'Tis the season to be clean and tidy! Expert advice from Astonish for a stress-free Christmas clean both before and during hosting and After, too

As I write this, by coincidence, my wife is at this very moment using Astonish Carpet Cleaner with our carpet cleaning machine in our home office.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year… and the messiest! 

Think cooking Christmas dinner for the whole family, that pre guest arrival panic clean and the aftermath of opening presents – the cleaning never stops, even at Christmas time.

It is of course the season of joy, so you don’t want to be spending more time than needed cleaning up (unless of course that’s what brings you joy, in which case – clean away!). 

For those that want to spend minimal time cleaning and more time enjoying the festive fun – Olivia Young, cleaning expert and Product Development Scientist at Astonish shares her top tips to ensure a stress-free Christmas clean, both before and during hosting.

Pre guest arrival cleaning tips

Don’t leave it until the last minute

The run up to Christmas can be chaotic enough, with last minute gift buying to food shopping and wrapping – there’s a lot on the to do list! Leaving cleaning and preparing your home to host to the last minute is likely to cause more stress, so try to plan and don’t leave it until the last moment. 

There are a few ways you can plan and make Christmas cleaning less stressful – the first is by creating a checklist or a schedule that breaks your tasks into smaller more manageable steps and means that everything doesn’t need doing all at once.

You should also try to have a bit of a declutter first, as let’s face it, it’s likely you’ll be surrounded by clutter to some degree over Christmas from wrapping paper to toys – you don’t want your home to already be cluttered before the festivities have even started. 

You can start by removing any unnecessary items from the main living spaces and areas that guests will spend the most time in, such as the living room and kitchen. Decluttering before you clean will also make cleaning so much easier, as you’ll have less bits and bobs to work around!

Focus on high-impact areas

It can sometimes feel as though the only appropriate way to clean your home to prepare for visitors is by cleaning every nook and cranny top to bottom. 

And whilst that might be tempting (and very rewarding once you’ve done it), it’s likely to feel quite overwhelming and exhausting at just the thought. So, instead of opting for that route, if you’re short on time, just focus your efforts on cleaning high-impact areas. This means spaces in your home that guests are likely to use or be present in more often.

This could include a guest bathroom – grab a Bathroom Cleaner that will banish limescale, soap scum and tough stains with ease, stock it with fresh towels and soap and don’t forget to give the toilet a good scrub. The living room – a good dust followed by a thorough vacuum will do the trick, you can also spray upholstery with a Fabric Refresher for long lasting scent. 

The kitchen – wipe down all countertops and appliances, mop the floor and clear out the fridge to make way for festive snacks!

Make a system and stick to it

There’s nothing wrong with a bit of organised cleaning fun! To make it easier to prepare your home for the Christmas period you can implement a few systems – one being to work room by room or task by task. 

This means completely finishing a full clean of one room or space before you move onto the next or fully tackling one task such as vacuuming the whole house. Another system is top-to-bottom cleaning, which is the best way to ensure a thorough clean. 

This means cleaning from the top down, so you would dust shelves first, then clean furniture, then vacuum or mop last. If you did this the other way round, you’d end up getting dust on freshly vacuumed carpets which is the last thing you want!

Another thing you can do is get everyone involved by delegating specific tasks to members of your household. Whether you assign each person a room or task, this can help to share the load and make the Christmas clean feel less overwhelming. 

If you have younger children, you can make it fun by putting on some Christmas music or turning it into a timed challenge – just make sure they stick the system, so it doesn’t transcend into Christmas chaos!  

Hosting and entertaining cleaning tips

Tackle stains as soon as you spot them

There’s nothing quite like the excitement of sitting down for Christmas dinner. As everyone begins to tuck in, cue the stains to your placemats, runner and tablecloth. Gravy dripping as the boat is passed along, cranberry sauce left in blobs and drinks spilling after a festive ‘cheers’. No need to panic however, those stains can easily be dealt with – but the trick to getting rid of them is to act fast. 

The main problem with stains like this is that the longer you leave them, the worse they will get. So ideally, get to it immediately or as soon as you notice it. This will give you the best chance to remove it completely – meaning you can tackle it, then enjoy your dinner!

If you remember anything when it comes to removing stains, make sure it is the golden rule - dab, don’t scrub. It’s sometimes a natural reaction to give a stain a really good scrub in a bit of a panic, but this is probably the worst thing you can do! Instead, dap the stained area gently. This will help to draw it out of the fabric. Scrubbing it just pushes the stain deeper into the material, making it really tricky to get rid of.

