With the Christmas holidays coming up, you’ve probably already got a list of guests that you can’t wait to host. Sure, this will come with a lot of cleaning up and preparation, but think of it this way–you’ll get to enjoy a nice, fresh home just as much as your guests will. Don’t forget about the following items that people often tend to miss when cleaning, though, because otherwise, you won’t be able to achieve that perfect Christmas sparkle.
Remote Controls
One of the most commonly forgotten items when it comes to cleaning is remote controls. Often touched and rarely cleaned, remote controls gather quite a mix of fingerprints and germs. Thankfully, a quick wipe with an antibacterial cloth can freshen them up, leaving them germ-free and ready for any family movie marathon.
Light Switches
In a similar vein to remote controls, light switches are one of the most frequently used surfaces in the home, often forgotten, despite them bearing smudges and grime. Simply running a damp cloth with a touch of disinfectant over each switch removes this dirt and creates a subtle gleam–it’s one of those subtle details that stands out, despite it being so small.
Behind the Toilets
While the toilet bowl often gets cleaned, the area behind the toilet can gather dust and grime over time. So, before your guests start arriving, be sure to get scrubbing back there to prevent any nasty discoveries for guests. You probably won’t notice the difference visually, but it’s bound to bring a newfound sense of freshness to your bathroom.
Ceiling Fan Blades
High up and out of sight, ceiling fans collect dust that can circulate every time they’re switched on, ruining air quality. Therefore, before the holiday lights go up, you should gently dust the fan blades. It literally takes seconds, yet the benefits when it comes to air quality and cleanliness will last all throughout the Christmas season.
Bathroom Faucet Handles
Everyone’s hands touch bathroom faucet handles, and over time, they collect both water spots and germs, which is pretty gross. Don’t worry, though, as a quick polish with a cleaner will not only remove smudges but add a little sparkle. It’s a subtle touch that leaves the bathroom feeling fresh and inviting for any guest.
The Top of the Refrigerator
It’s easy to miss the top of the refrigerator, especially if it’s not visible from eye level, but this space gathers a lot of filth and, sometimes, sticky residue from kitchen humidity. A quick wipe-down can prevent any dust buildup from spilling over or leaving guests with an unintended view.
Kitchen Cabinet Handles
In the bustle of holiday cooking, cabinet handles get lots of action and pick up a fair amount of grime, so it’s going to be wise to clean them ahead of time. This won’t be too difficult at all; a gentle clean with a soapy cloth is all they need, helping them to shine once again and prevent any sticky or greasy residues from accumulating.
Curtains and Blinds
Curtains and blinds often get overlooked, but they do gather dust and sometimes pet hair over time. First of all, just give them a gentle shakedown, and they’ll already feel a lot fresher. If they still seem visibly dirty, though, throw the curtains in the wash and wipe down the blinds, and the job will be complete, just like that.
Underneath Couch Cushions
Your couch might look fine on the surface, but hidden beneath those cushions are crumbs, loose change, and maybe even a stray sock or two. Therefore, a quick lift-and-vacuum of the cushions goes a long way, bringing new life to the sofa. Plus, it keeps any curious little hands from discovering any grossness.
Door Frames
Another household item you’re probably forgetting to clean before your holiday guests arrive is your door frames, which collect more dust and fingerprints than most people realize–especially around the top edges and handles. Just give them a gentle wipe-down, and you’ll be surprised at how much fresher it makes your rooms feel.
Reusable Grocery Bags
So many Americans hoard reusable grocery bags near the door, and while this might seem harmless outside of clutter, they actually pick up more dirt than you’d think. In fact, these bags can harbor bacteria, so a quick rinse or a trip through the washing machine works wonders. More still, ask yourself–do you really need to keep buying these, or should you perhaps start using a reusable fabric shopping bag?
Dish Rack
Even with daily use, the dish rack can end up with a bit of gunk from leftover water and soap scum. A soak and scrub restore its fresh look, and it dries quickly to be ready for more holiday dishes. It’s a simple way to keep the kitchen feeling fresh and welcoming, so don’t overlook it.
The Dishwasher Filter
While the dishwasher does the cleaning for you, its filter catches plenty of food particles over time, which is pretty gross when you think about it. This is why it’s important to give the filter a rinse every now and then, as it will improve the machine’s performance and ensure that your special holiday dishes come out spotless.
Pet Beds
If you have pets, their beds might be hiding a mix of fur and odors, and your guests might notice this. Consider washing or vacuuming the pet bed to freshen up its space; both your furry family members and human guests are going to appreciate this greatly!
The Trash Can Lid
Even with liners, trash can lids see their fair share of spills and splashes, so you should definitely give it a quick scrub with soap to remove and buildup of grime. Yes, it’s a small detail, but it’s one that will keep your kitchen looking and smelling clean, which will be especially important when the holiday cooking begins in full swing.
Bathroom Vent Cover
As with many areas of your home, the bathroom vent quietly collects dust, which can build up over time and look pretty nasty. Moreover, it reduces airflow to your bathroom, increasing the likelihood of bigger problems, such as excessive humidity and, thus, mold. Just take a vacuum or damp cloth to deal with this dust buildup, though, and you’ll quickly eradicate this problem from your life.
Inside the Microwave
Yes, the microwave door might get a wipe now and then, but the inside walls often see food splatters that don’t get seen to. That won’t be pleasant for your guests to see, so give the inside of your microwave a quick steam clean with a bowl of water and lemon, which will help loosen any grime. Then, give it a quick wipe down, and it’ll feel good as new once again.
Under the Sink
Throughout the year, you’d be surprised at how gross the cabinet under your sink can get. It’s probably where you store your cleaning supplies and potentially your trashcan, and can, therefore, gather a lot of spills, dust, and even mold from moist pipes. However, a quick sweep and wipe will make sure this hidden storage spot stays fresh, adding the finishing touch to your kitchen throughout the holiday season.
Toothbrush Holders
Have you ever looked inside your toothbrush holder only to find a disgusting build-up of moisture, gunk, and residue? It’s pretty gross, so you should give it a regular rinse with warm, soapy water to keep it clean and hygienic. The last thing you’ll want is for your holiday guests to be storing their toothbrushes in a nasty buildup of saliva!
Table Legs and Chair Feet
Finally, this might seem pedantic, but consider giving your table and chair legs a wipe-down this Christmas. They tend to accumulate dust and crumbs throughout all of your family meals, so you’ll probably be surprised at how dirty they are. Sure, your guests may never look down, but at least you’ll have peace of mind knowing that your Christmas meal table is going to be as clean as it could possibly be.