Deep Cleaning Checklist: Getting Your Home Guest-Ready for Thanksgiving

The week before Thanksgiving is notoriously hectic. By starting your deep cleaning now, you can spread the work over several days, avoid last-minute stress, and actually enjoy the holiday with your guests.

The living room is where your guests will spend most of their time, so give it extra attention:

• Deep vacuum all upholstered furniture, getting into crevices with attachments
• Spot-clean any stains on sofas and chairs
• Fluff and arrange throw pillows and blankets
• Dust all surfaces including coffee tables, side tables, and shelving units
• Clean TV screens and electronics with appropriate cleaners
• Vacuum under furniture and along baseboards
• Wipe down light switches and door handles
• Clean windows and window sills to let in maximum natural light
• Vacuum or clean area rugs, and consider professional cleaning for heavily soiled ones
• Organize entertainment areas and remove clutter from surfaces

Transform your dining area into a beautiful space for your Thanksgiving meal:

• Clean the dining table thoroughly, treating wood surfaces appropriately
• Polish silverware and serving pieces you’ll be using
• Dust the chandelier or light fixture – cobwebs show up in photos
• Clean chair cushions and upholstery
• Wipe down the china cabinet inside and out
• Polish glassware to eliminate water spots
• Vacuum or clean floors under the table and chairs
• Wash table linens including tablecloths, napkins, and placemats
• Clean decorative items like candle holders and centerpieces

If you’re hosting overnight guests, make their stay comfortable:

• Wash all bedding including sheets, pillowcases, comforters, and mattress covers
• Flip or rotate the mattress if needed
• Dust all surfaces including nightstands, dressers, and headboards
• Clean windows and mirrors
• Vacuum thoroughly, including under the bed and in closets
• Clear closet space and provide hangers for guests
• Empty dresser drawers to give guests storage space
• Check that lamps work and replace bulbs if necessary
• Provide extra blankets and pillows for comfort
• Add welcoming touches like fresh flowers, water carafe, and reading materials

Your kitchen will be working overtime during Thanksgiving. Prepare it properly:

• Deep clean the oven and stovetop – You’ll need maximum efficiency on cooking day
• Clean out the refrigerator completely to make room for holiday ingredients and leftovers
• Wipe down all cabinet fronts, especially around handles where grease accumulates
• Clean the microwave inside and out
• Scrub the sink and polish faucets until they shine
• Clean countertops and backsplash thoroughly
• Defrost and organize the freezer if needed
• Wipe down all appliances including the dishwasher exterior, coffee maker, and toaster
• Mop floors, paying attention to corners and under appliances
• Take out trash and recycling, and replace with fresh liners
• Clean the garbage disposal with ice cubes and citrus peels
• Organize pantry items and discard anything expired

Clean bathrooms are essential when hosting. For each bathroom:

• Scrub toilets thoroughly, including under the rim and around the base
• Clean and disinfect sinks, faucets, and countertops
• Scrub the tub and shower, removing soap scum and mildew
• Clean shower doors or curtains – replace liners if needed
• Wipe down mirrors until streak-free
• Mop floors, especially around the toilet base
• Clean exhaust fan covers
• Wipe light switches and door handles
• Organize under-sink cabinets and medicine cabinets
• Stock up on essentials – toilet paper, hand soap, fresh towels, and tissues
• Add guest-friendly touches like a new hand towel, air freshener, and a basket with extra toiletries

Don’t overlook these commonly missed spots:

• Baseboards throughout the home – dust and wipe them down
• Air vents and return grills – vacuum or wipe to improve air quality
• Light fixtures and ceiling fans – remove dust and dead insects
• Door frames and molding – wipe away built-up grime
• Stair railings and banisters – clean and polish
• Laundry room – clean washer and dryer, and clear any clutter
• Garage or mudroom – organize and sweep, especially if guests will enter through these areas

Start Two Weeks Ahead: Tackle one or two rooms per day instead of overwhelming yourself with everything at once.

Work Top to Bottom: Always start with higher surfaces and work your way down so dust and debris fall to areas you haven’t cleaned yet.

Use the Right Products: pH-neutral cleaners work well on most surfaces without damaging finishes. Keep eco-friendly options on hand for a healthier home.

Enlist Help: Assign age-appropriate tasks to family members. Many hands make light work.

Create a Schedule: Write out which rooms you’ll clean on which days and stick to it.

Focus on High-Touch Areas: If you’re short on time, prioritize spaces where guests will spend the most time and surfaces they’ll touch frequently.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or simply don’t have the time, professional cleaning services can be a game-changer. At Unique Cleaning Solutions, we offer comprehensive pre-holiday deep cleaning packages that cover everything on this checklist and more. Serving College Park and surrounding areas within a 30-mile radius, our experienced team can have your home guest-ready while you focus on meal prep and family time.

Professional cleaners bring industrial-grade equipment, expertise in tackling tough stains, and the efficiency that comes from years of experience. Many of our clients schedule a deep clean before major holidays and find it’s the best investment they make all year.

A clean home is just the foundation. Here are extras that make guests feel truly welcome:

• Fresh flowers or seasonal arrangements in key areas
• Soft background music playing when guests arrive
• Comfortable temperature settings – homes tend to heat up with cooking and guests
• Adequate lighting – ensure all bulbs work and spaces are well-lit
• Pleasant scents – subtle and natural, avoiding overpowering air fresheners
• Clear pathways – ensure guests can move freely through spaces