Protect your carpets at all costs

A part of your home that might suffer during the Christmas period is your carpets. Red wine from the adults, chocolates and sticky fingers from the kids, muddy paws from a furry visitor – you get the picture, and it’s not so pretty. 

Due to the material of carpets, likely to be wool or a synthetic fabric, you will need to opt for a Specialist Carpet Care & Upholstery Cleaner to remove stains from them. Simply spray the stain and gently dab, then pat dry. And always make sure you test on a small, inconspicuous area first!

With all the excitement, you might also find that some plants or small decorative Christmas trees get knocked over causing a spill of soil and dirt onto your floor or carpet. If this does happen, your gut instinct will be to reach for the vacuum. But this might actually not be the best choice! The only thing you should be using your vacuum for is to get rid of dust and debris. Anything bigger could actually damage it. So grab the dustpan and brush to remove any soil spills, then carpet cleaner to get rid of any stains!

Try not to neglect the oven

During the Christmas period, whether it’s for a Boxing Day buffet, a Christmas Eve treat or the main event on Christmas day – our ovens are working overtime to feed hungry guests. Because they are used so frequently, you might find that it needs a bit of TLC. 

Whilst it’s unlikely you’ll clean your oven on Christmas day, you may be left with little choice if you accidentally leave something in the oven!

Depending on the food that gets left behind, you might find you’ve got some spills that need tackling sooner rather than later. This doesn’t need to be really time consuming or require loads of products – a cleaning paste, such as Specialist Oven & Grill Cleaner, will do the trick. Grab a damp sponge or cloth, scoop some of the paste and apply to the area that needs some attention. 

Make sure you rub in a circular motion, then rinse or wipe clean. You can also forget about the washing up gloves with this product, as it is formulated with no harsh chemicals and is made with orange oil – a fitting aroma during the festive period!

For more expert cleaning guidance, visit the Astonish website: https://astonish.co.uk/blogs/tips-hacks

How to keep your floors clean over Christmas, according to the experts

Christmas brings extra guests, spills, and wear and tear to our homes and it can be a challenging time to keep floors clean, protected and looking their best. 

Whatever type of flooring you have in your home Alex Heslop, Trend Expert from Flooring Superstore, shares their tips with That's Christmas on how to preserve your flooring from spillages, Christmas tree pine needles and the influx of visitors over the festive season.

Real wood floors

“Hardwood floors are extremely durable, but they aren’t immune to spills, scratches and stains, so it pays to be mindful over the festive season to keep your home looking its best for Christmas guests and beyond.

“Prevention is always the best approach, so small steps like encouraging house guests to remove their shoes and ensuring doormats are placed by exterior doors can help a lot in capturing mud and debris from shoes, which can scratch your wooden flooring.

“Keep an eye out for pine needles and even tree sap falling from your Christmas tree onto the flooringbeneath. Keeping on top of vacuuming under the tree, wiping away any sap with a warm soapy damp cloth should do the trick and ensure the finish on your floor is preserved. 

"Wipe up spills as soon as you’re able to, again a soft damp cloth will suffice and will ensure your flooring doesn’t suffer from moisture damage. Avoid abrasive cleaning products, wet mops and steam cleaners on real wood as it can dull the finish and cause warping over time.”

Carpet

“Carpets are inevitably more susceptible to stains than other flooring types so aim to tackle spillages quickly, before they have time to soak in fully. Always blot the liquid rather than rubbing it, as this can further embed the liquid into the fibres and increase the chances of it staining. 

Avoid ‘hacks’ made popular on social media such as carpet scraping, which can cause lasting damage. Before Christmas get togethers, consider using a carpet protecter, which can help repel stains, as an extra precaution.

“You may wish to up your vacuuming schedule over the festive season, to prevent a build-up of dirt. After the busy period has subsided a specialist carpet steam cleaner as part of a more thorough January clean could be worthwhile.

“Some carpet materials are better equipped to tackle stains – wool for example is resilient and naturally stain resistant. Flooring Superstore’s Windermere Carpet in Honeycomb features a perfect blend of honey and fawn shades and is made from a hardwearing quality loop pile wool material.”

Wood-effect flooring

“Laminate and Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVT) are durable and have added waterproof properties, so these flooringtypes are great for withstanding the greater wear and tear which comes hand in hand with the festive season. 

Avoid cleaning spillages with very hot water as this can impact the finish and warp the boards. Abrasive cleaners could also scratch and dull the finish or even leave a residue which dulls the finish and makes it slippery to walk on.  

