Holiday Housecleaning: Make a list and check it twice
It’s time to prepare for holiday entertaining and perhaps overnight guests. Many of us wait until the weekend before and scramble to clean the low traffic areas of the house, such as guest rooms. If you use this list as a guideline, your guests will be sure to have a happy holiday; and you’ll find a nice holiday treat for yourself!
- As part of your holiday décor, put doormats both outside and inside your doorways to help keep floors clean and safe.
- Prepare for overnight guests. Pay special attention to guestrooms and baths, which may not be used frequently and could use a special freshening up. Check that all linens and pillows are fresh, and provide an extra blanket or two. Make sure there is empty draw and closet space with hangers for extended-stay guests.
- Disposable hand towels are great idea when you have guests. They keep germs to a minimum, and you don’t have to worry about freshening the bathroom hand towels.
- Another way to keep your guests from taking the germs your kids picked up at school home with them is to wipe down doorknobs and light switches.
- If you are decorating your house make sure that your indoor ornaments are sparkling clean. Also take out all your holiday serving bowls and platters and wipe them clean before party day.
- Deep clean the fridge. Dispose of any ‘expired’ items in the refrigerator and freezer. You’ll probably need the space for prepared food. Also, you may have extra traffic in your refrigerator, so you want to make sure to leave a good impression.
- Take out your silverware and inspect it for tarnish and stains. Then give it a good cleaning.
- Don’t forget the oven! A pre-clean before your big cooking day will keep it free from past food odors and working optimally.
- Put out extra coasters out to avoid furniture stains and the need to constantly wipe up.
