Are you hosting this Christmas? Pre-Christmas cleaning made easy!

Christmas is just around the corner, and homes will soon be filled with holiday joy, laughter, and cherished memories. With family and friends gathering, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the juggling act of cleaning, cooking, gift wrapping, and more. But it doesn’t have to be that way! By adding just one small task to your regular cleaning routine each day in the week leading up to Christmas, you can create a sparkling, welcoming home that’s perfectly prepared to bring love, laughter, and festive magic to everyone who walks through the door.

Follow this 7-day plan to get your home Christmas ready!

Day 1: 18th December - Clean your Windows and Glass Doors

Nothing makes your home look brighter than clean windows, and now’s the perfect time to get them sparkling before the big day.

• Inside: Start early in the morning to avoid streaks caused by the sun. Use a non-toxic window cleaner with a window cloth or paper towel for a streak-free shine.

• Outside: Tackle any stubborn grime with 30-second window cleaner (available from Bunnings) that attaches to your garden hose. Follow up with a squeegee for a professional finish. The result? Crystal-clear views!

Day 2: 19th December - Dust away cobwebs

Give your walls and ceilings a quick refresh with a cobweb broom. This simple task takes just minutes but makes a big difference.

• Run the cobweb broom along the tops of window frames, skirting boards, and corners to remove any dust and cobwebs. Always do this before vacuuming to avoid doubling your work.

  
  

This is one of those often-overlooked jobs that keeps your home feeling tidy and guest-ready

Day 3: 20th December - Wipe out your fridge

Get ready for the Christmas grocery shop! Guests will likely be opening your fridge for drinks or leftovers, so let’s make it fresh and clean.

• Start by clearing out any old items and wiping down shelves with warm water and dish soap. For stubborn messes, use a baking soda paste to scrub away grime.

• Add a festive touch to your fridge by neutralising odours with a homemade deodoriser: combine half a cup of bi-carb soda, half a teaspoon of cinnamon, and a drop of vanilla in a small jar. Place it in the back of the fridge without the lid on for a subtle, Christmassy scent.

Day 4: 21st December - Clean your oven

Get your oven sparkling and ready for all the Christmas cooking with a thorough, non-toxic clean.

• Skip the harsh chemicals and use a simple, effective method instead: Mix baking soda with a little water to form a paste. Spread it over the inside of the oven and let it sit for a few hours (or overnight for stubborn grime). Wipe it clean with a damp cloth, then spritz with vinegar to lift any residue.

• For oven racks, soak them in hot water with dish soap for a couple of hours before scrubbing.

  
  

A clean oven not only makes cooking easier but also ensures your Christmas feast tastes as good as it looks!

Day 5: 22nd December - Spot clean your walls

There’s no need to deep clean every wall from top to bottom- focus on high-traffic areas to make a big difference with minimal effort.

• Use a damp microfibre cloth or magic eraser to gently wipe away dirty finger marks and smudges around light switches, door frames, and doors. These are areas that often get overlooked but can instantly brighten up a space once cleaned.

  
  

This simple step gives your home a tidy, well-maintained look without much effort.

Day 6: 23rd December - Refresh your dining chairs

With the dining table often being the centrepiece of Christmas celebrations, don’t forget to give your chairs a little TLC.

• Hard or Vinyl Chairs: Wipe them down with warm water, a drop of dish soap, and a soft microfibre cloth. Avoid chemical sprays that can leave surfaces feeling sticky.

• Fabric Chairs: Use the small flat attachment on your vacuum to remove dust, crumbs, and debris. For any small marks or spills, spot-clean with a damp microfibre cloth.

  
  

Clean dining chairs ensure your guests can sit back and enjoy their meals comfortably, without any surprise dust or crumbs!

Day 7: 24th December - Wipe kitchen cupboards

After all your pre-Christmas cooking, your kitchen will likely have a few spills and fingerprints.

• Grab a microfibre cloth and warm, soapy water (just a drop of dish liquid is enough) to wipe down the fronts of your cupboards. Pay attention to areas around handles and any splatters or drips.

  
  

This quick task ensures your kitchen looks as fresh and festive as the feast you’ll be serving on Christmas Day.

By following this simple 7-day plan, your home will feel clean, organised, and ready to welcome family and friends for the big day. Tackling small tasks daily means no last-minute cleaning chaos, leaving you free to relax and enjoy a joyful, stress-free Christmas.

Kylie Sheedy

Simply Sparkling Housekeeping