How to Clean for the Holidays – Guides & Tips

Holiday hosting brings more people through the house and more chances for spills, messes, and germs to end up on surfaces. From Thanksgiving to Christmas, getting ready for guests, cleaning and disinfecting as you go, and cleaning up after each gathering call for a different approach. This hub brings together a holiday cleaning checklist, tips, and a practical schedule for keeping your home clean throughout the season, from the guest bathroom to red wine on the carpet.

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Woman cleaning her kitchen island in a holiday decorated kitchen and dining room.

Holiday cleaning tips

  • blue icon of a door handle with sparkles

    Work through the rooms guests actually use first: entryway, guest bathroom, kitchen and dining table.

  • blue wipes canister icon

    Stock the guest bathroom before the day, so you aren’t restocking it mid-party.

  • blue icon of timer clock in motion with sparkles

    Treat spills while they are fresh, since wine, cranberries and chocolate are all set as they dry.

  • icon of a blue washing machine

    Check the care label before treating linens and tablecloths and test a hidden spot first.

  • blue icon with a hand, a sponge and sparkles

    Save the deep clean for after everyone leaves and focus on quick resets while guests are there.

Featured Topic

How To Get Red Wine Out Of Clothes And Carpet

Discover the best ways to lift red wine, cranberry and chocolate stains from clothes, carpet and table linens before they set, so a holiday spill doesn’t become a permanent one.

Learn More
Wine stain on beige carpet with wine glass

Holiday Cleaning How-To Guides

Getting Ready For Guests

Holiday Spills & Stains

Table Linens

Seasonal Decorations

Traveling For The Holidays

Holiday Cleaning Products From Clorox™

Frequently Asked Questions

A holiday cleaning checklist should include high-touch surfaces, guest spaces, kitchen areas and any spots that need extra attention before gatherings. Clean and disinfect commonly touched areas like doorknobs, light switches and faucets, then tackle spills and messes as they happen throughout the season.

Start by clearing dishes and removing trash, then clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces like countertops, tables, faucets and doorknobs. Address spills and stains as soon as possible, and wash linens and towels according to their care instructions.

Both, but for different reasons. Before, focus on the guest bathroom and kitchen surfaces. Afterward, concentrate on the high-touch spots everyone handled, especially during cold and flu season. See Stay Well This Cold and Flu Season.