Buzz
Hosting guests at home is all about creating moments filled with laughter, meaningful conversations, and lasting memories. While planning the perfect menu, arranging a stunning tablescape, and nurturing connections are important, the preparation process involves more than just that. It requires attention to detail, including deep cleaning ahead of your guests' arrival.
According to Sharon Garcia, a cleaning expert at Fabuloso, “Deep cleaning is essential as it helps create a welcoming space, removes odors and allergens, and leaves a positive impact on your guests. It not only improves the ambiance, but also simplifies the post-party cleanup.”
We reached out to cleaning experts to learn about the areas you should prioritize when deep cleaning before hosting a party. Here’s their advice on what you should never skip to ensure both cleanliness and a comfortable environment for your guests.
Dmytro Duda/Getty ImagesGuest Restroom
It's certain your guests will visit the guest restroom at least once or twice during your party, so ensure this area looks pristine, smells fresh, and feels inviting with a thorough cleaning. Cleaning expert Robin Murphy, founder of ChirpChirp, emphasizes, “Cleaning the bathroom before hosting is vital for both appearance and hygiene, particularly the toilet. Don’t forget to wipe under the seat!” She also advises checking the inside of your medicine cabinet since some guests may snoop.
Have a couple of extra hand towels ready to replace the damp ones as needed. When hand towels are used repeatedly in a short period, they don't have enough time to dry properly.
Kitchen Appliances
Thoroughly clean both the interior and exterior of kitchen appliances like ovens, microwaves, and refrigerators. “This ensures a clean cooking environment, eliminates odors, and preserves the quality of your stored food,” Garcia advises. A small amount of cooking oil on a cloth can help eliminate (and prevent) fingerprints on stainless steel. For your fridge, dispose of expired items and wipe down all surfaces.
Garcia suggests using dental floss to clean hard-to-reach areas in the oven, such as between the glass panels of the oven door. “Wrap a cloth soaked in soapy water around the floss and slide it into tight spaces to remove any grime,” she recommends.
Front Porch and Entryway
The front porch and entryway set the tone for your home as your guests arrive for the party. Be sure to sweep these areas and clear any clutter, including light fixtures, steps, and corners where cobwebs accumulate. This is also an ideal time to rinse off screens, clean glass windows, tidy up furniture, and wipe down your door.
Outdoor furniture is easy to clean with a quick wipe or rinse. This simple task can make them feel refreshed and almost like new again.
Litter Box
Cats are adorable, but their litter? Not so much. The smell of an unclean litter box can spread throughout your home, and the tiny granules are easily tracked around once stepped on. Make sure to deep clean the box by emptying all the old litter, sanitizing the box, and refilling it with fresh litter. If possible, place it in an area of the house that’s out of view, even temporarily, so your guests can focus on having a good time instead of the cat's business.
Sprinkle a thin layer of baking soda over fresh litter to help absorb any odors.
Living and Dining Room Seating
Your guests will likely gather in the living or dining room, so ensure that the seating feels neat and inviting. “Maintaining a clean seating area helps everyone feel more at ease and social,” says Murphy. “Additionally, cleaning upholstered furniture and rugs helps reduce dust and allergens, creating a healthier space for everyone.”
Utilize the upholstery attachments on your vacuum to reach the deep corners of your sofas and chairs. Don’t forget to wash pillowcases and/or use a fabric freshener on soft surfaces like couches, chairs, rugs, and curtains.
Floors
You’ve likely already cleaned surfaces like counters and bookshelves, but taking the extra step to sweep and mop your floors can significantly improve your home’s air quality. Wipe down your walls for bonus points! Dust, oils, dirt, and debris often accumulate here, contributing to allergens and odors. A clean, all-in-one mop works wonders on walls.
Be sure to clean corners and areas under furniture. These spots are prime locations for dust bunnies that can trigger sneezing.
High-Touch Surfaces
High-touch surfaces, which include doorknobs, light switches, and handles, are common germ hotspots. “Not only cleaning them, but also disinfecting these areas helps reduce the risk of spreading illnesses and ensures a healthier environment for your guests,” Garcia notes.
Use an antibacterial cleaner according to the on-label directions. Most need to sit on the surface for a period of time in order to work, but many people spray and wipe right away which renders them ineffective.
Laundry
You don’t have to deep clean the laundry room, but do take care to launder any dirty clothes and linens in your home. Not only are they sneaky culprits for stinky odors, but freshly-washed laundry can help your home smell fresher in general.
Swapping out your old bed linens for clean ones not only improves air quality in your space, but will help you look forward to tucking in after your event’s wrapped up.