“A damp cloth with soapy water will usually suffice when it comes to tackling spillages. LVT ranges such as Flooring Superstore’s Asenso range offers multiple benefits when it comes to easy cleaning being waterproof, scratch resistant and easy to maintain, making it both practical and a stylish choice for any room in the house with added protection against spillages.”

That's Christmas would like to thank Alex and Flooring Superstore for their help.

https://www.flooringsuperstore.com

Pre-Christmas Home Cleaning: Don’t Panic! We'll Help You

Even Mrs Claus has to get ready

The countdown is on: Christmas and New Year are fast approaching. 

You can already picture it—a house full of guests, the table piled high with festive food, glasses clinking, children tearing into presents. 

But wait—before the sparkle, there’s the not-so-glamorous task of getting your home ready. Yes, that means cleaning.

Don’t panic! You’re not alone in staring at windows smudged from summer dust storms, carpets that have seen better days, and the mysterious dust kitties lurking under the furniture. 

After a long summer of holidays, days out, and even Sahara sandstorms depositing a fine layer across your windowsills, our homes can start to look a little less than magical. 

The good news? A pre-Christmas cleaning blitz can turn everything around and leave you ready to welcome family and friends with pride.

Where to Start

Think of it as a festive reset rather than a chore. A few key jobs done now will make your Christmas season so much smoother.

Windows – Let in as much winter light as possible by polishing away summer grime. You’ll be amazed at how much brighter the room feels with sparkling panes.

Carpets and Upholstery – Whether it’s hiring a carpet cleaner, using a home shampoo system, or calling in the professionals, a deep clean will freshen up the house and help banish those mystery stains. Furniture fabrics can benefit from a quick spruce-up too.

Floors and Furniture – A polish here, a wax there, and suddenly the wood glows like new. Perfect when you’re setting the Christmas tree in pride of place.

Fridge and Freezer – Defrost and clean now, so you’ll have space for all those festive goodies. A tidy fridge is your best friend when the Christmas shop arrives.

Kitchen and Bathroom – A good scrub of the areas your guests will notice most. Eco-friendly sprays, steam mops, and sustainable cleaning liquids are great options if you want to keep the process green.

Dishwasher Duties – Aunt Trudy’s dust-covered wedding gift dinner set (that only makes its appearance at Christmas) deserves to sparkle. Run it through a fresh cycle before the big day.

Cleaning Products to Consider

That’s Christmas will be showcasing a selection of products in our Pre-Christmas Cleaning Feature. From eco-friendly dishwasher tablets to furniture polishes, carpet shampoos, and multi-surface sprays, we’ll help you find the right kit for every corner of your home. Expect to see:

Carpet and upholstery cleaners

Floor polishes and furniture waxes

Kitchen and bathroom sprays and liquids

Steam mops and sustainable cleaning gadgets

Eco-friendly and biodegradable options

Dishwasher tablets and rinse aids

The Festive Pay-Off

Yes, it’s work, but the pay-off is worth it. When your guests arrive and comment on how bright, fresh, and welcoming your home feels, you’ll know the effort paid off. 

With everything sparkling clean, you can focus on what really matters—enjoying the festive season, creating memories, and tucking into that Christmas pudding.

So, take a deep breath, grab your mop (steam-powered, if you prefer), and remember—this isn’t just cleaning. It’s laying the groundwork for a magical Christmas.

Keep Your Loved Ones Safe: Ensure Chimneys and Flues Are Swept This Christmas

As the Christmas season approaches, many of us look forward to cosy gatherings by a warm, crackling fire. 

For some elderly relatives, this year might be the first time in several years they’ve considered using their fireplace or wood burner, especially during colder months or when hosting family. 

However, before lighting the first flame, it’s crucial to ensure the chimney or flue is clean and safe to use.

And many pensioners and disabled people who are now without their Winter Fuel Allowance will be considering opening up a long-unused fireplace or re-instating a disused wood stove. It's unlikely they'd even think about having the chimney swept or the flue cleaned. 

So here’s why making chimney maintenance a priority for your elderly loved ones this Christmas is essential, and how you can help them avoid potential dangers.

Why Chimney Sweeping Matters

A neglected chimney or flue can pose serious risks:

Fire Hazards

Over time, chimneys accumulate creosote, soot, and debris. Creosote is highly flammable, and even a small spark can ignite a chimney fire. If the fireplace or wood burner hasn’t been used in years, the buildup is likely worse, increasing the risk.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

A blocked or poorly maintained chimney can prevent harmful gases, like carbon monoxide, from escaping the home. Carbon monoxide is colourless, odourless, and potentially deadly. Ensuring proper ventilation through a clean chimney is vital for safety.

