Seasonal Cleaning

Memorial Day Housekeeping Tips

Memorial Day and the long weekend we enjoy in honor of the holiday are just around the corner. Three-day weekends provide a great opportunity for friends and family to take mini-vacations.

They may even be coming to stay with you.

So while your neighbors get ready to celebrate Memorial Day by deciding whether to grill burgers or smoke ribs, you’re digging out the toilet cleaner to prepare your house for guests. And a frantic night scrubbing is no way to kick off your own long weekend. You need to turbocharge your holiday cleaning early so you can sit back and relax when your guests arrive. We’ve got 10 housekeeping tips to help you do just that.

1. MAKE GUESTS THE PRIORITY WHEN CLEANING

When you’re cleaning house for guests, think about the rooms and areas of the home where they’ll be spending a lot of time. Bathrooms, the guest bedroom, the kitchen and common areas are the spaces out-of-towners will frequent most often, so focus on making those spotless. You can save your bedroom and closet for another day, unless you’re planning on giving a really thorough tour.

2. DISLODGE DUST AND DOG HAIR / VACUUM THE FLOORS

Your company is coming to celebrate Memorial Day, not the discovery of antihistamines. You definitely want to vacuum those carpets, sweep up pet hair and shake the dust out of curtains when you prepare your house for guests. Additionally, make sure your cleaning products are hypoallergenic and fragrance free. After all, you want houseguests to enjoy their visit, rather than itch and sneeze their way through it.

3. MAKE THE BEDROOMS HOMEY

Even though guests are coming to celebrate Memorial Day, they need a private place to retreat to. Make sure duvet covers and pillow shams have been cleaned and aired out. The sheets on the bed should be fresh out of the linen closet or dryer, of course. And don’t forget the housekeeping details: Ceiling fans, nightstands and windowsills should all be dust free.

4. GIVE THEM A BATHROOM THAT’S CLEANER THAN THE ONE AT HOME

Bathrooms are definitely a must-clean when you prepare your house for guests. A messy closet is one thing, but a dirty bathroom. Ugh. Get in there with the toilet cleaner and make that bowl sparkle like it’s brand new. Check to be certain company has a clean bathtub and shower. Even guest bathrooms that are never used are susceptible to nasty mold and mildew. And don’t forget to make that mirror shine.

5. LEAVE GUESTS PLENTY OF LINENS

Naturally, you’ll provide overnighters with fresh sheets, towels and washcloths. But spills happen and towels get used to mop up water on the bathroom floor. Make sure your visitors don’t have to hunt for anything, by leaving plenty of extra towels and washcloths in both the guest bedroom and bathroom.

6. SET UP STORAGE

Friends and family will find it easier to celebrate Memorial Day if they don’t have to live out of their suitcases. Clean out a few drawers for them, and clear space on closet floors for their luggage. Additionally, provide them with bins for items such as dirty towels and washcloths so they don’t have to awkwardly lug around wet linens while trying to find the laundry room.

7. DECLUTTER COMMON AREAS

Holiday Cleaning 101: You want all common areas to be spotless when your guests arrive so they get a good first impression. Have the family pitch in to wipe down end tables and clear shoes out of the entryway. Organize items like books, remotes or video game controllers by using decorative baskets as storage containers. And if you have pets, hit sofas and chairs with a lint roller or vacuum extension.

8. CLEAN THE KITCHEN

You can’t celebrate Memorial Day without food. There’s no doubt your houseguests will be in and out of your kitchen. Lay down the elbow grease—to get rid of the cooking grease—on stovetops, microwaves, your backsplash and countertops. Organize the fridge by putting holiday must-haves like soda, popsicles and beers within easy reach. As you go, wipe down refrigerator doors and kitchen cabinets.

9. DON’T FORGET THOSE OUTSIDE SPACES

Most people celebrate Memorial Day outdoors, so outside areas need to be ready to impress. Sweep porches, decks and patios to rid them of leaves, dust, pine straw and cobwebs. Wipe down patio furniture to be sure no one gets grime on clean clothes. And if you have the time, put up some festive red, white and blue decorations.

10. CALL FOR BACKUP

Sometimes friends and family announce their plans to celebrate Memorial Day with you at the last minute. Other times, your life is too busy to leave time to prepare your house for guests. When that happens, cleaning services are the way to go. Housekeeping professionals can get your home visitor-ready for you, so you can spend the long weekend relaxing and enjoying your company.

Cleaning toilets and scrubbing floors is no way to celebrate Memorial Day. Arm yourself with these tips and you can prepare your house for guests with a little less stress this year.