The holidays are coming, and that means family, friends and a full house! The secret to a stress-free season isn’t cleaning harder. It’s cleaning earlier. This holiday cleaning checklist breaks everything into a simple countdown, so your home is ready before the doorbell rings and you can actually enjoy your guests.

Two Weeks Before: Holiday Cleaning Prep

• Declutter first. Clear off counters, tables and shelves before the decorations come out. Less stuff means less to dust.
• Deep clean the fridge. Toss old leftovers and expired condiments, then wipe down the shelves. You’ll need the room for holiday food.
• Wash the windows and curtains. Winter sunlight shows every streak.
• Clean your oven. It’s about to work overtime, and a clean oven means no smoky surprises.

One Week Before: Get the Guest Spaces Ready

• Prep the guest room. Wash the sheets, blankets and pillows, clear off the dresser, and wipe the baseboards.
• Freshen the towels. If your holiday towels smell musty from storage, wash them once with a cup of baking soda, then again with your regular detergent.
• Wash your dishes and glassware. Pull out the good china and serving pieces and give them a wash so they’re ready to go.
• Polish the silver by hand. Real silver should never go in the dishwasher.
• Make room for coats. Clear space in the coat closet or set up a coat rack by the door.

Two Days Before: Holiday Cleaning Room by Room

• Living and dining rooms: Dust all surfaces, vacuum, and polish wood furniture. This is where guests spend the most time.
• Guest bathroom: Scrub the toilet, sink and tub, shine the mirror, and clean out the medicine cabinet. (Yes, people peek!)
• Entryway: Put a sturdy doormat outside and another inside to catch mud, snow and salt.
• Pets: Brush your pets outside and vacuum up pet hair, especially on furniture.

The Day Of: Finishing Touches

• Stock the bathroom with fresh towels, extra toilet paper, hand soap and a candle.
• Start with an empty trash can and dishwasher, so there’s room for the mess to come.
• Make the house smell cozy. Simmer a pot of water with orange peels, cinnamon sticks and cloves on the stove.
• Set out a spill kit. Keep a few clean cloths and a bottle of club soda handy for quick spill cleanups.

During the Party: Quick Fixes

• Spilled drink on the carpet? Blot (don’t rub) with a clean cloth, then dab with a mix of a little clear dish soap and warm water.
• Stovetop spill? Sprinkle salt on it to soak it up, and wipe it away after everyone leaves.
• Gift wrap everywhere? Keep a big trash bag nearby while presents are opened.
• Kitchen safety: When handling raw turkey or chicken, wash your hands and wipe down counters often.

Make Holiday Cleaning Easier Next Year

When the guests head home, do a quick reset: run the last loads of dishes and laundry, wipe down the kitchen, and vacuum the high-traffic areas. Then put your feet up. You earned it!

Looking for a natural cleaner to help you prep? Try my homemade non-toxic dishwasher detergent before the holiday dishes pile up. For food safety tips when cooking your holiday meal, visit FoodSafety.gov.

Happy Holidays and Happy Cleaning!
Diana