Pregnant woman happy at home near the Christmas tree during the Christmas celebration
A three-week countdown to cleaning your home for Christmas
It’ll leave you with enough time to enjoy the festivities!
We know, we can’t believe it either – a year has passed and here we are, just weeks to go before Christmas and there’s still so much to do in the home.
We thought we had learnt our lesson from last year, where we vowed to be so much more organised to reduce the rising stress levels that is all so very common in this very busy month. But no, just like everything else, time got in the way, and now with three weeks ago, Christmas is very much in sight.
Preparing to welcome guests during the festive season means paying urgent attention to the home, from the rooms and objects we touch the most, to all the corners and crevices that are often forgotten.
There’s no doubt about it, household chores – whether big or small – can be daunting. But in fact, there really is no need to worry at all. Why? Because the experts at Oven Pride has put together a three-week guide to help you prepare your house from top to bottom. And the best bit? It’ll leave you with enough time to enjoy the Christmas festivities – minus the stress.
THREE WEEKS TO GO
The Living Room
It’s time to prepare the living room for the main event – the Christmas tree. Pull all the furniture in to the centre of the room and vacuum the floors and soft furnishings. Begin to clear a space for the tree and dust off the decorations.
*As for Santa, he’ll need a clean fireplace for a grand arrival, so take the time to dust the hearth.
TWO WEEKS TO GO
Kitchen cupboards
Turkey ordered? Check. Clean cupboards? Hmmm. About that… Prepare your fridge and cupboards for the Christmas feast by clearing out and wiping down all surfaces and shelves so you’re ready for the ‘big shop’.
ONE WEEK TO GO
Entertaining guests over the festive period? One week before Christmas is the perfect time to ensure their bedroom is visitor ready, so it’s a good time to ensure that your guest towels and bedding are washed, ironed and ready to roll.
Kitchen
The one job that’s often forgotten about… the big oven clean! With family and friends poking around your kitchen on the big day, let your oven have it’s time to shine and make it mother-in-law proof! You can cut time using Oven Pride by simply placing the racks in the plastic bag provided, add in the solution and then wait 24 hours.
And do you reserve your ‘posh’ cutlery and glasses for special occasions? Make sure glasses are polished and cutlery is clean and ready to go.
Tip: If you notice any stains on your glassware, fill the sink with warm water and add a small amount of bleach. Soak for at least 30 minutes. Make a paste from baking soda and water and rub it into the stained area. Rinse well and allow the glasses to air dry. If the stains remain, repeat the process.
24 HOURS BEFORE
Bathroom
To get your bathroom ship-shape before Christmas guests arrive, make sure to clean the shower and sink with an all-purpose spray, and don’t forget to fluff up the bath mat to be extra soft for guests. Flush the toilet, then pour a cupful of bleach into the rim of the bowl and leave to sit for five minutes.
Tip: Create a solution with equal parts water and vinegar in a spray bottle and use a microfibre cloth to clean toothpaste stains and water marks.
Living Room & Dining Room
Time for one last vacuum in the living room to clear any loose pine needles and dust and polish surfaces.
Finally, why not set the Christmas dinner table the night before to ensure the big day is as stress-free as possible… then pour yourself a drink and enjoy the festivities because you’ve certainly earned it!
