Party cleaning tips for after the guests have gone

The post-event clean-up after hosting a party can feel overwhelming. However, taking the time to clean immediately after the guests leave has its advantages. With the festive season just around the corner, knowing how to clean up your home after your guests have all left can help you reduce odours, minimise the risk of staining on carpets and upholstery, and keep your property in the best condition when the celebrations are over.

In this guide, we’ll offer tips to streamline the clean-up process, ensuring that you restore your home to its pre-party condition in no time.

Essential Supplies to Have on Hand

Before diving into the clean-up, make sure you have the right supplies ready. You’ll want to have plenty of rubbish bags, ideally separating those for recyclables and regular waste, along with a multi-surface cleaning spray, disinfectant, and a glass cleaner to help you tackle different areas effectively.

If you have furniture with materials that require dedicated care, like leather sofas or velvet-covered chairs, make sure your cleaning supplies are suitable. Microfibre cloths, sponges and rubber gloves are also essential, alongside a vacuum cleaner and mop to cover both carpets and hard floors.

Clear Any Rubbish and Disposable Items

Begin by gathering all the rubbish throughout your home, from empty bottles and cups to plates and food wrappers left behind by your guests. After collecting the empty containers, it’s time to focus on leftover food. Scrape plates into the bin or store any food worth keeping in containers, then load up the dishwasher and start a washing cycle to be working in the background while you clean up elsewhere.

Focus on the Living Spaces

Once everything’s been cleared, turn your attention to the furniture which can be a common victim of spillages. Inspect chairs and sofas that will benefit from upholstery cleaning, looking for any stains or spills that should be spot-cleaned immediately to avoid permanent damage.

For the floors, vacuum carpets or rugs to remove crumbs and dirt, then sweep and mop hard floors, paying special attention to any spills. Don’t forget to wipe down surfaces like tables and countertops, especially where drinks or food were served, as well as windowsills that are often used as a makeshift coffee table during crowded parties. You’ll also need to clean overlooked areas such as light switches, remote controls, and door handles, which are often touched by multiple guests and can harbour bacteria.

Carry Out a Kitchen Clean-Up

Next, tackle the kitchen which can be one of the dirtiest areas of the home, especially after a party. Start by washing any dishes and delicate glassware used during the party that couldn’t go into the dishwasher, and put away anything that’s clean and ready to be dried. Once the dishes are handled, move on to cleaning and sanitising the kitchen surfaces.

Wipe down countertops, the sink and stovetop, as these areas are often sticky or greasy after cooking or food preparation, and clean any spills to avoid attracting insects or creating unpleasant odours. Don’t forget door and cupboard handles, which are a breeding ground for bacteria, as well as fridge and freezer handles and doors.

Don’t Forget the Bathroom

Bathrooms also require attention after a party. Start by emptying the rubbish bin, then wipe down the sink, counter, and mirror to remove any water spots, soap residue, or fingerprints. Tackle the toilet, spraying with a multi-purpose spray and wiping down with a microfibre cloth, then finishing with a squirt of toilet cleaner around the rim of the bowl. Finally, make sure the bathroom is re-stocked with essentials, such as toilet paper, soap, and clean hand towels.

Quick Stain Removal Tips

Accidents are bound to happen during parties, so knowing how to deal with common stains can be a lifesaver. For wine stains, blot the area with a paper towel immediately, then apply a diluted mixture of water and washing-up liquid.

For food spills, bicarbonate of soda or vinegar can be used to lift stains from fabrics—just dab gently and avoid scrubbing. Carpet stains should be treated with a suitable carpet stain remover before vacuuming to restore a clean appearance, but it may require a professional carpet cleaning if there’s a lot of dirt and tougher stains ground in.

Final Touches

Once the main cleaning tasks are done, finish up by opening up the windows and rear doors to let plenty of fresh air through each room. Even just 15 minutes can make all the difference and will help remove any lingering food or drink smells, leaving the home feeling pleasant and refreshed without the need for chemicals found in air fresheners and synthetic fragrances.

Post-party cleaning doesn’t have to be a dreaded task. Breaking down the process into manageable steps and tackling it methodically will help you restore your home to its original state more efficiently. However, if you want to invest in professional deep cleaning services, Apple Clean are on hand to help – contact us for a quote today.