This is the season, and we all know what that means, long queues at the mall, big trees
and entertaining. During the festive season, there is just so much to do and see with
the family, but we can’t leave the cleaning on the back burner. Everyone can admit
that there is nothing that puts a damper on a holiday quite like a messy house. How
can one enjoy a nice cup of hot chocolate if you can’t even find a mug? Or how can
you cuddle up to Christmas movies if your dust allergies kick up. That is why I came
up with a few holiday cleaning tips to help my family out and hopefully it will be a
great help to yours too.
If you’re entertaining this Christmas, here is a checklist when preparing guest
bathrooms:
If at all possible, provide a basket or bin for the guests to stash away used towels
and linens.
Place an emergency kit basket in the bathroom that is kitted out with the little things
your guests may have forgotten to pack, such as hairspray, toothpaste, a
toothbrush, cotton swabs, ibuprofen and more. Also, remember to stock the shower
with shampoo, conditioner, soap and a razor.
Fresh flowers, scented soaps and holiday décor are some of the best ways to really
freshen up the bathroom area.
It just so happens to be the time of the year when most outfits are having clearance
sales, making it the perfect time to buy gifts and small things around the house such
as, 100 percent cotton towels in a color different from our regular towels. By doing
this we always have the “good” towels ready for guests.
The most important thing is to make sure the entire bathroom is squeaky clean.
Another important tip especially when entertaining, is planning ahead:
Cook in advance: by doing so you get to spend more time with the family, the
kitchen is less of a disaster zone, everything is more manageable and put in it
place. A cheesecake, eggnog, stuffing prep, veggies etc. These are all things
that can be made and put away.
Plan your holiday table: Take out the nice dinnerware, glassware, serving
ware and linens ahead of time and give them a good wash. So, that on the
day they are ready to go and maybe, they’ll just require a final wipe down.
Clean your table: Give it a good scrub down or polish.
Lay out: Plan your lay out and table décor ideas way ahead of time.
Get help: The festive season is about spending time with each other, and
sometimes that can be done together in the kitchen. I know for a fact that
some of the best gossip comes out of the kitchen when it just me, my girls and
the stuffing.
Lastly, but most importantly, at least a few days or even a week before your guests
arrive, clean and dust every corner of the house especially their living spaces. You
can do things like:
- Grind up lavender and chamomile with baking soda in a food processor to
- sprinkle on rugs and carpets to remove odor. Just leave overnight and
- vacuum the next day.
- In the bedrooms keep clean linen.
- Air out and dust guest bedrooms.
- Clean range or stove top, surfaces, and grates.
- Wipe down all large and small appliances
- Clean and shine kitchen sink
- Clean out the refrigerator, making room for party foods.
- Wipe down kitchen cabinets.
You can also go through our full cleaning checklist here
Remember that planning ahead makes it easier to spend time with your family, gives
you time for other things and relieves stress. Contact us to find out how we can assist with your domestic cleaning requirements this festive season.