Structural Damage

Chimneys that go unchecked can develop cracks or damage from weathering. These issues can lead to leaks, draughts, or even collapse if left unaddressed.

Animal Nests and Debris

Birds, squirrels, and other wildlife often take up residence in unused chimneys, creating blockages that could prevent proper airflow. Removing these obstructions is essential before lighting a fire.

How to Help Your Elderly Relatives

Taking the initiative to check on your loved ones’ chimneys or flues shows care and consideration. Here’s how you can make sure they’re safe:

1. Ask About Their Fireplace Usage

Find out if they plan to use their fireplace or wood burner this winter. If they haven’t used it in years, they may not realise the potential risks of neglecting regular maintenance.

2. Book a Professional Chimney Sweep

Encourage them to hire a certified chimney sweep. Professionals will inspect and clean the chimney, removing dangerous creosote and debris. The National Association of Chimney Sweeps (NACS) in the UK can help you find a qualified sweep in their area.

3. Install Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Alarms

If their home doesn’t already have carbon monoxide and smoke detectors near the fireplace or wood burner, now is the time to install them. These alarms provide an extra layer of protection against invisible dangers.

4. Check for Necessary Repairs

A professional chimney inspection can also identify structural issues, such as cracks or damaged flue liners. Addressing these problems now can prevent costly repairs later.

5. Remind Them About Regular Maintenance

Chimneys should ideally be swept at least once a year, even if used sparingly. For wood burners, twice-yearly sweeps may be necessary, depending on usage.

A Cosy and Safe Christmas for Everyone

Helping your elderly relatives prepare their fireplace or wood burner isn’t just about safety—it’s about ensuring they can enjoy the warmth and comfort of their home with peace of mind. By taking the time to address chimney and flue maintenance, you’ll be giving them a gift far greater than the glow of a fire: the gift of security.

This Christmas, let’s gather around the fire knowing that our loved ones are safe, warm, and cared for. Take the first step today by checking in with your elderly relatives and ensuring their chimneys are swept and ready for the festive season.

Feel Festivity Clean With the new Elbow Grease® Christmas Cleaning Range!

Cleaning at Christmas can seem to be non-stop and the least favourite festive task! 

Fortunately, Elbow Grease® is here to help you, with some NEW Christmas cleaning products to bring the fun factor back to your cleaning!

Cleaning is snow joke (sorry!) with the new Elbow Grease® Snowman Scrub Mate – even the toughest turkey grease will have met its match with this hardcore sponge that removes tough and stubborn stains with no effort! Also available in the Christmas tree design. £1.49

When the festivities are over, bring the sparkle back to your kitchen with the Elbow Grease® Snowman Scrubbing Pad. Powerful and versatile, it will leave surfaces sparkling and squeaky clean! Also available in the Christmas tree design. £1.29 (We're cleaning in the air...Sorry!)

No one really likes washing up after the madness of Christmas dinner, but the Elbow Grease® Wonderland Washing Up Liquid is here to degrease all those pots and pans and deal with stubborn grease and grime! Let the magic of wonderland do the hard work for you. £1.00

Oh Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree, how lovely can your cloths be! With the Elbow Grease® Christmas Tree Scrub Mate and Scrubbing Pad, it’s super easy to clean up from the Christmas chaos and get your kitchen gleaming and gorgeous again. £1.49/£1.29.

To find out more, visit www.elbowgreasecleans.com or @elbowgreaseuk. 

Where can you buy this Christmas magic?

Stockist information:-

    • Elbow Grease® Snowman Scrub Mate – B&M – 18/10

    • Elbow Grease® Snowman Scrubbing Pad – B&M 18/09, Heron Foods - Now

    • Elbow Grease® Wonderland Washing Up Liquid – B&M 18/09, Heron Foods - Now

    • Elbow Grease® Christmas Tree Scrub Mate – Home Bargains - TBC

    • Elbow Grease® Christmas Tree Scrubbing Pad – Home Bargains - TBC

Staying on Top of House Cleaning and Laundry During the Christmas & New Year Period

The Christmas season is full of joy, celebrations, and gatherings with family and friends. However, it can also bring with it a lot of extra cleaning, tidying, and laundry—especially if you're hosting guests or simply trying to keep your home cosy and welcoming. 

With a bit of planning and a few clever strategies, you can keep on top of housework without feeling overwhelmed, allowing you to focus on what truly matters: enjoying the festive season. 

