A holiday cleaning checklist is a “must-have” during the holidays, especially when the to-do list is long. This complete holiday cleaning checklist (with holiday cleaning tips) makes the task a little easier—and faster!—so families can get back to enjoying holiday festivities.
Holiday Cleaning Tips
- When cleaning a room, start at the top and work down so surfaces don’t have to be “re-cleaned.”
- Carry a bucket with cleaning supplies from room to room to minimize trips back and forth.
- Try to do daily cleaning tasks every day, like wiping down countertops or sweeping the floor, so there is less to do later.
- Test new cleaners in hidden areas to make sure they won’t damage counters, floor, or furniture. Try to use cleaners recommended by the manufacturer to avoid warranty issues.
- Dust surfaces before decorating.
- When pressed for time, tackle the most important cleaning tasks first (i.e. cleaning toilets, wiping down countertops, etc.) so the most commonly used areas of the home are clean.
- Bring in a home cleaner to help tackle important spaces (like the kitchens or bathroom) before a holiday gathering.
- Always make sure driveways and sidewalks are clean and safe before guests arrive.
Holiday Cleaning Checklist
Entryway
___ Clean lighting.
___ Dust furniture and shelves.
___ Clean wall hangings.
___ Wash windows.
___ Sweep, mop, or vacuum floors and rugs.
Bedrooms & Guest Rooms
___ Clean lighting and dust ceiling fans.
___ Dust furniture and shelves.
___ Clean TVs and projectors.
___ Wash windows.
___ Launder and change sheets.
___ Clean wall and door trim.
___ Empty trash.
___ Sweep, mop, or vacuum floors and rugs.
Bathrooms
___ Clean lighting and vacuum bathroom fans.
___ Clean shower tile or shower surround and tub.
___ Wipe down shower doors.
___ Empty trash.
___ Clean tops of cabinets and shelves.
___ Wash windows.
___ Dust furniture.
___ Wipe down countertops.
___ Clean toilets.
___ Launder and replace towels and linens.
___ Clean trim.
___ Sweep, mop, or vacuum floors and rugs.
___ Restock toilet paper, hand soap, and lotion (if applicable).
Living rooms/Dens
___ Clean lighting and dust ceiling fans.
___ Dust shelves and furniture.
___ Clean fireplace mantle.
___ Clean TVs and projectors.
___ Wash windows.
___ Wipe down or vacuum couches, sectionals, and love seats. (Vacuum under furniture as well.)
___ Dust wall and door trim.
___ Sweep, mop, or vacuum floors and rugs.
Kitchen
___ Clean lighting and dust ceiling fans.
___ Dust tops of cabinets and cabinet doors.
___ Wipe down stove hoods.
___ Wash windows.
___ Clean kitchen appliances like the stove, refrigerator, and microwave (tops, inside, behind, and under).
___ Wash dishes.
___ Remove countertop appliances and wipe down countertops.
___ Clean countertop stools
___ Dust wall and door trim.
___ Empty trash.
___ Sweep, mop, or vacuum floors and rugs.
Dining Room
___ Clean lighting and dust ceiling fans.
___ Dust shelves and furniture.
___ Wash windows.
___ Dust wall and door trim.
___ Sweep, mop, or vacuum floors and rugs.
Mudroom
___ Clean lighting.
___ Dust tops of cabinets and cabinet doors.
___ Organize closets and clean closet floors.
___ Dust shelving.
___ Arrange bins and mudroom items.
___ Wash windows.
___ Dust wall and door trim.
___ Sweep, mop, or vacuum floors and rugs.
