15 Little Things to Clean Before Holiday Guests Arrive
Because it’s the little things that make a big impression.
Hosting during the holidays can feel like a whirlwind, right? Between the cooking, the decorating, and trying to make sure nobody argues over dinner, cleaning can quickly fall to the bottom of the list. And even when we do clean, we often forget those sneaky little spots that guests definitely notice (even if they’re too polite to say anything).
So take a breath, grab your coffee, and let’s walk through 15 quick things you can clean to make your home feel extra cozy, fresh, and ready for visitors.
1. The Microwave (Goodbye, Leftover Spaghetti Splatter)
Let’s be honest—microwaves can get gross fast. Place a bowl of water with a lemon slice inside and run it for 5 minutes. The steam will loosen up all the gunk, and it’ll smell amazing. Just wipe it down after and boom—like new.
2. Your Welcome Mat (Because First Impressions Start Here)
Guests step in and wipe their shoes on it. If it’s looking dingy or dusty, toss it in the washing machine (if it’s machine-washable). A clean mat quietly says, “Yep, I’ve got things under control.”
3. TV Remotes (A Germy Little Secret)
Everyone uses the remote—but no one ever cleans it. Grab a disinfectant wipe and give it a good clean. No more snack crumbs or mystery stickiness. Just fresh, guest-ready TV time.
4. Soap Dishes or Dispensers (Because Nobody Wants Gooey Soap)
You may not notice it, but your guests will. If there’s slimy buildup or dried soap around the pump, rinse it off with warm water and give it a gentle scrub. It only takes a minute but feels so much better.
5. Light Switches & Door Handles (Tiny Spots, Big Impact)
These little spots are touched a hundred times a day—but usually skipped over during cleaning. Wipe them down with a damp cloth or disinfectant wipe. It’s a small task that makes your whole home feel more cared for.
6. Shower Curtain or Liner (Say No to Mildew)
A stained curtain is not the vibe. If it’s plastic, toss it in the washer with some towels to help scrub it clean, then hang it back up to dry. Just like that—fresh and guest-ready.
7. Under the Couch Cushions (Where Lost Snacks Go to Die)
Lift those cushions and vacuum whatever lives down there—popcorn, pennies, maybe even a missing sock. If someone’s sleeping on the couch or lounging there for movie night, this one’s worth it.
8. Dusty Blinds (The Silent Offender)
Don’t let your guests open the blinds and release a cloud of dust. Use a clever trick: wrap microfiber cloths around tongs, secure with rubber bands, and glide across each slat. Weirdly satisfying and super effective.
9. Fridge Door Handles (Sticky? Ew.)
They may not look dirty, but fingerprints and kitchen grime build up fast. A warm cloth with a bit of dish soap or vinegar will shine them right up. Your fridge will thank you.
10. Air Vents (Because Fresh Air Matters)
Especially in guest rooms, make sure your vents are dust-free. Vacuum the covers, then use a cloth-wrapped butter knife to clean between the slots. It’s quick and makes a real difference in how fresh the room feels.
11. Toilet Brush Holder (No One Talks About It… But It’s Gross)
We clean the toilet but forget the holder—and that’s where the real stink hides. Dump out any murky water, rinse with hot soapy water (or bleach), and let it dry completely. It’s a quiet win.
12. Faucets (Let’s Get That Shine Back)
Those little corners where the faucet meets the sink? They get grimy fast. Use an old toothbrush with warm water and a bit of soap to scrub. It’ll look sparkling clean—and make your guests smile.
13. Kitchen Trash Can (Don’t Just Empty It—Clean It)
Even if it’s empty, it might smell full. Wipe down the outside, clean under the lid, and sprinkle some baking soda inside to control odors. Suddenly your kitchen smells like cookies again. You’re welcome.
14. Shower Tracks (Where the Gross Stuff Hides)
Lay paper towels soaked in vinegar along the tracks for about 30 minutes, then scrub with a small brush. It’s like giving your bathroom a mini spa day.
15. Guest Pillows (Clean Pillows = Sweet Dreams)
Even with clean cases, pillows collect dust and skin cells over time. Most can be tossed in the washer (check the label). Add a couple of clean tennis balls in the dryer to keep them fluffy and soft. Your guests will sleep like babies.
Final Thought:
You don’t need to scrub every inch of your home to make it holiday-ready. Just focusing on these small, high-impact spots can make everything feel fresher, cozier, and a whole lot more welcoming. Plus, you’ll feel more relaxed knowing your guests are comfy and impressed—even if the cookies came from a box mix (we won’t tell).
