wipes.
Be sure to touch up the vanity, sinks and mirror.
Vacuum and mop flooring.
Empty garbages and replace liner.
Tidy up the room – pick up/put away any clutter on surfaces.
Remove rugs and towels – wash and replace.
Add a holiday candle or diffuser to add a nice scent.

Step 5: Common Area Cleanse

Ensure common areas are clean and tidy when guests arrive!

Dust light fixtures, trim/moldings, and blinds.
Vacuum and wipe down furniture with a microfiber cloth.
Don’t forget about your knick-knacks and wall decor!
We can’t stress this enough but do not ignore the dust hidden in/on your curtains . Wash and change your curtains periodically – they not only block out natural light, but may also flare up your allergies. There is nothing like the smell of fresh curtains welcoming you into your own home.
Same goes for throw pillows and blankets – time to wash!
Vacuum/mop flooring, including under furniture and rugs.
Empty garbages and replace liner.
Tidy up the room – pick up/put away any clutter on surfaces.
Add a holiday candle or diffuser to add a nice scent.

Step 6: Add Cozy Finishing Touches

Now that your home sparkles, add seasonal charm!

Simmer cinnamon sticks, orange peels, and cloves on the stove for a natural scent.
Display fresh greenery like pine or eucalyptus for a fresh and charming look and smell.
Light a scented candle or plug in an essential oil diffuser before guests arrive.
Put out your holiday towels.

Quick “Day-Of” Cleaning Checklist

Right before the guests arrive:

Tidy/put stuff away, fluff pillows and throws.
Touch up any surface that might need it.
Light a scented candle or start a diffuser.
Turn on soft holiday music.
Take out trash/recycling.

Recommended Products:

Bar Keepers Friend (Powder/Spray) – Removes stains from stainless steel, sinks and other non-porous surfaces.
The Pink Stuff – Great for bathroom/tile cleaning.
Isopropyl Alcohol – Great for disinfecting.
409 – Multi-surface and disinfectant.
Bleach Cream Cleanser – Great for tub/shower and sink.
Dawn Dish Soap – General cleaning and degreasing.
Dawn or Zep Degreaser – Great for tackling heavy-duty grease, oil, grime, and adhesive on various surfaces.
Essential oils for freshening.

Recommended for Cleaning Tools:

Pumice Stone (always use wet) – Great for tackling hard water and mineral deposits, and stubborn toilet rings/stains.
Microfiber Cloths – Reusable and streak-free.
Scrub Daddy Sponges – Great for scratch-free scrubbing.
Feather Duster – For a quick, light dusting (great for delicate items and items hanging on the wall, such as photos).
O'Cedar Flat Mop – Designed to pick up dirt and dust from various surfaces (great for getting under/around furniture).
Libman Extendable Duster.
Squeegee – For mirrors and shower glass.
Dual-sided Razor Blade – Great for getting caked on gunk off stove top/inside oven (metal side). Helps remove soap scum from shower/tub, stickers, gum, etc. off various surfaces (plastic side).

Important Reminders:

There are a number of different products available for every surface. Always be sure that you are using products that are safe for the surfaces in your home to avoid damage. Never mix cleaning chemicals and be sure to use proper PPE. Be cautious when using any product or tool that is considered abrasive and could cause damage. Always test in an inconspicuous spot first. Pumice stones should always be used wet.

Conclusion

Pre-holiday cleaning doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right cleaning tips, DIY cleaning solutions, and the best cleaning products and tools, you can confidently create a sparkling, and welcoming home that's ready for the season’s celebrations. This holiday season, create core memories and maybe start new traditions in your home that will ensure you're everyone’s favorite host.

So grab your gloves, put on a holiday playlist, and let’s make your home shine!

Pre-Holiday Cleaning Tips: Your 6-Step Guide to a Guest-Ready Home