Poseidon's Mermaid Cleaning Services, LLC

The holiday season is a wonderful time for celebrating with family and friends. And what better way to spread some seasonal cheer than hosting a spectacular Christmas party right in the comfort of your own home!

However, while playing host can be very rewarding, it also comes with its fair share of stress. You’ll need to prepare your home so that it looks warm, tidy and welcoming for your party guests. A clean, organized and decoration-ready home creates the perfect backdrop for a fun and flawless holiday celebration that your friends and family will remember forever! To ensure your home is in its best condition, consider hiring Poseidon's Mermaids, renowned for their thorough cleaning services, making your home sparkle just in time for your holiday gathering.

That’s why we’ve put together this useful 7-day cleaning guide to get your home guest-ready and party-perfect in time for Christmas...

Introduction

Keeping your home beautiful during the busy holiday season is crucial for hosting social gatherings and enjoying time with your loved ones. But finding the motivation to keep up with chores can be difficult when you’re balancing festive activities, family time, work obligations and more.

This week-long cleaning plan will make it easy to tackle all your holiday housework efficiently. With just one task per day, you’ll maintain a manageable workload while still thoroughly preparing your whole home for Christmas Day and the upcoming winter party season.

Over the next 7 days leading up to your event, we’ll progress room-by-room with detailed cleaning tips optimized for the holiday rush. You’ll declutter and tidy up each space, implement decorative touches along the way and conclude with last-minute prep just before your guests arrive.

Day 1: Decluttering and Organizing

We’ll kick things off nice and easy with a quick decluttering session before we dive into the heavy-duty cleaning tasks. Start by identifying and sorting problem areas or hotspots for clutter throughout your home.

Room-by-Room Decluttering

Walk through your home with “declutter vision” and take note of disorderly areas needing attention. Common culprits include:

Entryways and hallway coat closets overflowing with outerwear and shoes

Kitchen counters covered in mail, old bills and miscellaneous documents

Living room side tables stacked tall with magazines and books

Bathroom cabinets jam-packed with products and medications

Bedrooms burdened with heaps of unfolded laundry

Efficient Organizing Strategies

Next, transform those cluttered spaces using these quick yet effective organizing techniques:

Entryway

Clear coats, scarves and accessories off floor, furniture and walls

Install hooks, shelves and bins to properly store these items

Paper Clutter

Sort papers into “Action” and “File” piles

Process bills immediately and recycle unnecessary documents

Bathrooms

Only keep essential items in cabinets and drawers

Store extras out of sight in freestanding shelving units

Bedrooms

Use laundry bins and garment racks to contain clothes

Fold and put away clean clothes promptly after washing

Miscellaneous Areas

Designate baskets or storage bins for children’s toys, pet supplies, craft items and other specialty belongings

Out With the Old!

Once you’ve organized everything worth keeping, it’s time to part ways with what you no longer need. Here’s how to filter through your newly decluttered spaces and thin out extras:

Keep, Toss or Donate?

Be ruthless and honest – if you haven’t used it in over a year, you probably never will

Check clothes and linens for major stains or damage

Toss anything truly unsalvageable

Gather goods in suitable condition to donate

Prepare Items for Drop-Off

Clothing – laundered and folded

Housewares – cleaned and gently used

Furniture – sturdy condition

Electronics – battery removed with working charger

Transport Donations

Local shelter drop boxes

Schedule a charity pickup

Deliver directly to secondhand stores

Day 2: Deep Cleaning the Living Areas

After decluttering and organizing, switch gears to some heavy-duty cleaning tasks. Start with major living areas including your living room, family room, home office and any additional well-occupied spaces.

Dusting and Surface Cleaning

Let’s begin today with a complete top-to-bottom dusting session throughout your main living areas. Dirt and dust accumulation on surfaces not only looks unsightly but can also aggravate indoor allergies.

Supplies Needed

Microfiber cloths, dusters or electrostatic wipes for dusting

All-purpose surface spray cleaner

Dryer sheets – secrets weapon for dusting blinds!

Step-by-Step Dusting

Use microfiber cloths to wipe down walls, baseboards and corners where dust gathers

Dust tabletop décor pieces and solid furniture

Clean inside cabinets, bookshelves and media consoles

Dryer sheets easily collect dust from wooden blinds

Don’t forget overhead spaces like ceiling fans and light fixtures

Step-by-Step Surface Cleaning

Remove debris stuck between couch cushions

Vacuum furniture with brush attachments – fabric sofa, upholstered chairs, etc.

