- Home&Garden
- hoilday/Spotless
7 Must-Deep-Clean Spots Before Your Next Party to Wow Your Guests
Inviting guests over is all about creating great memories, heartfelt conversations, and moments to cherish. While planning the menu, setting a picture-perfect table, and fostering connection are fun, there's one crucial task you can't overlook—preparing your space. And that means giving your home a thorough deep cleaning before the party begins.
"Deep cleaning is essential for creating a welcoming atmosphere, removing odors and allergens, and making a positive first impression," says Sharon Garcia, a cleaning expert at Fabuloso. "It not only improves the environment, but also makes post-party cleanup a breeze."
We reached out to professional cleaners for their top tips on what to deep clean before your next gathering. Here’s a checklist of areas to focus on for a spotless and comfortable home your guests will love.
Sparkling Guest Bathroom: A Must for Every Party Prep
Your guest bathroom will surely see some action during the party, so it’s essential to make it spotless, fresh, and inviting. “Cleaning the bathroom before a party is key for both appearance and hygiene—especially the toilet. Be sure to wipe under the seat as well,” advises Robin Murphy, cleaning expert and founder of ChirpChirp. “And don’t forget the inside of your medicine cabinet; guests might sneak a peek!”
Make sure to have a couple of fresh hand towels ready to swap in when the used ones become damp. Hand towels can get soggy quickly if reused, as they don’t have time to dry properly between uses.
Kitchen Appliances
Give your kitchen appliances a thorough clean, both inside and out, including your oven, microwave, and refrigerator. “This not only ensures a clean and hygienic cooking environment but also prevents odors and helps preserve the quality of your food,” says Garcia. For stainless steel appliances, a small drop of cooking oil on a clean cloth can help remove fingerprints and keep them at bay. In the fridge, toss out any expired items and wipe down all surfaces.
Garcia suggests using dental floss to reach tough spots in the oven, like between the glass panels of the door. “Wrap a cloth soaked in soapy water around the floss and use it to scrub grime out of tight spaces,” she advises.
Welcoming Entryway
Your front porch and entryway set the tone for your home and party, making them a key focus for deep cleaning. Sweep away dirt and debris, clear out clutter, and don’t forget to check for cobwebs in light fixtures, steps, and corners. This is also a great time to clean glass windows, rinse screens, tidy up furniture, and give your front door a good wipe-down to make it shine.
Refresh outdoor furniture by simply wiping it down or rinsing it off. A quick clean can make it look as good as new!
Pet Corner Makeover
While your cat may be the star of the house, the litter box shouldn’t steal the spotlight. A dirty litter box can spread odors and tiny granules throughout your space, dampening the party vibe. Before your guests arrive, give the box a thorough cleaning—empty it completely, sanitize it, and refill it with fresh litter. If possible, relocate it temporarily to a discreet area to keep your gathering focused on fun, not feline business.
Sprinkle a thin layer of baking soda in the fresh litter box to neutralize odors and keep the area smelling pleasant.
Cozy and Clean Gathering Spots
The living and dining rooms are the heart of any party, so ensure the seating areas are fresh and inviting. “A clean space helps guests feel relaxed and more comfortable,” says cleaning expert Robin Murphy. “Plus, cleaning soft furniture and rugs minimizes dust and allergens, creating a healthier environment for everyone.”
Use your vacuum’s upholstery attachments to thoroughly clean the nooks and crannies of sofas and chairs. Don’t forget to wash pillow covers and add a spritz of fabric freshener to couches, chairs, rugs, and curtains for an extra touch of freshness.
Flawless Floors and Fresh Walls
Don’t let your hard work go unnoticed—clean floors are the foundation of a fresh, inviting home. Beyond sweeping and mopping, consider wiping down walls to go the extra mile. “Dust, oils, and dirt collect on both floors and walls, impacting air quality and creating odors,” says cleaning expert Sharon Garcia. A versatile, all-in-one mop can help you tackle both surfaces efficiently.
Focus on often-overlooked spots like corners and underneath furniture—these areas are notorious for harboring dust bunnies and allergens.
Spotless High-Touch Surfaces
High-touch areas like doorknobs, light switches, and handles are prime zones for germs. “Cleaning and disinfecting these spots not only keeps your home hygienic but also minimizes the risk of spreading illness,” says cleaning expert Sharon Garcia. Give these surfaces the attention they deserve to create a healthier and more welcoming environment for your guests.
Use an antibacterial cleaner and follow the label instructions. Remember, many products need to remain on the surface for a set amount of time to be effective—so don’t rush by spraying and wiping too quickly!
Freshen Up with Laundry
You don’t need to overhaul your laundry room, but tackling dirty clothes and linens is a must. Not only do they often harbor unpleasant odors, but a batch of freshly laundered items can make your entire home smell fresher. Plus, nothing beats the vibe of a clean, cozy home after a successful gathering.
Swap out old bed linens for freshly washed ones. Not only does this improve your home's air quality, but it also gives you something to look forward to—crawling into a clean, comfy bed once the party’s over!
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