The holiday season is full of joy, but it can also be a messy time. Between guests, decorations, and celebrations, your home may end up looking less than festive. But don’t worry—COIT has you covered. Whether you’re getting your home ready for holiday visitors or cleaning up after the big day, these holiday cleaning tips will help you keep your space tidy and stress-free.

We’ve broken it down into two main sections: pre-holiday cleaning to prepare your home for guests and post-holiday clean-up to tackle the aftermath. So grab your cleaning supplies (or call us for a professional touch), and let’s get started! 

Pre-Holiday Cleaning Tips

The holidays often mean extra traffic in your home, with family, friends, and even unexpected visitors dropping by. Prepping your house ahead of time can help you manage the chaos so you can focus on enjoying the season!

1. Set Up an Extra-Large Tree Skirt

Your Christmas tree is likely the centerpiece of your holiday décor, but fallen needles can be a nightmare to clean up. A tree skirt will help cover the base and catch most of the needles that drop. The trick is to get a skirt that’s larger than the widest part of your tree. This makes the clean-up super easy—just wrap the skirt around the needles, and you’re done!

Want to save yourself more work? Consider using an artificial tree—you’ll eliminate needles entirely and still have a stunning focal point.

2. Water Your Tree Often

If you prefer a real tree, you’ll need to take care of it. Did you know your Christmas tree can drink up to a gallon of water a day? That’s why you should keep it well-watered, which will help it look fresher longer and drop fewer needles. Less needle shedding means less sweeping and vacuuming, and if that doesn’t make you want to refill the water stand daily, we don’t know what will!

3. Deep Clean Floors and Carpets

Your floors are about to take a beating during the holiday season. Dirt, mud, snow, and salt can easily get tracked into your home, especially with frequent guests. That’s why it’s a good idea to deep clean your floors before the holidays.

• For hardwood or tile floors, make sure they’re scrubbed clean and sealed to protect against spills.
• For carpets, we recommend a professional cleaning to remove built-up dirt and allergens.

At COIT, we offer professional floor and carpet cleaning services to make sure your home looks its best for the holidays. You’ll be amazed at the difference a deep clean can make!

4. Extra Floor Mats at Every Door

One of the easiest ways to keep dirt from spreading around your home is by adding extra floor mats at each entryway. Place a mat both inside and outside the front door and encourage your guests to wipe their shoes before coming in. 

If you live in a snowy or rainy area, consider upgrading to waterproof mats—they’re great for catching excess water, dirt, and even salt from shoes.

Want to go a step further? Create a designated space by the entrance for shoes, with a sign reminding guests to take them off. This will keep your floors cleaner and reduce the amount of cleaning you’ll need to do later.

5. Declutter Common Areas

Let’s be honest—holiday clutter is unavoidable. But starting with a decluttered space can help you feel more in control. Focus on high-traffic areas like the living room, kitchen, and entryway and clear countertops, coffee tables, and shelves so there’s room for decorations, food, and gifts.

Once you’ve decluttered, give everything a thorough dusting and wipe down. Pro tip: Use a microfiber cloth to trap dust instead of just moving it around.

6. Freshen Up Upholstery and Drapes

During the holidays you likely spend a lot of time in the living room, with guests lounging on your couch or sitting down for coffee. Now’s the perfect time to freshen up your upholstery and drapes. Vacuum your sofa and chairs, focusing on crevices where crumbs and debris collect. If your furniture needs extra care, schedule a professional upholstery cleaning to remove stains and odors.

Drapes also tend to trap dust and dirt over time. Take them down and wash them according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If they’re delicate or too large to handle, COIT can clean them for you with our specialized equipment.

 Post-Holiday Cleaning Tips

Once the holiday celebrations are over, it’s time to clean up the aftermath. From tree needles to wine spills, we’ve got tips to make this part much less stressful.

7. Tackle Tree Needle Messes First

If you’ve had a real tree, those needles are probably everywhere by now. Don’t worry—we have a strategy for this.

• Start with a broom and dustpan to gather up as many needles as possible. For larger needles, this method works best.
• Follow up with a vacuum. Use the hose attachment to reach under furniture and into corners. If you have a bagless vacuum, be prepared to empty the canister frequently—tree needles can clog it up quickly.

If your tree has left sap on the floor or furniture, rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer can help break it down. Be sure to spot test before using it on delicate surfaces.

8. Deep Clean Floors (Again)

We know—cleaning your floors before the holidays was important, but post-holiday cleaning is just as crucial. After all the foot traffic and inevitable spills, your floors deserve some love.

• Carpets: Vacuum thoroughly, especially in high-traffic areas. If there are stains from spilled drinks or food, tackle them as soon as possible with a carpet cleaner.
• Hardwood floors: Sweep up any debris first, then mop with a cleaner designed for wood floors. Be careful not to let water sit on the surface, as this can damage the wood.
• Tile or stone: Use a mop and appropriate cleaner for the material. For extra protection, consider sealing your floors after the clean-up to prevent future stains.

9. Remove Stains Quickly

The holidays are prime time for spills—whether it’s red wine on your carpet or gravy on your tablecloth, stains are bound to happen. Don’t let them set in!

• For carpet stains, blot up as much of the liquid as possible with a clean cloth. Then, apply a carpet stain remover and follow the instructions on the bottle.
• For upholstery stains, use a gentle upholstery cleaner or a DIY solution of water and mild detergent. Be sure to test it on a small, hidden area first.

If stains are too tough to handle on your own, we recommend calling in the professionals. COIT’s stain removal experts can tackle even the most stubborn spots.

10. Clean and Pack Away Decorations

Taking down holiday decorations can feel bittersweet, but it’s also the perfect time to clean them before packing them away for next year. Dust off ornaments, wipe down wreaths and garlands, and check lights for any burned-out bulbs.

When packing decorations, be sure to label boxes clearly and store fragile items with extra care. This will save you time and effort when the holidays roll around again next year.

11. Donate Unused Items

As you clear out space from holiday clutter, consider donating items you no longer need. Old coats, decorations you didn’t use, and even gifts that don’t suit your style can find new homes. It’s a great way to give back and declutter your space at the same time!

Book Your Professional Holiday Cleaning with COIT

The holidays should be a time of joy, not stress. Whether you need help preparing your home for guests or cleaning up after the festivities, COIT is here to help. 

From carpet cleaning and floor care to upholstery cleaning and stain removal, we offer a range of services to make your home look its best during the holiday season.

Schedule your holiday cleaning today, and leave the hard work to us!

Contact COIT for a professional cleaning!