Spot treat walls or furniture for dried spills and stains

Spray and wipe down mirrors, TV screens, windows and shiny surfaces

Vacuuming and Floor Cleaning

Now let’s move below furniture and give some TLC to dirty floors! Thoroughly cleaning carpets and floors takes a bit more time and elbow grease – but lays the groundwork for a presentable home during the holidays.

Vacuuming Tips

Vacuum upholstered furniture, area rugs and carpeting first

Use crevice tool to vacuum corners, baseboards, vents and skirting

Replace vacuum bags often to maximize suction

Hard Flooring

Sweep then use wet mopping method for vinyl, tiles, wood or laminate

Use proper cleaning solution for each floor type

Don’t neglect floor care in extra rooms like laundry, garage, etc.

Special Attention to Guest Areas

To wrap up today’s cleaning session, do a final walkthrough and make note of any living spaces that will receive heavy foot traffic from guests. Tidy up these high-priority areas such as:

Entryways, mudrooms and transitional hallways

Main floor half-bathroom

Open concept rooms where people congregate

Children’s play areas and pet zone

Apply extra attention so these spaces stay Presentable for party guests wandering your home.

Day 3 - Kitchen and Dining Area Focus

The kitchen is the heart of the home during the holidays – where delicious Christmas cookies are baked and cocktails are merrily mixed. Ensure your kitchen shines for all your upcoming holiday activities by tackling today’s deep cleaning checklist!

Deep Cleaning Kitchen Countertops and Appliances

Let’s start today with some elbow grease! Give all your kitchen surfaces and appliances a much-deserved deep cleaning session.

Supplies Needed

Disinfecting all-purpose cleaner and degreaser

Mix of cleaning cloths and scrub pads

Toothbrush or other small scrub brush

Appliance cleaner and stainless steel polish

Step-by-Step Cleaning Process

Clear counters completely – move small appliances to sink, dining table or island

Clean inside microwaves thoroughly and wipe exterior

Remove stove grates to clean burners, drip pans and underneath

Scrub surfaces of fridge, range hood and dishwasher exteriors

Use toothbrush to detail grout lines and tile edges

Disinfect removable parts like sink strainers and garbage pails

Polish faucet fixtures, handles and stainless steel appliances

Don’t forget often-missed areas like base of kitchen walls and vent hoods!

Organizing Kitchen Storage Areas

Next, let’s open up those cupboards, drawers and closets to reorganize kitchen storage for the holidays!

Pantry

Group like food items together – snacks, baking essentials, etc.

Arrange by frequency of use for easy access to daily staples

Ensure open boxes and bags are properly sealed to keep pests out

Fridge and Freezer

Toss expired items and wipe spills

Organize fridge bins and shelves

Maintain temperature setting between 37-40°F

Cupboards

Wipe down shelf lining

Group dishes and glassware

Designate areas for party serving essentials like platters, bowls, etc.

Transform the Dining Area into a Festive Gathering Place

Let’s switch gears to give your dining space a quick holiday refresh! Not only will you serve delicious food here but it will likely become a social epicenter during your Christmas party.

A few simple touches go a long way to setting a celebratory tone in your dining area:

Toss out faded table linens and showcase your holiday best

Create a quick centerpiece with pinecones, berries, mini pumpkins etc.

Anchor your table with heavy stoneware plates and wood-handled flatware

Sprinkle the dining table with mercury glass votives and evergreen clippings

Display your prettiest wine glasses for a toast with guests

Pipe in seasonal music playlists to liven the atmosphere

Day 4 - Refreshing Bathrooms and Guest Rooms

Let’s divert our attention to refreshing bedrooms and bathrooms – arguably the most private and personal spaces of your home. Places guests may visit to freshen up or where overnight visitors will retire after an evening of holiday fun.

Thorough Cleaning for Bathrooms

Aim for squeaky clean when it comes to cleaning your bathroom ahead of holiday visitors. Pay extra attention to high-touch surfaces and hidden areas behind and underneath sinks and toilets.

Supplies Needed

Disinfecting bathroom cleaner and bleach-based products

Grout brush, pumice stone and scrub pads

Toothbrush for hard-to-reach areas

Glass cleaner and squeegee

Step-by-Step Bathroom Cleaning

Clean inside medicine cabinets first so you can wipe down exterior surfaces freely

Scrub exterior of vanities and sinks as well as faucet fixtures

Detail tile grout with targeted scrub brush

Use pumice stone to remove soap scum and hard water stains from glass

Clean and disinfect toilets thoroughly – inside bowl, underside lid, exterior surface and base

Wipe down doorknobs, thresholds, vents and light switches which harbor hidden germs

Last step – clean mirrors and windows till they shine!

