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.

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.