So, you just survived the holiday madness. Congrats! 🎉 The guests came, they ate, they laughed, they spilled wine on your rug (of course), and now—drumroll—you’re left staring at a house that looks like a tornado swung by for dessert. Relatable? Yeah, I’ve been there too. Hosting is fun until the aftermath hits you. But don’t worry—I’ve got you covered with some easy cleaning tips that’ll help you reset your home without losing your sanity.
Let’s break it down step by step, so you can get your space sparkling again while still having enough energy left for Netflix and snacks.
Start with the Big Stuff First
Here’s the deal: don’t start with the tiny details. If you’re scrubbing coasters while there’s still a mountain of dishes in the sink, you’re doing it wrong.
Clear Out the Trash
- Collect cups, bottles, napkins, and any mysterious “what even is this?” leftovers.
- Use one big trash bag for food waste and another for recyclables.
- Pro tip: keep the bag near you as you go room to room. Saves you the back-and-forth marathon.
Gather Stray Items
- Stack plates and glasses in the kitchen.
- Throw random blankets, cushions, and chairs back where they belong.
- Don’t stress about folding perfectly right now—just restore some order.
Ever noticed how a room looks instantly 50% cleaner once the clutter is gone? Magic.
Tackle the Kitchen Like a Pro
If the kitchen is the heart of the home, then post-party kitchens are crime scenes. Trust me, I’ve seen worse than you can imagine.
Load the Dishwasher First
Get those dirty dishes out of sight ASAP. If you don’t have a dishwasher, soak everything in hot soapy water. That alone cuts your scrubbing time in half later.
Wipe Down Surfaces
- Use a multi-surface spray for counters, tables, and stovetops.
- For stubborn sticky spots (looking at you, cranberry sauce), let the cleaner sit for a minute before wiping.
Don’t Forget the Sink
Seriously, the sink takes a beating. Scrub it with baking soda and a dash of lemon juice. Not only does it shine, but your kitchen also smells fresh. Win-win.
Living Room Rescue Mission
This is probably where your guests spent most of their time—translation: it’s ground zero for crumbs, stains, and random sock sightings.
Vacuum Like a Boss
- Hit the carpet, rugs, and under the couch.
- Use attachments for corners and upholstery.
Handle Stains Fast
Wine on the rug? (Of course.) Blot with paper towels, sprinkle baking soda, and later dab with a vinegar-water mix. Don’t rub—unless you want abstract art forever.
Refresh the Space
- Fluff pillows and fold blankets.
- Light a candle or spray air freshener.
- Bonus move: crack a window for 10 minutes to let fresh air sweep away that “party aftermath smell.”
Bathroom Clean-Up
Guests always use the bathroom—sometimes too often. Let’s just say it deserves attention.
Quick Fix Checklist
- Wipe down counters and faucets.
- Replace hand towels with clean ones.
- Refill toilet paper (no one wants the dreaded empty roll).
- Scrub the toilet bowl with a fresh-smelling cleaner.
Trust me, nothing screams “post-party gross” like a neglected bathroom.
Bedroom Reset
If guests stayed overnight, you’ve got extra work. IMO, this part feels the most annoying, but it’s also the most rewarding once done.
Strip the Beds
Wash all used sheets, pillowcases, and blankets. Don’t procrastinate, or the smell of “guest perfume” will haunt your room.
Quick Dust & Vacuum
Even if guests weren’t messy, dust and vacuuming freshen things up instantly.
Floors Need Love Too
No matter how tidy your guests are, floors always tell the truth. Crumbs, dirt, glitter (if you had kids around—may God help you).
The Plan
- Sweep or vacuum first.
- Mop with warm water and a splash of vinegar or floor cleaner.
- Let it dry fully before putting furniture back in place.
Ever notice how shiny floors instantly make you feel like you have your life together? Just me?
Laundry Pile of Doom
Don’t wait three days to deal with the laundry. You’ll regret it.
- Towels, napkins, tablecloths → wash on hot to kill germs.
- Sofa covers or throw blankets → gentle cycle, low heat dry.
- If anything smells funky, toss in half a cup of baking soda with the detergent.
Bring Back the Cozy Vibe
Cleaning isn’t just about removing dirt. It’s also about resetting the atmosphere so your home feels inviting again.
Quick Cozy-Up Tricks
- Light scented candles or use essential oils (lavender = instant spa).
- Rearrange furniture slightly for a “fresh start” vibe.
- Put out a bowl of lemons or flowers on the table. Small things, big impact.
Speed Hacks for When You’re Exhausted
Sometimes, you just don’t have the energy for a full-on cleaning marathon. Been there. Here’s how to cheat (a little):
- Set a timer for 15 minutes. Do as much as you can, then rest. You’ll be surprised at how much gets done.
- Focus on high-traffic areas first. Guests don’t care about your attic—they notice the living room.
- Hide clutter in baskets. Out of sight, out of mind (temporarily, at least).
- Use multipurpose wipes. One wipe for counters, handles, and random spills saves you from juggling five sprays.
Keep Future You in Mind
Want to make life easier for the next time you host? Future-you will thank present-you.
- Use disposable tablecloths or placemats. Toss them, no scrubbing required.
- Keep a laundry basket in the living room during the party. Guests can dump trash, and you’ll cut clean-up time in half.
- Invest in spill-proof coasters. (Yes, those exist. Bless whoever invented them.)
- Always start the dishwasher right before bed after hosting. Waking up to clean dishes = heavenly.
Final Thoughts
Hosting holiday guests is amazing—you create memories, share laughs, and maybe even survive a karaoke session or two. But let’s be real: cleaning afterward is the part no one brags about. The good news? With a simple game plan—trash first, kitchen second, bathrooms third, and so on—you can get your house back in shape without pulling an all-nighter.
So, next time you’re staring at a post-party mess, remember: don’t panic, just prioritize. One step at a time, and soon your home will look (and smell) like the cozy space you love again. And hey, maybe you’ll even feel proud enough to host again sooner than you thought. 😉