Preparing Guest Rooms

Whether for out-of-town visitors or family staying the night after late-night merriment – prepare rooms that will keep your guests cozy.

Bedding Essentials

Replace old bedding with fresh laundered linens

Add pillow protectors for hygienic barrier

Provide extra pillows and blankets for comfort

Nightstand Items

Add tissues, bottled water and sweets

Phone chargers and portable batteries

Book, magazine or tablet for entertainment

Storage and Amenities

Clear drawers and closets for guest storage

Stock spare toiletries – toothbrushes, cosmetics, etc.

Waste basket, hangers, iron and ironing board

Plug-in ambient air freshener

Prepare Bathrooms for Guests Too!

And let’s not forget to stock main floor and guest bathrooms with everything overnight visitors need!

Toilet paper rolls and plunger!

Box of tissue and waste bin

Hand soap, hand towels and washcloths

Air freshener spray and matches

New toothbrushes, toothpaste and floss

Shampoos, soaps and basic toiletries

First aid kit, pain relievers

Day 5 – Outdoor and Entryway Prep

Curb appeal and welcoming entryways set the tone when friends first arrive to your holiday fete. So let’s step outdoors today to show off your tidied up exteriors!

Cleaning and Decorating Entryways

A warm holiday welcome starts at the front door. Apply these home entryway tips to delight guests from the moment they set foot into your home.

Step 1: Winter Entryway Cleaning

Sweep walkways and wipe down outdoor furnishings

Clean windows and holiday light fixtures outdoors

Wash entry doors, give brass decor a polish

Replace weather-worn outdoor rugs and mats

Step 2: Festive Touches

Hanging holiday wreath or decorative porch sign

Evergreen garlands, lights or bows framing the door

Holiday floral or winter planters beside entry

Faux-fur lined boot trays and coat racks inside

Tidy Up Your Outdoor Living Areas

Make time to tackle a few outdoor tasks so the perimeter of home looks tidy too:

Patios and Decks

Sweep away leaves, moisture and built-up debris

Clear patio furniture – clean, store or cover

Wash outdoor flooring and siding

Lawns and Gardens

Trim grass, rake acres leaves, tidy flowerbeds

Prune dormant trees and shrubs if needed

Weed and edge along fencelines and walkways

Outbuildings and Landscaping

Clean interior and exterior areas of sheds, gazebos, etc

Wash outdoor equipment before winter storage

Drain and properly winterize irrigation systems

Ensure yard drainage areas are clear to prevent flooding

Outdoor Safety Checks

While you’re outside, do a perimeter check that your property is safe and well-lit for guests exploring your exterior areas.

Test and replace burnt out lightbulbs

Set automated timers for outdoor lighting

Salt icy patches around walkways

Cordon off hazardous areas in yard or garden

If hosting nighttime outdoor activities, install temporary lighting along pathways

Day 6 – Decorative Touches and Safety Checks

With the major cleaning tasks complete – it’s nearly time for Christmas merrymaking! Apply finishing decorative touches and double-check for safety to completely party-prep your abode.

Incorporate Festive Christmas Décor

Add visual splashes of Christmas charm with these effortless décor ideas as time allows:

Trees and Greenery

Full Christmas tree with lights and ornaments

Mini tabletop trees throughout main rooms

Evergreen clippings in vases and garlands over doorways

Candles and Lighting

Mix of tapers, pillars, votives

Strategically place candle groupings for a cozy glow

Battery-operated options for safe unattended use

Holiday Accessories

Striped candy canes in a bowl will sweeten any room

Snow globes, carousels, nutcrackers and character figurines on display

Scatter glittery pinecones, metallic balls and poinsettia flowers

Safety First!

While décor certainly amplifies the holiday atmosphere, take proper safety precautions so your stylish finishing touches don’t result in disaster!

Christmas Tree Precautions

Ensure sturdy stand so it won’t tip

No broken bulbs or exposed wires

Water tree daily so it stays green

Place away from heat sources

Candle Care

Never leave burning candles unattended

Keep away from children and pets

Avoid placing near curtains, cards or flammables

Kid and Pet Considerations

Scan for mini hazards so little ones and pets stay out of trouble!

Avoid sparkly garlands pets may nibble on

Wrap or secure low-lying tree branches

Place fragile collectibles out of reach

Lock cabinets with cleaning products, chemicals or alcohol

Day 7 – The Final Countdown!

This is it! The final push to perfect your home before the Christmas festivities commence. Dot those last i’s and cross the few remaining t’s with these pre-party tasks!

