It’s the time of year when every store is decked out from wall to wall with holiday décor, every speaker is playing Christmas music, and out-of-town guests are almost a given.
This year may see less travel during the holidays, but your in-laws might still drop by to bring some cheer.
You know what that means: It’s time to clean your place! Sofas, ottomans, cocktail tables and TV stands—everything needs to be sparkling for your guests.
Not to worry, though, we’ve compiled this handy checklist so you can get your place looking shiny and fresh by the time your guests arrive. Let’s get started!
Clutter Be Gone
First things first: Pick up any clutter you might have lying around the house. Be sure to check under things, as a daring sock or two may have made their escape, only to get caught in the couch cushions. This step is an easy one to get family involved with, too. If you have kids, send them on the hunt for stray toys or items that may have rolled under shelves, curios, armoires and the like.
This tidy-up period also includes table and countertops, as they can collection all manner of clutter, from mail to dishes and beyond.
Once that’s done, it’s time to get to cleaning!
Surface Shine
You know that scene in every movie that has a “this is dirty” moment when someone rubs a finger along a surface and it comes off covered in dust? Don’t let that happen to you. It’s not pretty. There’s no coming back from that.
Instead, grab a microfiber cloth or two, maybe some cleaning spray if you want to disinfect your surfaces too, and start wiping! We like to start here in case any dust or particles get wiped onto the floor. Best to vacuum and mop after the end tables, coffee tables, bookcases, hutches, desks, and any other surface are cleaned.
Don’t forget to look up. Ceiling fans, lamp shades, table lamps and floor lamps—they all need a good dusting now and again. Give windowsills and décor some love, too.
Suck it Up
Vacuuming is a vital part of every cleaning process. Remember the dust or particles that may have been scattered onto the floor when you were cleaning off that faux-marble top server? Vacuum to the rescue!
Not only does it excel at getting dust and dirt (and if you have a pet, fur) from under couches and end tables, it’s also great for pesky spider webs.
When you’re finished vacuuming every corner of your place, switch over to the tube attachment and go to town on those cobwebs. Use the same attachment for narrower places under recliners and accent chairs, too.
Run that attachment over and under your couch cushions. Crumbs have a nasty habit of finding their way in between cushions when you least expect it.
Tip: Sometimes we like to sweep first, gathering dust and fur from hard-to-reach corners before we break out the vacuum.
No Moping When Mopping
This is the next to last step. Whether you have a mop and bucket or a Swiffer-style duster or mop, mopping up any hard-to-clean spots that might have survived the vacuum will give your floors-that-you-can-eat-off shine! We do not recommend eating anything off your floor, but we don’t judge.
They’re Almost Here!
You just got a text. Your guests are right around the corner. The place looks amazing! Your sofas are cleaned and vacuumed—extra style points if you tossed a throw across the back or arm of your couch or sectional. The surfaces are dusted and shiny and the floor has never been cleaner. You might be asking us, “What else could I possibly do?”
Freshen the air! We recommend lighting a few delightfully scented candles and placing them on sofa tables or the cocktail table—wherever they work best for your space. Nothing says “Welcome” like being greeted by a fresh, inviting scent when you enter a room.
We really only covered the living room or family room, so don’t forget about the kitchen and bathroom! They deserve some love too.
Whoever is coming by and whatever the plan is this year, make sure your home and your furniture is clean and ready to accommodate. If you want to update your sofa or sectional, or perhaps your guests are staying at your place this year and you could use a sofa sleeper with a pull-out mattress, give us a call or stop by! We’d be happy to help you pick out furniture to complement your space and make your guests feel right at home.