The 12 Days of Cleaning: A Tidy Countdown to a Merry Christmas

December 12, 2023 · Uncategorized

As the holiday season approaches, we often think about the joyful traditions, the cozy gatherings, and the festive cheer. But one aspect that sometimes falls to the wayside among all the planning is preparing our homes for this most wonderful time of the year.

So here we are, introducing the 12 Days of Cleaning – a fun, efficient way to get your house in tip-top shape leading up to the big day.

Day 1: Decluttering Delight

On the first day, we’re going to lay the groundwork. As carolers warm up their vocal cords, you’ll be warming up by decluttering!

Tackle one room at a time, sorting out what to keep, what to donate, and what to toss, making room for holiday décor and gifts.

Day 2: Kitchen Chronicles

The kitchen is the heart of the holiday home where feasts are prepared and cookies are baked.

So, on the second day, give your kitchen the deep clean it deserves.

Scrub down countertops, clean appliances, and ensure that every surface sparkles. Don’t forget the fridge – it needs to be ready for all the holiday groceries and leftovers!

Day 3: Bathroom Blitz

Bathrooms are often overlooked but vital when it comes to making guests feel welcome.

Clean the toilets, shine the mirrors, scrub the tiles, and ensure you have a full stock of toiletries and fresh towels.

For an added bonus, add some festive scents to really elevate the space: a little container of potpourri can go a long way in keeping your bathroom smelling fresh throughout the holiday season.

Day 4: Living Room Luster

On the fourth day, it’s time to give your living room (the social hub of the house) some much needed love.

Vacuum the carpets, dust off the shelves, and fluff the cushions.

A clean living room is a canvas for lovely holiday decorations, so get it ready to shine.

Day 5: Bedroom Oasis

We know you already know this but it’s worth emphasizing: the holidays can be crazy! That’s why cozy bedrooms are absolutely essential for a restful holiday season.

Wash all bedding, dust furniture, and consider adding festive touches like holiday-themed duvet covers or pillows.

Day 6: Windows to the Wonders

Let the holiday light shine through by cleaning your windows inside and out.

Our homemade natural window cleaner recipe includes the following:

2 cups of water (distilled or filtered is best so it doesn’t leave residue)
1/4 cup white vinegar (or apple cider vinegar for a less pungent smell)
1/2 teaspoon of liquid dish soap or castile soap (optional, helps to cut through grime and grease)

To use this natural cleaner, you simply mix the ingredients in a spray bottle, spritz it onto the windows, and wipe it off with a clean, lint-free cloth or paper towel.

Sparkling glass will not only look beautiful but will also give you a clear view of the winter wonderland outside.

Day 7: Floor Focus

Floors take a beating, especially when guests bring in winter’s snow and mud.

Sweep, mop, and if you have carpets, consider renting a steam cleaner for a deep clean – your floors will thank you.

If you haven’t already, investing in some boot racks and rubber door mats can help keep the reindeer tracks to a minimum during the holiday season.

Day 8: Dusting the Halls

Just like your guests, dust bunnies also like to congregate during the winter festivities!

Pay attention to the often-ignored spots such as ceiling fans, baseboards, and picture frames, and use a microfiber cloth to trap as much dust as possible.

Also, begin by dusting higher surfaces, such as shelves, ceiling fans, or window frames, and work your way down to lower surfaces, like tables or countertops. This way, any dust that falls will be removed when you clean the lower areas.

Day 9: The Guest Quarters

If you’re expecting overnight guests, prepare your guest rooms on day nine.

Fresh sheets, extra pillows, and a small basket of necessities will make any guest feel like they’re staying at a festive bed and breakfast.

We also like providing small extras that can make your guests’ stay more enjoyable. For example, provide a selection of holiday-themed books or magazines, a small coffee or tea station with a kettle and mugs, or even a little music player playing festive tunes.

Day 10: Laundry Load-Off

Scroll through all your laundry on day 10! This includes all linen items like tablecloths, cloth napkins, guest towels, and anything else that could use a good festive soaking.

Making your own natural festive laundry detergent can be a fun and environmentally friendly way to celebrate the season, so we’ve included a simple recipe below to get you started:

2 cups of washing soda
2 cups of borax
1 bar of unscented castile soap, grated (or any mild soap you prefer)
20-30 drops of essential oil (choose festive scents like peppermint, cinnamon, or orange)

Use around 1-2 tablespoons of the homemade detergent per load of laundry and transfer the remaining mixture to an airtight container for storage.

Day 11: Safety Sweep

The day before Christmas Eve is a good moment to check the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, ensure all indoor and outdoor lights are working properly (no exposed wires or frayed cords), and to child-proof or pet-proof your home as necessary.

If you’re in the market for new holiday decorations, try to choose ones that are flame-resistant, non-toxic, and made of well-insulated materials.

As well, keep all your décor items from heat sources such as heating vents, candles, and fireplaces.

Day 12: Finishing Touches

Not that Christmas is only a day away, it’s time to put the finishing touches on your home!

Put out your best dishes, ensure the holiday decorations are just the way you like them, and do a final sweep to ensure everything looks merry and bright.

We would also highly recommend celebrating the end of your 12-day tidy with a celebratory glass of wine (or champagne, or rum and eggnog, or hot chocolate… whatever tickles your fancy!)

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The 12 Days of Cleaning leading up to Christmas might not involve partridges in pear trees or leaping lords, but it will certainly bring you some peace of mind.

By breaking down your holiday cleaning into manageable tasks, you can focus on enjoying the season with friends and family in a clean, welcoming home.

From our team to your home: happy cleaning, happier holidays, and have an amazing New Year!

~ Your Friend, Anna