The holidays are just around the corner! Whether you’re planning a small gathering for friends or hosting the extended family, this is the time of year when your home gets the most use, and sees the most mess.

At Clean Cans, we know your time is precious, especially during the holidays. You shouldn’t have to spend every minute scrubbing. Mr. Clean Can believes that smart preparation and quick daily habits beat one massive panic-clean every time.

Here is Mr. Clean Can’s guide to keeping your home presentable, functional, and clean without sacrificing your holiday spirit.

1. The Pre-Holiday Deep Clean

Think of this as your “reset button” before the chaos begins. If you host multiple events, this deep clean ensures your home starts at a baseline of truly clean, making subsequent maintenance much easier.

Tackle the High-Traffic Spots: The kitchen, the primary bathroom, and the guest bathroom are spots that see the most traffic in your home. Clean the grease, descale the showerheads, and organize the cabinets. A deep-cleaned kitchen saves time when cooking, and sparkling bathrooms are always noticed.

Declutter ruthlessly: Hosting is much simpler if you have space. Find a temporary spot for excess decorations, mail, and knick-knacks that just take up valuable surface area.

The Carpet and Upholstery Check: A quick pass with a steam cleaner or spot cleaner on your main living room rug and furniture is worth the effort. It instantly freshens up the air and appearance.

2. Setting Up Cleaning Zones for Guests

Make it easy for guests (and yourself!) to manage their own messes. This is about prevention and accessibility.

The Entryway Drop-Zone: Set up a small area near the entrance with a mat, a shoe rack, and a small basket or bowl for keys and gloves. This helps contain incoming dirt immediately.

Accessible Trash Cans: Place a trash can in the main party area (like the living room or near the snack table). This prevents cups and napkins from migrating to your countertops.

Bathroom Refresh: Place a few extra hand towels and a container of disinfecting wipes or spray near the sink. A quick midday wipe of the counter or sink makes a huge difference.

3. The 10-Minute Daily Reset

This is the most critical habit. The difference between a messy home and a tidy home is often just 10 minutes of daily effort before bed.

Load the Dishwasher: Even if you just stack all the dirty dishes in the sink, getting them off the counter is a huge visual win.

Wipe Down the Kitchen Counter: Use an all-purpose spray to wipe down the main prep area. It only takes a minute, prevents overnight stickiness, and starts your morning fresh.

The Room Scan: Take a laundry basket and walk through the main living areas. Pick up anything that doesn’t belong (magazines, toys, remote controls) and put it back in its proper home.

Mr. Clean Can Pro Tip: Before the holiday rush, check your cleaning supply inventory. Make sure you have plenty of paper towels, garbage bags, and your favorite all-purpose cleaner. Running out mid-party is a headache you can easily avoid!

4. Post-Event Cleanup

The party is over, and you’re tired—we get it. But a 30-minute, focused cleanup immediately after the party will save you a weekend of dread later.

Take Out the Trash: Get the bulk of the party waste out of the house immediately. This prevents odors and makes it easier to clean surfaces.

Start a Load of Laundry: Get all those used towels, napkins, and tablecloths into the machine. No need to fold, just start the cycle.

Spot Clean Spills: Don’t let that wine or gravy stain set! Address major spills on the carpet or furniture immediately with the appropriate cleaning spray.

This season is about enjoying time with the people you care about. By establishing a smart clean-up schedule and using preventive measures, you can spend less time scrubbing and more time celebrating. Do your cans need some attention? Leave that to our team, so you have more time with your family and less time elbow deep in your bins! Schedule a cleaning today.