Thanksgiving is one of the best times of year to celebrate with family and friends, enjoy delicious food, and express gratitude for all of life’s blessings. But if you’ve volunteered to host this year, preparing for Turkey Day can cause significant stress.
After planning your menu and shopping for your party, cleaning andour house from top to bottom is the next major task. And we all know it can be a massive undertaking.
That’s why we created this ultimate downloadable Thanksgiving house cleaning checklist.!
It outlines everything you need to do and makes it easier to clean your home in the three days leading up to Thanksgiving. Follow these stepsand you will have a sparkling clean house How’s it going makes you proud and impress your guests without being overwhelmed.
What you will need
Before you begin cleaning, make sure you have the following supplies on hand:
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- Sponges, cloths and brushes: You will need it for wiping, scrubbing and dusting various surfaces. Choose microfiber cloths for a lint-free, streak-free finish. Use different colors or labels to avoid cross-contamination between rooms or areas.
- Vacuum cleaner: A vacuum cleaner with accessories is essential for cleaning rugs, carpets, curtains, upholstery and hard to reach areas. Choose a model with a HEPA filter to trap allergens and dust mites.
- Mop and Bucket: A mop and bucket are useful for filling with hot water and soap to clean hard floors, such as tile, wood or laminate. You can also use a steam mop for a deep, chemical-free clean.
- Broom and dustpan: Convenient for sweeping dirt and debris from hard floors and outdoor areas.
- Microfiber rags and cloths: A duster with a long handle or extension can help you dust ceiling fans, light fixtures, walls, and other high places. Microfiber cloths are perfect for picking up dust from furniture, picture frames and mirrors.
- Spray bottles: A spray bottle is handy for applying cleaning solutions, like vinegar, water, or making your own. homemade cleaners. Several can be useful for preparing different cleaning solutions.
- Cleaners: You will need a variety of cleaning products for different purposes, including all-purpose cleaner, window cleaner, wood cleaner, metal cleaner, disinfectant, degreaser, stain remover, mold cleaner, and more. Go “green” nontoxic ready-to-use products, or make your own with natural ingredients. See below for some recipes and recommendations.
- Gloves: Gloves are important to protect your hands from harsh chemicals, dirt and germs. And they can also protect your nails from breakage and wear. Choose disposable or reusable gloves that fit well and are comfortable to wear.
- Cleaning cloths: These can be used to wipe away dirt and grime and shine surfaces around the home.
- Garbage bags: Trash bags are necessary for collecting and disposing of waste, clutter and unwanted items. Use different sizes and colors to sort your waste according to your local recycling rules.
3-4 days before Thanksgiving: declutter your space
The first step toward a clean home is getting rid of the clutter that accumulates over time. Clutter makes your space look messy, takes up valuable storage space, and makes cleaning more difficult.
Here are some tips for decluttering your space:
- Start with the areas your guests will see, such as living room, dining room, kitchen, bathroom and guest room. You can leave other rooms for later or close the doors if you don’t want anyone peeking inside.
- Focus on one room at a time, and one category at a time. For example, you can start with books, then magazines, then newspapers, and so on. This will help you avoid getting overwhelmed and distracted.
- Use boxes, bags or baskets to sort your items into four piles: keep, donate, sell or throw away. Label them clearly and place them in a designated area, such as the garage, basement, or spare room. Don’t mix them up or leave them lying around.
- Be honest. Ask yourself if you really need, use, or like the items you come across but don’t know what to do with them. If you’re hesitant or the answer is no, forget it. Don’t hold on to things you think you’ll need one day, but haven’t touched in years. Remember, less is more.
Other tasks to be performed:
- Remove cobwebs in corners and along ceilings.
- Empty under furniture and corners to remove dust and dirt.
- Dust shelves, bookcases, tables and fireplaces with a microfiber cloth or feather duster. You can also use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to remove any dust or cobwebs.
- Cleaning Ceiling Fans and Lampshades.
- Clean windows inside and out.
2-3 days before Thanksgiving: clean the bathroom
The bathroom is one of the most important rooms to clean before Thanksgiving because it’s where your guests will freshen up and feel comfortable. You want your bathroom to look clean and smell good, and have all the essentials your guests might need.
