Hosting parties is fun because you get to bring your loved ones to your space. You have the ideal opportunity to put all your problems aside and have fun with all your family members and friends around. All is good so far! But the eventual clean-up after the party is what every host dreads.
When planning a party, we all have several things on our to-do lists; including shopping for drinks and cleaning the house. And we all know that cleaning the house is all about strategising, and for us at Imperial Cleaning, that’s usually for before and after the actual party.
Cleaning before the party is the easy part, we have all the important areas to remember:
- The windows and the entry,
- Guest areas
- Bathrooms
- Kitchen
- Party spaces (dining area or barbecue/braai areas)
- Touch-ups
But after the last drink has been drunk, the last cake eaten and the last guest has walked out the door, you’re now left alone with the task of cleaning up. It really doesn’t need to feel like an uphill battle, there are fun ways to put your home back to rights. The first step is putting on the playlist that makes you feel the happiest or maybe even the one that relaxes you the most.
Spaces that will need your attention:
Vacuuming
It can be tempting to put off some duties if you feel overburdened by all the household chores you have to complete after hosting a party or gathering. Particularly neglected chores like vacuuming take up space where people would have otherwise strolled.
Unfortunately, not vacuuming frequently enough can result in a host of aesthetic and health issues, as well as questionable cleanliness in your house. This is our favourite part of cleaning up. You get to really get into the music and dance around as you vacuum up any crumbs or debris left behind after both sweeping and mopping up the floor.
Grease stains
Lemons have so many advantages from health, to making your trash can smell good to even helping remove grease stains, minus the elbow grease that is. And all you need to do it cut a lemon in half, apply it to the stain, and leave it overnight. One less task to do for now.
Counters
Countertops are usually where all things are dumped like dirty tissues, paper cutlery, and crockery if you used those. If not, then the countertop may be where half-eaten or half-filled plates and glasses will be found. So, first things first, you will need to clear the counter and place anything that needs to be thrown away in the trash or put things aside to be washed later. Also, clean any spills off your counter ASAP, to save yourself from hard-to-remove stains later.
Dishes
If you have a dishwasher, then I would suggest loading as many as you can in the dishwasher. If not I would suggest working through your dishes systematically, so start with crystals, then glassware, followed by clear glass plates, colourful plates, silverware, and lastly pots and pans.
Tips for washing dishes after a party
- Soak – Warm, soapy water should be added to the sink or a large basin. For this task, dish soap with grease-cutting ability works well. If at all possible, buy branded soap over generic to get better results.
- Rinsing – Put cold water for rinsing on the other side of a double sink if you have one. Not running the tap while washing dishes, conserves water. For greater sanitizing power, add one to three tablespoons of bleach to the rinse water.
- Drying – Allow your dishes to dry and pack them with diligence to avoid breaking dishes
Read More: Fun and Easy after party Cleaning Tips Part 2
Water rings
Coasters may be provided, but sometimes people forget, it happens to the best of us. So if that does occur and you have any unfortunate water rings on your furniture surfaces, here’s an easy DIY solution. Try mixing a teaspoon of salt with a few drops of olive oil. Gently rub it in the area until the spot is gone. Apply furniture polish to the top to finish.
Contact us for help with your after-party cleaning requirements, and the professionals can assist you.