The holidays are a magical time filled with laughter, joy, and gatherings with loved ones. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or throwing a festive holiday party, one thing is for sure: after the fun comes the cleanup. And let’s be honest—cleaning up after a big event isn’t always the most enjoyable part of the holiday season. But don’t worry! With a few helpful tips, some organization, and a little teamwork, you can tackle the post-holiday mess and get your home back to its sparkling best in no time. Plus, cleaning up together can be another opportunity to bond as a family.
So, roll up your sleeves, put on your favorite playlist, and let’s dive into how to clean up after a family holiday party like a pro!
1. Start with a Plan: Prioritize the Big Tasks
Before you jump into the mess, it’s always helpful to take a moment and plan out what needs to be done. Prioritize the larger tasks first, such as clearing the dining table, tidying up common areas, and collecting trash. If you break it down into manageable chunks, the cleanup won’t feel as overwhelming.
Some of the big tasks might include:
Gathering leftover food and drinks
Putting away dishes, utensils, and glassware
Cleaning up spills or stains on carpets and furniture
Emptying trash and recycling bins
By starting with the larger tasks, you'll see progress quickly, which will give everyone the motivation to keep going!
2. Divide and Conquer: Assign Tasks to Everyone
Cleaning up after a party shouldn’t fall on one person’s shoulders. Get the whole family involved by assigning specific tasks to each person based on their age and abilities. It makes the process faster and helps teach children responsibility and the importance of teamwork.
Here are some ideas for dividing tasks:
Kids can collect trash, help clear the table, and tidy up toys or games.
Teens can help with dishwashing, putting away food, and vacuuming.
Adults can handle more involved tasks like cleaning the kitchen, dealing with stains, and making sure everything is sanitized.
Make it fun by turning it into a game. You can set a timer and challenge everyone to see how much they can clean up in 10-15 minutes. Whoever completes their task the fastest could win a small prize!
3. Tackle Food and Leftovers First
Food tends to be the biggest cleanup job after a holiday gathering. Leftovers should be dealt with quickly to avoid spoilage, and dishes need to be washed before they dry out and become difficult to clean.
Store leftovers in airtight containers. Pack up food in labeled containers so it’s easy to find later. This is a great opportunity to offer guests any leftovers they might want to take home!
Soak dishes right away. If you’re not ready to wash them immediately, fill the sink with hot soapy water and let the dishes soak. This will make scrubbing much easier later.
Wipe down countertops and tables. Use a multi-surface cleaner to sanitize surfaces, paying extra attention to any areas where food or drinks might have spilled.
If your fridge is already packed, consider freezing some items or doing a quick fridge declutter before the party to make room for leftovers.
4. Gather Trash and Recycling
With all the gift wrap, paper plates, and empty bottles, you’re bound to have plenty of trash and recycling after the holidays. Make sure you have enough trash bags ready and set up a recycling station to separate recyclables from regular waste.
Empty the trash bins in high-traffic areas like the kitchen and living room.
Collect bottles and cans. If you have a lot of recyclables, set them aside in a designated bin and take them out at the end of your cleanup session.
Check for stray items. Make sure you haven’t missed any trash or recyclables under furniture or in other hidden spots around the house.
This is also a good time to take out the trash so the house doesn’t start smelling like leftovers or food waste.
5. Clean Up Spills and Stains Immediately
Holiday parties can often leave behind spills, especially if you’ve served red wine, gravy, or desserts like chocolate. The key to preventing stains from setting is addressing them right away.
For carpet stains, blot up as much of the liquid as possible with a clean towel. Use a stain remover or a mixture of water and mild dish soap to gently clean the area. Avoid rubbing, as this can make the stain worse.
For furniture stains, test any cleaning products on a small, hidden section first to make sure they won’t damage the fabric. If the spill is on leather, use a leather cleaner to avoid ruining the material.
For hard floors, use a mop or a damp cloth to wipe up spills immediately, especially on wood floors that can get damaged by standing liquids.
Addressing spills quickly not only prevents permanent stains but also makes the final cleanup easier and less stressful.
6. Tidy Up the Living Areas
Once the major messes are taken care of, it’s time to focus on restoring the living room and any other common areas to their pre-party state. Start by putting away any holiday décor that was moved or used during the party, then straighten out furniture and vacuum the floors.
Pick up any clutter like games, books, and toys. Encourage the kids to help organize their belongings.
Fluff pillows and fold blankets to refresh the space.
Vacuum or sweep the floors to remove crumbs, dirt, and debris from the festivities. If you have hardwood floors, a quick mop will help them shine again.
This is also a good time to give your home a general tidy-up, putting away any items that may have been displaced during the party.
7. Finish with a Quick Disinfecting Session
With so many guests coming in and out, it’s important to finish your cleanup by disinfecting high-touch surfaces like doorknobs, light switches, and bathroom counters. A quick wipe-down with a disinfectant spray or wipes will ensure your home is clean and ready for the rest of the holiday season.
8. Enjoy the Results and Reward Yourself
Once the cleaning is done, it’s time to reward yourself! Put your feet up, make a cup of tea, or treat yourself to a relaxing activity. You’ve earned it! Take a moment to enjoy how great your home looks after the holiday hustle.
Let Premium Clean Help with Post-Holiday Cleanups
Cleaning up after holiday parties can be a big task, but you don’t have to do it alone. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or simply want to enjoy more of your holiday season without the stress of cleanup, Premium Clean is here to help!
Our friendly and professional team specializes in residential cleaning services that will leave your home sparkling. Whether you need a one-time deep clean after a holiday party or ongoing cleaning services to keep your home looking its best, we’ve got you covered.
Ready to get started? Contact us today for a free Online Quote and let Premium Clean handle the mess while you relax and enjoy the holiday season!
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