Holiday Hosting Tips: What to Clean (and When)
Whether you’re preparing for a dinner party, family gathering, or multi-day celebration, a clean home sets the tone for a stress-free and enjoyable holiday. But between shopping, planning, and cooking, cleaning can feel like a scramble—unless you have a strategy. This guide breaks down what to clean (and when) so your home is ready for any type of holiday hosting—without the last-minute rush.
One Week Before: Deep Clean & Declutter
Start with the areas that take the most effort and don’t need constant upkeep. This is your opportunity to reset your space.
What to Clean:
- Bathrooms: Deep scrub toilets, sinks, tubs, and tile grout. Restock towels, soap, and tissues.
- Kitchen Appliances: Clean inside and around the oven, microwave, fridge, and dishwasher.
- Floors & Baseboards: Mop hard surfaces, vacuum carpets, and wipe baseboards throughout the home.
- Guest Bedrooms: Wash bedding, dust furniture, clean windows, and clear closet or drawer space.
- Clutter Zones: Clear mail piles, stray cords, old shoes, and countertop clutter.
Why It Matters:
A deep clean lays the groundwork. You’ll be able to maintain it easily leading up to the event, and guests won’t walk into any long-term messes you didn’t have time to tackle.
3–4 Days Before: Focus on High-Use Spaces
Now it’s time to prepare the spaces where guests will spend the most time. You’re in maintenance mode with more targeted tasks.
What to Clean:
- Living Room: Dust surfaces, vacuum furniture and rugs, clean glass and mirrors, and organize remotes or games.
- Dining Area: Wipe down tables and chairs, clean centerpiece dishes or decor.
- Entryway: Shake out mats, wipe door handles, sweep porches or steps.
- Fridge & Pantry: Make space for groceries and party food by clearing old items and wiping down shelves.
Why It Matters:
Guests usually congregate in a few key areas—this step helps make them shine. It also gets your kitchen and dining areas ready for prep, plating, and serving.
1 Day Before: Guest Comfort & Final Touches
Now is the time for a refresh—tidying, replacing, and prepping the little details guests will notice most.
What to Clean:
- Bathrooms (again): Quick wipe-downs, trash emptied, fresh hand towels and soap restocked.
- Kitchen Counters: Clear prep zones and wipe surfaces. Clean sinks and faucets.
- Floors: Spot-clean spills and give high-traffic areas a fresh vacuum or sweep.
- Tidy Touchpoints: Fluff pillows, fold blankets, straighten furniture, and set out snacks or beverages.
Why It Matters:
These light touch-ups make your home feel fresh, not forced. You’ll look like you’ve had it together all along—even if you were rushing just hours earlier.
Day Of: Quick Reset & Mood Setting
There’s no need to deep clean the day of your event—but a fast walkthrough makes everything feel fresh.
What to Do:
- Wipe bathroom counters and double-check toilet paper.
- Take out all trash and recycling.
- Do a 5-minute tidy of entryway and common areas.
- Light a candle, start a playlist, and turn on soft lighting.
Why It Matters:
Final presentation counts. A little effort the day of goes a long way in making guests feel welcomed and comfortable.
After the Gathering: Easy Reset Tips
Don’t let post-holiday mess stress you out. A few quick wins will keep cleanup manageable.
Quick Wins:
- Scrape plates and load the dishwasher right away.
- Wipe down tables and surfaces used for food or drinks.
- Bag up trash and leftovers to prevent overnight odors.
- Start a laundry load of napkins, towels, or linens.
- Take notes—was there a mess you wish you’d prepped for better?
Consider This:
If you’ve got another event coming up, consider booking a refresh clean to reset your space while you focus on what’s next.
Hosting Shouldn’t Mean Cleaning Alone
If you’re already managing meals, travel, or out-of-town guests, let us take cleaning off your list. Maid Brigade is a family-owned business that’s proudly served Fort Worth for over 20 years. Our holiday cleaning services include:
- ✔️ Deep cleans for kitchens, bathrooms, guest areas, and floors
- ✔️ Safe, non-toxic products (great for kids, pets, and sensitive noses)
- ✔️ Reliable teams who clean with care, attention to detail, and respect for your home
Whether it’s a full pre-holiday deep clean or a post-party reset, we’re here to help your home shine—so you can focus on the moments that matter.
Book Your Holiday Clean Now
Spots fill quickly in December—don’t wait until the last minute!
👉Get an instant quote online, book your first service, or reach out to our friendly team today to get started!