Here are some tips for cleaning the bathroom:
- Start by removing everything from counters, shelves and the shower. Put them in a basket or bag and set aside. This will make it easier to wipe down and disinfect surfaces.
- Spray the sink, faucet, bathtub, shower and toilet with a disinfectant cleanser like a lemon scented cleanser and let sit for a few minutes. Then scrub them with a sponge or brush and rinse them with water. Don’t forget to clean the drain, shower head, and toilet seat and lid.
- Wipe the mirror, light fixtures, doorknobs and switch plates with a microfiber cloth and window cleaner. Polish them until they shine.
- Use a small brush or cotton swabs to cleaning tile grout.
- Clean corners, crevices and any mold in the shower/bath area.
- Sweep and mop the floor with a broom and mop, or use a vacuum cleaner if you have one. Make sure to get into corners and under furniture.
- Clean and replace towels, bath mat, shower curtain and restock toilet paper and hand soap if necessary. You can also add a few extra touches, like a scented candle, a vase of flowers, or a basket of toiletries for your guests.
💡 Tip: The bathroom can be cleaned the same day as the kitchen if you are short on time.
1 to 2 days before Thanksgiving: prepare the kitchen
The kitchen is the heart of the home and the center of the Thanksgiving celebration. You want your kitchen to be clean, organized and ready to cook and serve.
Here are tips for clean your kitchen:
- Start by emptying and cleaning the refrigerator and oven. Throw away any expired or spoiled food and wipe the shelves and drawers with a damp cloth and a mild cleaner. For the oven, you can use a self-cleaning feature if you have one, or spray with oven cleaner and let it sit overnight. Then wipe it with a damp cloth and rinse it with water.
- Clean the stove, microwave, toaster, coffee maker and other appliances that you will use. You can use a damp cloth and a mild cleaner, or a solution of vinegar and water, to remove any grease, crumbs or stains. Don’t forget to clean the knobs, knobs and handles as well.
- Wash and dry dishes, utensils, pots, pans and bakeware you will need for cooking and serving. You can use the dishwasher if you have one, or wash them by hand with warm water and soap. Make sure to rinse them well and dry them with a clean towel. Store them in a safe, accessible place, such as a cabinet, drawer or shelf.
- Wipe the counters, backsplash, sink and faucet with a disinfectant cleaner and a microfiber cloth. Disinfect them and remove any dirt, spills or stains. You can also use a paste of baking soda and water to remove stubborn stains.
- Clean the oven hood and fan filters.
- Organize cabinets, drawers and pantry. Throw away expired foods and wipe down the shelves.
- Vacuum one last time and clean the floor. Make sure you get into corners and under furniture.
The big day: the finishing touches
On Thanksgiving Day, you don’t need to do a lot of cleaning because you’ve already done most of the work. Just add a few finishing touches to make your home look and smell festive and welcoming.
Here are some tips for putting the finishing touches:
- Stuff and arrange pillows and cushions on the sofa, chairs and beds. You can also add throws or blankets for added comfort and warmth.
- Decorate your house with a few seasonal items, like pumpkins, fall foliage, candles, wreaths or garlands. You can also use some personal items, such as photos, artwork or keepsakes, to add character and charm.
- Set the table with your most beautiful tablecloths, napkins, plates, glasses and cutlery. You can also add some centerpieces, such as a vase of flowers, a bowl of fruit or a basket of bread. Don’t forget to add some place cards if you want to assign seats to your guests.
- Sweep up debris porches, decks, patios and entryways.
- Light candles, spray air freshener or make a DIY simmering pot with spices and citrus on the stovetop to create a pleasant, welcoming aroma. You can also put on music or light the fireplace to create a cozy and festive atmosphere.
This can all be done the day before Thanksgiving if you have guests over early.
DIY Cleaning Checklist + Recipes
To help you track the progress of your cleaning, we have created a printable file Holiday Cleaning Checklist that you can print and use as you go.
The checklist covers the main tasks for each room and area of your home, but you can add or modify them as needed. You can also check off tasks as you complete them, so you don’t miss anything.
For simple, easy and healthy cleaning recipes, check out these links:
Enjoy your Thanksgiving
Now that you have cleaned your house and prepared it for Thanksgiving, you can relax and enjoy the holiday with your family and friends.
Celebrate a job well done and be grateful for all the good things in your life. Happy Thanksgiving!
