Posted on November 17th, 2023
Thanksgiving is one of the biggest holidays people look forward to yearly. It’s a time to share memorable moments with family and friends over a sumptuous Thanksgiving feast. However, once the festivities wind down, the aftermath can leave your home looking like a battlefield of crumbs, stains, and clutter. Here’s where all the stress and exhaustion of hosting comes in. But don’t fret. If you’re playing hostess this year, this article is for you. Refresh your space after all the chaos of the celebration like a pro with these post-Thanksgiving cleaning tips.
Strategic Preparations
Before the party kicks off, take some proactive steps to minimize the mess. Place doormats at entrances to catch dirt and debris from guests’ shoes. Place garbage bins throughout the entertaining areas to encourage easy waste disposal. Have kitchen towels or reusable dish rags within reach to clean tables and countertops.
Quick Stain Response
Accidents happen, especially with the abundance of food and beverages during Thanksgiving. Have a stain removal kit ready with essentials like spot cleaners, white vinegar, and baking soda. Tackle stains promptly to prevent them from setting in.
Dishwashing Hacks
Don’t let a pile of dirty dishes overwhelm you. Start by soaking dishes in warm, soapy water to make scrubbing easier. Use a dishwasher if possible, and consider enlisting help from willing guests to turn a bothersome chore into a fun, bonding activity.
Multitasking Cleaning
Turn cleaning into a multitasking activity. While waiting for the dishwasher, wipe down surfaces, organize clutter, and sweep or vacuum high-traffic areas. This way, you make the most of your time and keep the cleaning process efficient.
Don’t Hesitate to Delegate
If you have willing family members or friends, turn cleaning into a team effort. Assign specific cleaning tasks to different individuals to streamline the process. It makes the workload more manageable and transforms the post-party cleanup into a shared experience.
Odor Elimination
Got lingering odors from all the cooking or having people over? Simmer a pot of water with citrus peels, cinnamon sticks, and cloves to fill your home with a pleasant fragrance. Alternatively, you can also place bowls of baking soda in strategic locations to absorb unwanted smells.
Channel Your Inner Marie Kondo
As you clean up, take the opportunity to reorganize and store items efficiently. Invest in airtight containers for leftovers, use storage bins for decorations, and make a designated space for dishes and serving ware. As the KonMari method suggests, a little tidying up and systematic organization can go a long way in maintaining a clutter-free home.
Celebrate the Cleanup
Finally, celebrate the accomplishment of transforming your space from chaos to order. Treat yourself to a well-deserved break, perhaps with a cup of tea, a slice of leftover pie, or a glass of wine, and revel in the satisfaction of a job well done.
Or, Better Yet, Let HappyCleans Do Post-Thanksgiving Cleaning for You!
With these clever cleaning tips, you can navigate the post-Thanksgiving party mess with ease. But then again, having the time and energy to tackle household chores immediately can be extra challenging if you have to report back to work after the holidays or have clingy little ones to care for. And surely, you must be exhausted and drained after cooking up a storm and prepping your home.
So if you feel like you need a break or just hate cleaning, honestly, call HappyCleans! Book a clean with us, and we’ll send in our finest housekeepers in OKC to have your home looking immaculate in no time.