1. Plan Ahead and Prioritise

Christmas is a busy time, so a little preparation goes a long way. In early December, create a cleaning schedule that prioritises key areas of your home. Focus on high-traffic spaces like the living room, kitchen, and guest bathroom. Plan a deep clean in the first week of December to set a clean slate, and then shift to maintenance mode as the holidays draw closer.

If you're expecting guests, make a list of tasks to tackle before they arrive, such as cleaning the guest bedroom and ensuring towels and linens are fresh. Having a checklist can help you stay organised and avoid last-minute panic.

2. Declutter Before the Festivities Begin

Christmas often comes with an influx of gifts, decorations, and extra items in your home. Before you start decorating, take the opportunity to declutter. Go through drawers, cupboards, and surfaces, getting rid of anything you no longer need or use. Not only will this make your home feel more spacious, but it also makes cleaning much easier.(Please refer to our blogpost about decluttering at Christmas time.)

Decluttering your wardrobe before Christmas is especially helpful. Clearing out old clothes will make room for any new items you may receive and will also make it easier to manage laundry during this busy season.

3. Delegate and Share the Load

Household chores shouldn't fall on one person’s shoulders, especially during a festive period that’s meant to be enjoyed by everyone. If you live with family or have guests staying with you, delegate tasks to others. Assign simple chores like vacuuming, dusting, or putting dishes away to willing helpers. As my late mother would say: "This house doesn't clean itself over Christmas, you know!"

If you’re hosting, consider asking guests to pitch in with smaller tasks like setting the table or tidying up after meals. Most people are happy to help, and it can even become a fun, shared activity.

4. Use Time-Saving Cleaning Hacks

When time is tight, quick cleaning hacks can be a lifesaver. Here are a few that can help:

Microfibre cloths: These are great for wiping down surfaces quickly and effectively, picking up dust and dirt with ease.

Multitasking cleaners: Opt for all-purpose cleaning products that can handle multiple surfaces, reducing the need to switch between products.

Steam cleaners: If you have one, it’s perfect for freshening up carpets, upholstery, and tiles before guests arrive.

Consider using a robot vacuum if you have one—it's a great way to keep floors tidy while you focus on other tasks.

5. Stay on Top of Laundry

With festive outfits, table linens, guest bedding, and the inevitable pile of holiday pyjamas, laundry can quickly pile up. Here’s how to keep it under control:

Do smaller loads more frequently: Rather than letting laundry accumulate, try doing a quick wash cycle every other day. This prevents a massive backlog and makes the process more manageable.

Use shorter washing cycles: For lightly worn items, opt for shorter, eco-friendly cycles. This saves time and energy while still keeping your clothes clean.

Have designated laundry baskets: If you’re hosting, provide guests with their own laundry basket in their rooms to keep dirty clothes contained.

If you have a dryer, keep it in good working order to dry clothes faster during the damp winter months. For those without a dryer, consider using a heated drying rack to speed up the process.

6. Maintain a Tidy Kitchen

The kitchen can be the hub of activity during Christmas, with all the cooking, baking, and entertaining. To keep it from becoming chaotic:

Clean as you go: Wipe down counters, put dishes in the dishwasher, and take out the rubbish regularly. It’s much easier than dealing with a huge mess at the end of the day.

Empty the fridge: Make space for all the festive food by clearing out anything that’s expired or unlikely to be used. This also makes it easier to find what you need when preparing meals.

Keep bins handy: Have a recycling bin and a compost caddy within easy reach to quickly dispose of food scraps and packaging.

7. Simplify Your Festive Decor

While it’s lovely to deck the halls, be mindful of how much extra cleaning some decorations can create. Opt for minimal, elegant decorations that are easy to dust around. Avoid glitter-heavy decor that can create a mess or overly elaborate setups that require frequent adjustments.

If you’re using a real Christmas tree, remember to vacuum up fallen needles regularly to prevent them from spreading throughout the house.

8. Schedule Time to Relax

Amidst all the cleaning, cooking, and socialising, don’t forget to carve out some time for yourself. The holidays are meant to be a time of joy and connection, so schedule moments to unwind—whether it’s enjoying a festive film, going for a walk, or simply sipping on a mulled wine by the fireplace. Housework will always be there, but the holiday season only comes once a year.

