Cleaning after the holidays can feel just as overwhelming as before the festivities, with decorations to take down, clutter to clear, and leftover messes to tackle. But don’t worry—this house cleaning checklist will help you quickly get your home back in order for the new year ahead! Plus, at the end of the article, you’ll find a downloadable list of our top product recommendations to help you tackle your post-holiday cleaning.
To clean efficiently, focus on the areas of your home that need the most attention after the holidays: the living room, bathroom, and kitchen.
Note: The steps provided here are general guidelines. Always follow the specific instructions on the back label of your cleaning products for the best results and safety.
The Bathroom
- Clear the countertops and floor of all items
- Dust all surfaces from the top down, knocking all debris onto the floor
- Apply your toilet bowl cleaner and allow it to sit for the recommended time
- Meanwhile, spray your mirror and any other glass surfaces, then wipe clean
- Scrub the toilet and flush
- Spray and clean your sink and countertops with your favorite cleaner (ours is Zep Shower, Tub, and Tile Cleaner)
- Sweep or vacuum the floor to remove dirt and debris
- Mop the floor with a floor cleaner
- Return all items to their places
Pro Tip: Remove mold and mildew stains quickly with Zep Mold Stain and Mildew Stain Remover
The Living Room
- Dust high surfaces like tables, lamps, and blinds from the top down
- Clear off coffee tables and end tables
- Spray cleaner on common surfaces (tables, TV stand, etc.), let sit, and wipe dry
- Vacuum furniture as needed (couches, chairs, pillows)
- Pro Tip: Follow up by freshening up your furniture with Zep Air & Fabric Odor Eliminator
- Sweep or vacuum the floor
- Clean floors: spray hard floors with floor cleaner and wipe with a dry mop or spot treat carpet stains if necessary
- Return all moved items to their place
The Kitchen
- Clear off countertops and remove clutter
- Dust high surfaces like cabinet doors and light fixtures
- Spray countertops with cleaner and wipe
- Spray, wipe, and rinse appliances (Zep Heavy-Duty Citrus Degreaser & Cleaner is perfect for stoves, fridges, etc.)
- Sweep or vacuum the floor to clear any debris
- Mop the floor with a floor cleaner
- Return all items to their place
With the right tools and a little bit of guidance, you can quickly clean up after the holiday chaos and enjoy the new year with a sparkling home. As a special gift, we have included a downloadable PDF with our top product recommendations to make your cleaning even easier!
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