Cleaning After the Holidays Made Simple for a Fresh Start at Home

Cleaning after the holidays can feel like a monumental task, especially when your Santa Monica home has been the center of multiple gatherings, festive meals, and gift-unwrapping marathons. The post-holiday mess often includes clutter, crumbs, spills, and decorations that linger long past the season. But with a clear routine and the right strategies, you can reclaim your space and welcome the new year with a clean, refreshed home.

Post-Holiday Cleaning Checklist

Before diving into a full clean, it’s important to follow a structured approach to make cleaning after the holidays manageable and effective.

  • Start with decluttering: Collect wrapping paper, empty boxes, and disposable dinnerware.
  • Remove decorations: Take down lights, ornaments, and garlands carefully to avoid damage.
  • Sort and store: Use labeled bins for holiday items so next year’s setup is smoother.
  • Do a surface wipe-down: Dust and clean surfaces where decor was placed.
  • Empty the fridge: Toss leftovers that are past their prime and wipe shelves.

In Santa Monica, where coastal humidity can affect indoor air quality, it’s also a good idea to open your windows during this phase to let fresh air circulate.

Cleaning After the Holidays Made Simple for a Fresh Start at Home

Deep Cleaning the Kitchen and Dining Areas

These rooms often see the most action during the holidays, and giving them a thorough clean is essential.

  • Degrease stovetops and ovens: Post-feast residue can be stubborn if not cleaned promptly.
  • Wipe cabinets and backsplashes: Spills and splashes often go unnoticed during cooking.
  • Clean the dishwasher and garbage disposal: Use vinegar or a disposal cleaning pod.
  • Sweep and mop floors: Don’t forget those hidden corners under tables and appliances.

Cleaning after the holidays in these spaces restores order and hygiene, especially if you’ve hosted several gatherings in your Santa Monica home.

simple interior touches

Refresh Living Spaces and Floors

Your living room likely hosted guests, movie nights, and game marathons. Refreshing these areas is key when cleaning after the holidays.

  • Vacuum couches and under cushions: Crumbs and glitter love to hide here.
  • Dust electronics and TV stands: These can quickly collect holiday debris.
  • Disinfect high-touch surfaces: Remote controls, door handles, and light switches.
  • Fluff and wash throw blankets and pillow covers: Fresh textiles go a long way.

This is also the perfect time to schedule carpet cleaning if your floors took a beating from foot traffic, spills, or pine needles from the tree.

Restoring Calm and Fragrance

After the physical cleaning is done, take a few extra steps to bring peace and freshness back into your home.

  • Light scented candles or use essential oil diffusers: Lavender or citrus work well.
  • Reorganize shelves and tabletops: A minimalist reset helps reduce visual clutter.
  • Water and dust houseplants: They help filter the air and add life to the room.
  • Replace linens: Swap out holiday-themed items for fresh, neutral-toned ones.

In Santa Monica, the mild winter air allows for natural ventilation—use it to your advantage as you reset your space.

FAQs For Cleaning After The Holidays

Begin as soon as the celebrations end to prevent clutter and stains from settling in.

For tough stains or if you’re short on time, hiring professionals can be a smart move, especially for carpet cleaning or upholstery refreshes.

Use large bins labeled “keep,” “store,” and “donate” to quickly sort through gifts, decor, and leftovers.

Boil lemon peels and baking soda, clean the garbage disposal, and open windows if possible.

Yes. Always clean tablecloths, napkins, and seasonal pillow covers before packing to prevent mildew and odor.

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