Here in Connecticut the leaves have already turned and the weather is getting chillier every day. That means it’s time to break out the rakes and winter coats—not to mention that the holidays are just around the corner!
For many, the holidays are a time for visiting family and friends. That’s one reason the season is so beloved, but it can also mean quite a bit of stress for those who play host.
Getting your home ready for guests is almost never an easy task, but during the holidays it can be even tougher. (We all have a loved one whose standards for cleanliness are well beyond our own.)
With that in mind, here’s a list of holiday house cleaning tips for anyone expecting guests—or even anyone who wants to get a jump start on their spring cleaning!
1) Polish Your Silverware and Glassware
Dishwasher streaks and spots are fine for day to day use, as long as you’re not picky. But for special occasions like holiday dinners with your closes friends and family, your silverware and glassware should be spotless.
Run your plates and utensils through the dishwasher (or hand wash for more delicate items), and then polish dry with a clean, lint-free cloth. This works best as close to the big meal as possible.
If you’re cleaning utensils made with real silver, this process works well.
2) Clean Out Your Fridge
When was the last time you cleaned out your fridge? If you’re like a lot of people, it’s been a while. This can not only lead to unsightly stains and unpleasant odors, but inconvenient clutter once it’s time to make room for new leftovers.
Completely empty your fridge and discard old items like condiments and leftovers, and wash off any old food residue from inside. Now might also be a good time to defrost your freezer!
3) Clean Your Linens
If you’ve got guests staying with you over the holidays, be sure you’ve got ample clean linens—bed sheets, comforters, pillowcases, and towels especially.
Go through your linen closet to make sure it’s well-stocked with clean, dry linens. Towels in particular can sometimes develop mildew problems after sitting for too long. Wash anything that needs it and neatly stack the rest.
4) Wash Your Windows
The holidays mark the beginning of the cold weather season here in Connecticut. That means your home’s windows will be shut 24/7 for the first time in a while, and there’s no better time to clean them if you haven’t already. (This is especially true if you’re trying to impress!)
Soap, water, and a sponge are all you need for a basic window cleaning, but if you really want the job done right you’ll need to invest in a squeegee. Wash and rinse each window, then squeegee clean and dry.
5) Dust!
Look, no one likes dusting. But it needs to be done, especially at the beginning of the winter season, when fresh indoor air is at a premium.
A freshly dusted home doesn’t just look better, it has cleaner air. That’s two good reasons to breathe easier after a day of dusting! Shelves, baseboards, and appliances are three places that usually need the most dusting (remember to work top to bottom!)
6) Don’t Neglect the Bathroom
As little as anyone likes to dust their home, cleaning the bathroom is even less popular. Still, it may be even more essential:
- Scrub and disinfect your toilet bowl, toilet seat, sink, shower, tile and grout, and shower or bathtub.
- If your shower curtain liner is looking worse for the wear, replace it!
- Make sure you’re well stocked on toilet paper, soap, towels, and other hygienic products for any guests you might be expecting.
Cleaning the bathroom isn’t always pretty, but you’ll be glad you did.
7) Have Your Rugs and Carpets Professionally Cleaned
Experts recommend having your carpets cleaned professionally at least every 12 to 18 months. If you’re past due, now’s the perfect opportunity to make up for lost time.
Why professional cleaning? While you might think that a thorough vacuum cleaning or even a DIY job with a rented shampooer will do the job, nothing could be further from the truth. Not only are vacuums too weak for a truly thorough cleaning, but rental cleaning machines are usually less effective than actual professional-grade equipment. Not to mention, no tool is good enough for someone who doesn’t know how to use it.
Professional carpet cleaning is a must for any homeowner!
Professional Cleaning Services in Connecticut
If you’re a Connecticut homeowner and you’re looking for professional cleaning services to help get you ready for the holidays, call Always Clean LLC today. Serving New Haven, Middlesex, and New London counties, Always Clean offers:
Let Always Clean take care of the cleaning so you can enjoy the holidays. Get in touch to learn more or make an appointment today.
