Somewhere around the second week of December, you'll look at your home through a guest's eyes and notice the smudged glass door, the dusty fan and the stove top that's seen better days. Christmas cleaning has a way of sneaking up on you, and it always lands in the busiest fortnight of the year.
The fix is simple: spread it out. This guide breaks your Christmas cleaning into what to do now, what to do in the last week, and what to do on the morning itself, so your home is guest-ready without a frantic weekend of scrubbing.
Start Your Christmas Cleaning Now: The Jobs That Take Time
It's early November, which means you've got roughly six weeks. That's plenty if you do one small thing at a time. Start with the jobs that are annoying but not urgent, the ones that look worst up close.
- Declutter first. You can't clean around a pile. Clear the entry, the benchtops and the spare room floor so there's something to clean.
- Dust high. Ceiling fans, light fittings, the tops of wardrobes and door frames. Do these before the floors, because the dust falls down.
- Wash the windows and sliding doors. WA summer sun shows every streak, so use a squeegee and do them on a cloudy morning if you can. Don't forget the tracks, where sand and dust collect.
- Tackle the oven. If it's due, do it now so you're not caught mid-roast. Our oven cleaning guide covers it without harsh chemicals.
- Wash the curtains, cushion covers and throw rugs. They hold more summer dust than you'd think.
Two Weeks Out: Rooms Guests Will Actually Use
By now you can narrow the focus. Guests see the entry, the lounge, the dining area, the bathroom and the kitchen. They'll never open your linen cupboard, so don't spend your energy there.
The Guest Bedroom and Bathroom
If anyone's staying over, this is the room that matters most. Strip and wash the bedding, flip or vacuum the mattress, and wipe down the bedside tables and lamp. Clear a few drawers or half a wardrobe so they've got somewhere to put their things.
In the guest bathroom, descale the taps and shower screen, scrub the grout, and put out fresh towels. Our guide to removing hard water stains from glass and taps will get the shower screen sparkling in one go.
The Kitchen
The kitchen is where everyone ends up, so it gets the most scrutiny. Clean out the fridge to make room for the Christmas food (check the use-by dates while you're in there), degrease the range hood, and wipe cupboard doors and handles. The microwave, bin and dishwasher filter all need a look too.
Living and Dining Areas
Vacuum under the couch cushions, wipe skirting boards, and polish the dining table. Give the floors a proper clean, not just a quick pass, because that's where a full house of feet will leave its mark. For a full list of what a thorough clean covers in every room, see our 100-point house cleaning checklist.
The Week Before: Keep It Light
Now it's maintenance, not deep cleaning. A little each day keeps the work from piling up again.
- Wipe benchtops and the bathroom each morning.
- Do a quick vacuum of the main areas every second day.
- Empty the bins before they overflow. Prawn shells and warm weather are not a friendly mix.
- Set up a spot for coats, bags and shoes by the door so the entry stays clear.
Christmas Eve and Morning: The Final Pass
Do this the day before, or first thing on the day. It takes about an hour.
- [ ] Wipe the kitchen benchtops, sink and splashback
- [ ] Clean the toilet, basin and mirror in every bathroom guests will use
- [ ] Put fresh hand towels and a spare toilet roll out
- [ ] Vacuum or mop the entry and living area one last time
- [ ] Empty every bin and put in a fresh liner
- [ ] Clear the dining table and wipe it before it's set
After that, stop. A home that's clean and lived-in beats one that's spotless and tense. Nobody remembers the skirting boards, but they'll remember whether you were relaxed.
When the List Is Bigger Than Your Time
Some years, the list just doesn't fit. Work is flat out, the kids are on school holidays, and you'd rather spend the weekend at the beach. That's when it's worth getting help.
We can help with a clean before Christmas, and set you up with regular house cleaning so the next big occasion doesn't turn into a scramble. Our cleaners are fully insured and police-checked, and every clean is backed by our satisfaction guarantee. If you'd like the house done before the guests arrive, ask us for a free quote and book early, because December fills up fast.
