The holiday season brings joy, gatherings, and—let’s face it—a few inevitable messes! At Brilliantly Clean, we know the importance of staying on top of spills and clutter, so here are our favorite holiday cleaning hacks for handling last-minute messes with ease. Keep these tips handy, and your home will stay festive and fresh all season long!
1. Red Wine Stains: Act Fast!
Red wine can be a dreaded spill, but don’t worry—it’s fixable if you act quickly:
- Blot (Don’t Rub): Use a clean cloth to blot up as much wine as possible. Rubbing will spread the stain.
- Salt & Club Soda: Sprinkle salt over the stain to absorb moisture, then pour club soda on top. Blot with a cloth to lift the stain.
- Hydrogen Peroxide & Dish Soap: Mix equal parts and gently dab onto any remaining stain. Blot with a clean, damp cloth to rinse.
2. Freshen Up the Bathroom in a Flash
When guests are on their way, a quick bathroom tidy-up can make a big difference:
- Mirror & Sink Shine: Use a microfiber cloth dampened with water or vinegar to wipe mirrors and sinks. This will remove fingerprints and water spots, adding a quick sparkle.
- Toilet Refresh: Pour a cup of baking soda into the toilet bowl, let sit for a few minutes, then scrub and flush. It’s fast and leaves the toilet smelling fresh.
- Essential Oil Spray: Mix water with a few drops of peppermint or lavender essential oil in a spray bottle and mist the air. This gives the bathroom a clean scent without any heavy chemicals.
3. Kitchen Tidy Tips During Heavy Cooking
Holiday meals can mean chaos in the kitchen. Here’s how to keep things under control:
- Dish Duty: Keep the dishwasher empty at the start, so you can load as you go. This reduces countertop clutter and saves time after the meal.
- Counter Clutter Sweep: Designate a large tray or bin for items that don’t belong on the counter, like keys or mail, to clear space for cooking.
- Wipe Down as You Go: Keep a microfiber cloth or sponge on hand to wipe up spills and splatters as soon as they happen. This keeps surfaces from getting sticky or greasy.
4. Quick Living Room Reset
For last-minute gatherings, a quick sweep of the living room can make all the difference:
- Dust and Tidy: Use a lint roller on sofas and cushions to remove pet hair and crumbs quickly. Fluff pillows and fold blankets for a tidy look.
- Spot Vacuum: Focus on high-traffic areas rather than the whole room. Use a handheld vacuum for crumbs and debris in seating areas.
- Lighting & Scents: Dim the lights a bit and light a holiday-scented candle or use a diffuser with essential oils like pine or cinnamon to create a cozy, welcoming atmosphere.
5. Dealing with Grease Splashes and Stovetop Splatters
Cooking holiday feasts can get messy, but these tips can help:
- Baking Soda Scrub: Sprinkle baking soda on grease splashes, then use a damp cloth to scrub gently. Baking soda is mildly abrasive and effective on stovetops.
- Vinegar & Water Spray: For glass and stainless steel surfaces, mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray and wipe with a microfiber cloth to remove smudges and fingerprints.
6. Wrapping Paper and Gift Mess Control
Presents bring excitement—and plenty of paper scraps!
- Trash Bag at Hand: Keep a trash bag nearby for paper and ribbon as gifts are unwrapped to keep clutter in check.
- Reuse Wrapping Supplies: Set aside undamaged bows, bags, and tissue paper for future use. This reduces waste and keeps your space tidy.
When in Doubt, Call in the Pros
If you’re looking to ease your holiday workload, consider scheduling a professional clean with Brilliantly Clean. We can tackle all those hard-to-reach spots and deep clean your home, so it’s ready for every gathering this season.