The holidays are supposed to feel cozy and joyful—not like a full-time cleaning job. Between work, kids, shopping, and travel, it’s easy to look up and realize guests are arriving… soon… and your home isn’t exactly ready for its close-up.
The good news? You don’t need a perfect house—you just need a plan. Use this holiday cleaning checklist to get your home guest-ready without losing your mind, and if it still feels like too much, remember you can always tag in a professional cleaning service to help.
When to Start Your Holiday Cleaning
Ideally, you want to start 7–10 days before guests arrive, especially if you’re hosting overnight visitors or a big holiday meal. That gives you time to:
- Declutter
- Do a deeper clean in key areas
- Save quick-tidy tasks for the day before and the morning of
If you’re short on time, don’t panic—prioritize the spaces your guests will actually use and see first.
Holiday Cleaning Checklist by Area
Entryway / Front Door
Your entry sets the tone for the entire visit.
- Sweep or vacuum the front steps and entryway
- Shake out or replace welcome mats
- Wipe down the front door and handles
- Clear clutter from the entry table or bench
- Designate a spot for coats, shoes, and bags
Pro tip: Add a small basket for keys and a boot tray for snowy or muddy shoes if you’re in Metro Detroit or Ann Arbor.
Kitchen
The kitchen is always command central during the holidays.
- Countertops: Clear and wipe down all counters
- Sink & faucet: Scrub the sink, polish the faucet, and run the garbage disposal
- Appliance fronts: Wipe down fridge, oven, microwave, and dishwasher doors
- Microwave interior: Heat a bowl of water with lemon, then wipe away loosened splatters
- Stovetop: Degrease burners and wipe the surface
- Fridge: Toss expired items to make room for holiday food
- Floors: Sweep and mop, paying attention to corners and under cabinets
Pro tip: Create a “no drop zone” on one counter where mail and random items can live until after the holidays so the rest stays clutter-free.
Bathrooms (High Priority)
Guests will absolutely notice the bathroom—this is worth extra attention.
- Scrub toilets, including base and behind
- Clean sinks, faucets, and countertops
- Wipe mirrors until streak-free
- Clean tub and/or shower, especially walls and glass doors
- Replace used towels with fresh hand and bath towels
- Empty trash and add a fresh liner
- Restock toilet paper, hand soap, and tissues
- Sweep and mop floors
Pro tip: Keep a small bathroom caddy under the sink with wipes, glass cleaner, and extra toilet paper so you can touch up quickly during their stay.
Living Room / Family Room
This is where everyone will sit, talk, snack, and take photos—make it feel cozy and clean.
- Declutter surfaces: remove excess mail, toys, and random items
- Dust furniture, shelves, TV stand, and picture frames
- Wipe light switches and remotes (high-touch areas)
- Fluff pillows and fold blankets
- Vacuum carpets and rugs, including under the coffee table
- Wipe down side tables and coffee table
Pro tip: Use baskets for a quick “sweep” of toys or clutter when you’re short on time.
Guest Bedroom (If You’re Hosting Overnight)
Give guests a space that feels like a small retreat.
- Change the sheets and pillowcases with fresh linens
- Dust nightstands, lamps, and headboard
- Clear surfaces so guests have room for their things
- Vacuum carpets or mop floors
- Provide an extra blanket and a couple of hangers
- Empty trash and check under the bed for old items
Pro tip: Place a small card with the Wi-Fi password on the nightstand—it’s a tiny gesture that feels thoughtful and organized.
Dining Area
Even if you’re not hosting a formal dinner, this area usually becomes a gathering spot.
- Wipe the table and chairs
- Dust any buffets or sideboards
- Clean light fixtures or chandeliers if they’re noticeably dusty
- Vacuum or sweep under the table and chairs
- Spot clean any visible wall or baseboard marks
Pro tip: Set the table the day before to check off both “clean” and “decorated” at the same time.
Quick Daily Reset Once Guests Arrive
Once everyone is in the house, you just need small touch-ups, not full deep cleans. Aim for 10–15 minutes a day:
- Wipe kitchen counters and dining table after meals
- Do a quick sweep of high-traffic floors (entry, kitchen, living room)
- Straighten pillows and blankets in the living room
- Check bathrooms: empty small trash cans, replace hand towels if damp, restock toilet paper
- Load and run the dishwasher at night
These little resets keep things feeling pulled together without eating your entire day.
What to Skip (and Not Feel Guilty About)
You don’t have to clean the entire house top-to-bottom to be a good host. It’s okay to skip:
- Deep cleaning inside closets (unless guests are sleeping in them—kidding!)
- Organizing every drawer
- Washing windows you know guests won’t go near
- Decluttering long-term storage areas
Focus on what people see, touch, and use: kitchens, bathrooms, entryways, living spaces, and guest rooms. Everything else can wait until after the holidays—or until your next professional deep clean.
When to Call in a Professional Cleaning Service
If your schedule is packed or your home needs more than a quick tidy, hiring a professional cleaner can be the difference between frazzled host and present, relaxed host.
A professional holiday or pre-guest cleaning can help with:
- Deep cleaning kitchens and bathrooms
- Baseboards, doors, and high-touch surfaces
- Thorough dusting (including ceiling fans and vents)
- Floors that really need a reset—vacuuming, mopping, and more
If you’re in Metro Detroit, Ann Arbor, or the Dallas area east of the city, The Cleaning Plug can handle the heavy lifting so you can focus on cooking, hosting, and actually enjoying your guests.
You bring the people and the memories—we’ll bring the clean.
Need help getting guest-ready?
Book a deep cleaning or standard maintenance visit with The Cleaning Plug before (or after) the holidays, and let us do the scrubbing while you enjoy the season.
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📅 Book your professional cleaning today.