As the holidays come upon us, you may find guests coming over the river and through the woods, dashing through the snow, to join you in watching the chestnuts pop – pop – pop! Or, so you hope those warm, comforting memories will be created.
To best do this, many people choose to host family and friends and want to create a welcoming environment. Here are some tips to create a clean and cozy place for your guests to enjoy.
Clean Up & Wipe Down
Clean the primary areas where guests will be staying and using, such as the guest room and bath. Wash linens and towels and replace them. Dust, vacuum, and/or sweep and mop the floors in both.
Sanitize the bathroom, including wiping down cabinet faces and interiors. Hang fresh hand towels and replace the trash can liner. Refill soap dispensers and stock toilet paper and any other useable supplies.
Wipe door jams and light plates that get dirty with fingerprints over time and dust light fixtures, windows, and window coverings that are often overlooked in everyday cleaning.
Organize Common Areas
If your guests will be using a common area, such as a den or living room, clear off space for them to set personal items, storing your things until guests are gone. Leave empty baskets or clear drawers for them to use during their stay.
In the bathroom, also give guests a place for their necessary items. On the practical level, have a plunger accessible in case of a clog.
Warm up the Space
Consider a light fragrance, such as an essential oil diffuser or wax melts (avoid candles for safety reasons). Add extra towels, sheets, blankets or throws, and pillows.
Think like a B&B and provide special touches such as travel-sized items your guests may have forgotten and put out a bowl of candy or fruit basket.
Share the Responsibility
Often we become too busy because we take on more than our fair share. Consider areas where you can ask others for help, such as hiring a cleaning service or having a friend help organize or decorate. Make a game of cleaning with your kids, or take some time to finally get those boxes of junk to the dumpster or clothes to the local donation center.
Start early to give yourself the time and space to make the holidays enjoyable for everyone, not just your guests. And finally, remember the season is about giving, receiving, spending quality time with those we love, and taking time to reflect on the close of the year and beginning of next. Enjoy it!
Whether a deep clean for those areas you avoid or can’t get to or a simple clean so you can focus on family, A Cleaning Service is here to help. Locally owned and operated, and serving the Greater Washington DC area, A Cleaning Service helps our clients achieve the clean they desire for every season. Give us a call today for a quote and to get scheduled.