The holidays are a time for celebration, but they can also be messy, so here are my tips for quick cleaning after a gathering. Don’t let it be a daunting task. With the right approach, it can be done quickly and efficiently. Here are 10 tips to help you clean up faster after your holiday gatherings:
- Keep up on the kitchen mess while cooking, have all the dirty dishes cleaned before guests arrive.
- Keep a natural degreaser on hand and some stainless-steel scrubbers for the burnt-on messes.
- Enlist the help of family and friends to assist with cleaning up. Maybe the gals cook, and the guys clean up?
- Use a dishwasher to clean dishes quickly and efficiently if you have one. Or enlist help.
- Use a squeegee or microfiber cloth to quickly clean up spills on hard surfaces.
- Use a rubber broom or brush to quickly pick up crumbs and debris from carpeted surfaces. Or quickly vacuum if needed.
- Use a microfiber cloth to quickly wipe down surfaces.
- Use a broom and dustpan or rubber broom to quickly sweep up larger debris from hard surfaces.
- Have a microfiber mop on hand to quickly wipe up wet messes on the floor.
- Keep plenty of cleaning supplies easily accessible for quick cleanup and lots of helpers.
Remember, cleaning up after a holiday gathering doesn’t have to be stressful. With these tips, you can clean up quickly and efficiently, leaving you more time to enjoy the holiday season with your loved ones.
How to Ask for Help with Clean-up
Asking for help can be a great way to make the process go much smoother. Here’s some tips on how to ask for help when cleaning up after a holiday gathering.
Firstly, be specific about what you need help with. Instead of just asking for “help cleaning up,” try to be more specific. For example, you might ask someone specifically “Could you please help me wash the dishes?” or “Would you mind helping me take out the trash?” This will make it easier for people to know how they can best help you.
Secondly, be gracious when asking for help. Remember the ones helping, so make sure to thank them and let them know how much you appreciate their help. A simple “Thank you so much for helping me, it really means a lot!” can go a long way.
Thirdly, don’t be afraid to delegate tasks. If you have multiple people helping you, try to assign specific tasks to each person. For example, you might assign one person to clean the kitchen while another person takes care of the living room. This will help ensure that everything gets done in a timely and efficient manner.
Finally, be flexible and willing to compromise. Remember that everyone has different schedules and commitments, so it may not be possible for everyone to help you at the exact same time. Be flexible and if someone isn’t able to help you, don’t take it personally. There may be other factors at play that you’re not aware of.
Overall, asking for help when cleaning up after a holiday gathering can be a great way to make the process go much smoother. By being specific, gracious, delegating tasks, and being flexible, you’ll be able to get everything done in no time!
How to Make you Gatherings Less Stressful
The holiday season is a time to spend with loved ones and enjoy each other’s company. However, it can often be a stressful time, especially if you are hosting a gathering. Here are some tips to make your holiday gathering less stressful:
- Plan ahead: Make a list of everything you need to do before the gathering, such as cleaning, shopping, and cooking. Prioritize the most important tasks and give yourself plenty of time to complete them. Let go of some traditions that no longer serve you.
- Delegate tasks or bring a dish to pass: Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Assign tasks to family members or friends who are attending the gathering. This will not only help you get things done faster but also make them feel involved and valued.
- Simplify your menu: While it’s tempting to go all out with a fancy menu, keep in mind that simple dishes can be just as delicious. Stick to a few crowd-pleasing favorites instead of trying to make everything from scratch.
- Create a relaxed atmosphere: Set the tone for a stress-free gathering by creating a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. Play some holiday music, light some candles, and decorate with warm colors and soft lighting.
- Take breaks: Don’t forget to take breaks throughout the day to rest and recharge. Take a walk outside or sit down for a few minutes to enjoy a cup of tea.
Remember, the most important thing is to enjoy the time spent with your loved ones. Simplify and let go of the extra things that aren’t necessary. By following these tips, you can create a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere for everyone to enjoy. And hopefully it will be less stressful for you as well.
Final Thoughts
Don’t forget to ask some of the littles to help. They often are the most willing of volunteers.
Here’s the link to My Favorite Non-Toxic Clean-Up Products. These really do cut down on your clean up time and are non-toxic, which is important for you guests too. Read more Non-Toxic Cleaning Tips here.
Simplify, cut down and do as much ahead as possible. Focus more on making memories with the ones who are there with you!
I know some of my readers want that kitchen spotless right away. For some they prefer to leave it until later. Either way there are some tips in here that should help.
Enjoy your holiday gatherings!