Keeping your home clean and organised during the Christmas and New Year period doesn’t have to be a chore in itself. By planning ahead, staying on top of tasks, and enlisting help from others, you can maintain a tidy home without losing out on the festive fun. Remember, the goal is to enjoy this special time with loved ones, so don’t stress over perfection—focus on creating a warm, inviting space that everyone can enjoy.

Happy Christmas cleaning and may your New Year be as sparkling as your clean floors!

How to Prepare Your Home for Christmas Guests: Essential Cleaning Tips & Hacks

As Christmas approaches, the joy of festive gatherings also brings the challenge of preparing our homes for a flow of guests. 

Between decorating and stocking up on supplies, finding time for a thorough clean can feel daunting. 

Here’s a guide to help you efficiently tackle each room, with some savvy cleaning hacks to ensure your home feels fresh, welcoming, and ready for the Christmas spirit.

1. Declutter First, Clean Later

Before getting into the scrubbing and polishing, start by decluttering each space. Put away items you don’t need during the holiday period, and designate a specific space for gifts, winter gear, and other seasonal items. This will not only make your home feel more spacious but also make the cleaning process far quicker and more manageable.

2. Living Room: The Cosy Hub

The living room is often where guests will gather, so focus on making it spotless and inviting. Here are a few quick tips:

Dust First, Vacuum Later: Start by dusting from the top down. Dust ceiling fans, light fixtures, shelves, and skirting boards first. This way, dust will fall to the floor, making it easy to vacuum up afterwards.

Hack: Use a Lint Roller on Upholstery: Upholstered furniture like sofas and armchairs can gather dust and pet hair. A lint roller is surprisingly effective at removing hair and crumbs from fabric surfaces quickly.

Refresh Carpets and Rugs: Sprinkle baking soda over carpets and rugs, leave it for 15-20 minutes, and then vacuum thoroughly. Baking soda neutralises odours and leaves fibres looking fresh.

3. Kitchen: The Heart of the Feast

Between cooking and chatting, your kitchen will be a hotspot. A clean, organised kitchen is essential for a smooth holiday season:

Clear Out the Fridge: Make room for festive treats by clearing out expired items and wiping down shelves. Consider using fridge liners to help keep shelves clean longer.

Hack: Steam Clean the Microwave: Place a bowl of water with lemon slices in the microwave and heat it for five minutes. The steam will loosen grime, making it easy to wipe away, while the lemon adds a fresh scent.

Polish Stainless Steel with Vinegar and Olive Oil: If you have stainless steel appliances, spray them with a solution of equal parts water and vinegar. Wipe clean, and then rub a few drops of olive oil for a gleaming finish.

4. Bathroom: A Refreshing Retreat

A spotless bathroom is essential when hosting guests. Focus on key areas:

Scrub Grout with Baking Soda and Vinegar: Mix baking soda and water to create a paste, apply it to grout, then spray with vinegar. Let it fizz for a few minutes, scrub with an old toothbrush, and rinse with water.

Hack: Quick Shine for Glass and Mirrors: Use a damp microfibre cloth followed by a dry one for streak-free mirrors. Add a few drops of essential oil like eucalyptus for a spa-like aroma.

Restock Essentials: Ensure there are extra hand towels, a fresh soap dispenser, and plenty of toilet paper. Consider setting a festive candle in the bathroom for a seasonal touch.

5. Guest Room: Make it Feel Like Home

If guests are staying over, prepare the guest room to make it feel cosy and inviting.

Change Bedding and Add Extra Blankets: Fresh sheets and a couple of extra blankets will keep guests warm and comfortable. Add a small basket of toiletries, so they have everything they might need.

Hack: Freshen Up Linens with a Fabric Spray: After making the bed, spray pillows and blankets with a homemade fabric refresher (mix water, a bit of vodka, and a few drops of essential oils). This will add a pleasant, clean scent to the room.

Clear Space for Suitcases: Free up some wardrobe or drawer space and add a few empty hangers so guests can unpack if they wish.

6. Finishing Touches Throughout the Home

Once each main room is clean, add a few festive touches to bring warmth and seasonal cheer.

Vacuum and Mop Floors: This is the final step to ensure each room is clean from top to bottom.

Hack: Use Dryer Sheets for Skirting Boards: Wipe skirting boards with a dryer sheet to repel dust, keeping them cleaner longer.

Add Subtle Seasonal Scents: Light some Christmas-scented candles or create a DIY simmer pot (simmering water with cinnamon sticks, orange peels, and cloves) for a warm, festive aroma.

By focusing on these key areas and incorporating these simple hacks, you’ll save time and stress, creating a warm, inviting space that’s ready for all the joys of the holiday season.