The Ultimate Holiday Home Cleaning Checklist: Pre & Post Christmas Edition

Before the gifts are unwrapped and the turkey is carved, here’s how to prepare your home for holiday guests, festive photos, and cozy vibes.

Pre-Christmas Clean-Up Checklist

1. Declutter Your Common Areas

Make space for decorations, guests, and new gifts. Pack away non-seasonal items, clear off countertops, and tidy up shelves.

2. Deep Clean the Kitchen

You’ll be spending plenty of time cooking — so:

• Clean out the fridge to make room for ingredients and leftovers.
  
• Wipe down counters, backsplashes, and appliances.
  
• Clean the oven using a natural baking soda + vinegar mixture.
  
• Empty the bins and stock up on bin liners.
  

3. Clean the Guest Bathroom

• Disinfect toilet, sink, and taps.
  
• Replace towels with fresh ones.
  
• Restock toilet paper, soap, and air freshener.
  

4. Dust & Vacuum Key Spaces

• Living room, hallways, entryways — anywhere guests will gather.
  
• Don’t forget to vacuum under furniture and around the Christmas tree!
  

5. Fluff & Freshen the Sofa & Soft Furnishings

• Plump cushions, wash throws, spray a fabric refresher.
  

6. Set the Scene

• Add finishing touches: candles, holiday scents, ambient lighting.ents, ambient lighting.

• Wipe down mirrors and windows.

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Post-Christmas Clean-Up Guide

The fun is over. The mess remains. Here’s how to reset your home without losing your holiday cheer.

1. Tackle the Dishes

• Soak pots and pans in hot water and soap.
  
• Pre-rinse heavily soiled dishes before running the dishwasher.
  

2. Clean the Oven & Stove

• Use natural solutions (baking soda paste + vinegar spray).
  
• Scrub racks and burners.
  

3. Refresh the Microwave

• Heat a bowl of vinegar, lemon, and water to loosen grime.
  
• Wipe with a sponge and use a toothbrush for tough spots.
  

4. Clean Out the Fridge

• Toss expired items.
  
• Wash trays and shelves with soapy water.
  
• Wipe down interior and exterior.

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5. Remove Wine or Food Stains

• Blot spills immediately (don’t rub!).
  
• Use white vinegar + washing-up liquid for red wine.
  
• Baking soda or boiled milk can also help lift tough stains.
  

6. Take Down Decorations

• Wrap ornaments carefully using tissue or newspaper.
  
• Use cardboard for light strings to avoid tangles.
  
• Store the tree (wrap artificial; compost real if possible).
  

7. Tidy Up

• Put furniture back in place.
  
• Pick up leftover gift wrap, bows, and packaging.
  

8. Clean the Floors

• Vacuum crumbs, glitter, and pine needles.
  
• Mop with warm water and mild detergent.
  

9. Restore the Zen

• Light a candle.
  
• Make a cup of tea.
  
• Bask in the cleanliness of your post-festive sanctuary.
  

Don’t Want to Do It All Yourself?

Feeling overwhelmed? Book an expert cleaner from eMop. Our pros handle post-holiday mess with care and efficiency — so you can relax and enjoy the season.

Or gift a clean home to someone else! An eMop session makes the perfect last-minute Christmas gift. 

How to book:

1. Go to our booking page: https://www.emop.co.uk/professionals
   
2. Enter your postcode and choose a convenient time slot.
   
3. Choose a deep clean.
   
4. At checkout, add promo code EBLOG15 to get 15% off your clean.

Holiday Cleaning FAQs