Last-Minute Touchups

Do a final walkthrough straightening any areas that need a tweak:

Fluff and Vacuum

Give carpets a quick vacuuming pass

Fluff and arrange throw pillows/blankets

Kitchen and Dining Touches

Wipe down kitchen and counters

Set out serving essentials – platters, cutlery etc

Ensure sink is empty – no dirty dishes!

Bathroom Checks

Quick mirror wipe and general tidy

Ensure guest baths are stocked

Garbage Detail

Empty all waste bins throughout home

Take out trash and recycling

Lights and Music

Review all lighting is working properly indoors and outside

Load a festive playlist on your music system!

Final Walk Through

Do one last home tour visually scanning for anything out of place and resolving any last-minute issues. Extinguish candles, turn off unnecessary lights and straighten décor.

Finally, breathe easy knowing all your holiday prep work is complete - and get ready to mingle under the glow of Christmas lights!

Here’s wishing you very merry and bright social gatherings this holiday season in your newly refreshed, guest-ready home!

Tips for Maintaining Cleanliness During the Party

You’ve worked so hard preparing a picture-perfect home for entertaining and celebrating Christmas with loved ones. But how do you actually maintain cleanliness once lively groups of people descend upon your home? Implement these handy holiday hosting strategies:

Strategies for Managing Spills and Messes

Despite your best efforts, spills and messes are inevitable with a home full of party guests. Implement these tips to promptly manage any accidents that may arise:

Keep dish towels, paper towels and cleaning supplies easily accessible

Address spills immediately before they set and stain

Use water-resistant mattings under snacks and drinks on floors or fabrics to contain drips

For major issues beyond wipes and towels, guide guests away from hazardous areas while you clean

Keeping High-Traffic Areas Tidy

While entertaining may feel nonstop, try to regularly refresh spaces in constant use to make upkeep easier after everyone departs.

Dining Room

Remove used glassware/dishes so tables don't become overcrowded

Crumb and wipe down eating surfaces

Discreetly sweep dropped food debris from floor

Entryway

Provide guests slippers, shoe storage or mats to reduce outdoor debris

Hang up coats and jackets that have piled on banisters and furniture

Keep front porch tidy by collecting dishes and cups that migrate outside

Essential Post-Party Cleaning

Even if you stayed on top of most tidying duties, there's still likely remnants of a house full of fun once everyone leaves! Allow yourself time the next day for essential post-celebration detail cleaning:

Collect used cups, dishes and servingware scattered throughout home

Give hard floors a proper mopping to remove spills and tracked-in snow/mud

Deep clean kitchen and bathrooms which receive heavy use

Launder throws, pillows and blankets guests used

Take out the trash which likely piled up quick!

Conclusion

Hosting holiday celebrations with friends and family in your home creates lifelong memories filled with joy, togetherness and Christmas spirit. But preparing your living space for guests with limited time and competing seasonal demands feels anything but magical!

That’s why this structured 7-day plan breaks intimidating preparation into quick, non-negotiable daily home cleaning tasks. Just tackle one room or area each day in the week leading up to Christmas and your abode will offer a clean, festive backdrop for your upcoming gatherings!

Here’s wishing you a stress-free and successful holiday party season with loved ones in the cozy comfort of your decked-out home. May the new year ahead be filled with tidiness, organization and many more wonderful celebrations surrounded by those you hold most dear!

Additional Resources

For additional tips and product recommendations to simplify your holiday cleaning routine this season, check out the resources below:

Top Holiday Cleaning Supplies

Stock up on these all-star cleaning products to help tackle every room this Christmas!

Clorox Disinfecting Wipes – Convenient for quick cleanups

Method All-Purpose Spray Cleaner – Non-toxic for most surfaces

Hoover PowerDash Pet Carpet Cleaner – Portable cleaner for high foot traffic areas

Pine-Sol Multi-Surface Cleaner – Cuts through messes and leaves a festive scent!

Zep Shower, Tub & Tile Cleaner – Foaming spray for soap scum and mildew

Free Printable Holiday Cleaning Checklist

Stay on track each day by checking tasks off this Free Printable Holiday Cleaning Checklist as you complete your holiday home cleaning routine!

Poseidon's Mermaids – Holiday Deep Cleaning Services

Call 419-913-9000 to inquire about our full suite of cleaning services available in Toledo, Ohio and surrounding areas this Christmas season. Our team of cleaning experts can tackle everything from routine tidying to post-party deep cleaning so you can simply relax and enjoy the holidays!