You threw an awesome big party last night. Everyone had fun and enjoyed perfect music, delicious food, and cocktails. In the morning, you are left alone to deal with the consequences – sticky floors, empty cups, piles of dirty dirty dishes, drink stains on furniture and floors, unpleasant smells all over the house… Cleaning up this mess may seem overwhelming, but worry not. With the right approach, cleaning after a party does not have to be daunting. Just make a plan and you will restore your home quickly and easily. We are here to help and share some useful tips & tricks you should follow.
Why Do You Need a Post-Party Cleanup Plan
Making a good post-party cleanup plan will help you work smart, not hard. We are sure that after a fun and exciting night with your friends, you are not in a mood for scrubbing and tidying up for hours. On the other hand, if you leave all that mess for too long, the things will become worse – stains will set in, odors will linger, and pests like fruit flies or mice can come to visit you.
Making a structured clean-up plan will save you a lot of time, because you will do things in the right order. Furniture, floors and surfaces won’t end up damaged and you will prevent stains and odors. Once you are done, your home will be sparkling, fresh, tidy and ready for the next gathering.
Step 1: Quick Reset
Your quick reset should start with letting the fresh air in – that will eliminate the stale smell. Open up all doors and windows, and turn on ceiling fans, if you have them. Fresh air will push out lingering odors. Then, take garbage bags and inspect all the rooms, one by one. Collect empty cups and bottles, food leftovers, napkins, paper towels, straws, wrappers and all the other obvious trash and small debris. Don’t forget to empty recycling bins available during the party, because if you leave the garbage for too long in them, sticky spills can occur on the floor. If you need help keeping your trash cans clean, check out these trash can cleaning tips.
If you notice wine/juice spills on the floor, bloat them with a clean towel. Do not rub them, because it will make the situation worse. If the stains are on the furniture, sprinkle them with baking soda or salt and wait until the moisture is absorbed. Then rub the stains with a wet towel. If the stains are sticky, particularly from syrup or sugary drinks, these syrup cleaning tips can help you remove them easily.
If you notice that the countertops are sticky, rub them with a mixture of warm water and white vinegar. This solution is efficient because it will dissolve sugar and grime easily. The stains on carpets should be removed with a mixture of dish soap and warm water.
Step 2: Clean the Kitchen First
Coping with the toughest tasks first is a good strategy. As the kitchen is usually the dirtiest area, cleaning it first makes the rest of the process seem easier. We hope that you have the dishwasher, because it will be more than helpful in this situation. Load it up with dirty dishes and run the cycle while you are tackling other tasks. That will save you some time. Dishes with dried-on food should stay soaked for a while, and delicate items like wine glasses and serving plates should be washed manually.
Then, wipe down all surfaces with a disinfecting spray. If you don’t have it, you can easily make it yourself – just mix warm water and vinegar. Use it to clean countertops, stove, oven, backsplash and sink. If you need a quick way to clean your kitchen, follow this 15-minute kitchen cleaning guide for efficient results.
Empty the trash bin and wipe it down if there is any sticky residue. You can add a few drops of essential oil of your choice to the bottom of the bin – it will help it smell fresh.
Step 3: Tidy Up the Living Room and Dining Area
As the guests spend most of the time in the living room and dining area, they can be very messy after the party. Start with fluffing and straightening up pillows, blankets and furniture, then vacuum them. If you have stains on your couch, this fabric couch cleaning guide will help you clean it quickly and effectively.
Mop the hardwood/tile floors, and vacuum carpets and rugs thoroughly. Follow these hardwood floor cleaning tips to keep them looking flawless. Empty all half-finished drinks into the sink and collect all plates, glasses and other items.
Step 4: Clean the Bathroom
Bathrooms are frequently used areas during the party, so they can get really dirty. You should pay special attention to it. Take a disinfectant and clean the toilet seat, rim and bowl. Wipe down the sink and the countertop and then disinfect them, too. Check if you need to refill the soap dispenser and change the towels. Clean the mirrors and all glass surfaces. In the end, spray some air freshener or add a few drops of essential oil to the toilet paper roll. These are excellent ways to keep the bathroom smelling fresh for a long time.
Step 5: Final Touches to Freshen Up the House
Now, when all the rooms are clean it is time for final touch. You can light a few candles or spray air deodorizer to give the space a fresh, inviting scent. If you moved or rearranged furniture to make more space for the guests, put everything back where it belongs. You can finally relax and enjoy the clean space.
How to Prevent a Big Mess Next Time
We have a few tips on how to make the cleaning process easier next time you host a party. The good strategy is to put out extra trash bins all around the house. This might encourage guests to clean up after themselves. As dish washing is time consuming, especially if you don’t have a dishwashing machine, opt for disposable plates and cups – you can just throw them away after the gathering. You can protect high-traffic areas by laying down old mats and rugs – that’s the way to protect floors from spills. Be smart when choosing food and drinks – cocktails with juice and soda are tasty and fun, but maybe you should consider pre-mixed, bottled options, to prevent sticky mess all around the house.
If you don’t have time to clean up after a party or want to make your home spotless, consider hiring a deep cleaning service. Professional cleaners will take care of the mess for you, leaving your home sparkling clean and fresh. For regular upkeep, a residential cleaning service can help you maintain a clean and organized space.
As you can see, cleaning up after a party does not have to be such a daunting and stressful experience. With a good plan and cleaning strategy you will have tidy and refreshed home in almost no time. Remember the preventive measures we suggested, so your future cleaning sessions will be even easier. Now, when you know how to easily make your home sparkling clean, you can start planning the next party with a piece of mind.