Thanksgiving is here. You need to clean the kitchen, wash the dishes, and clear the pathway. You’ll be too busy cleaning every corner of the house.

To tackle all this, take time to clean ahead of time. Tackle big projects first, then the rest will follow. To help you out, check out the following Thanksgiving checklist that will make you proud of your housekeeping habits.

Before Dinner Thanksgiving Checklist

Cleaning will be a bit more intense before dinner. You’ll want to have your home ready at the same time cook for your guests. The following Thanksgiving checklist will help you plan ahead and accordingly.

Two Weeks Ahead

• Clean the refrigerator to make room for Thanksgiving food.
• Do any outdoor chores like cleaning the pathway while raking leaves.
• Wash utensils that are dirty or don’t get used regularly.
• Clean out one or two closets to assist guests in putting their personal belongings like coats and umbrellas.
• Organize cluttered areas that you don’t want guests to see.

One-Week Ahead

• Clean the oven and stovetop for all the cooking you’ll be doing.
• Wash then iron napkins and table cloths.
• Clean and disinfect bathrooms that the guests will be using.
• Clean and disinfect all the windows.
• Dust and pay attention to surfaces. Guests might lean and talk.

The Day before Thanksgiving

• Run and empty the dishwasher.
• Set the table if you don’t need to use the dinner table. It will make it look nice for the arriving guests.
•  Put decorations, including candles, if there is a need.
• Touch up bathrooms – wipe mirrors, the faucet, and the top of the toilet.
• Create a clean cooking environment- change kitchen towels, clean spills on the floor, and wash hands regularly.
• Vacuum and sweep the floor to remove new dirt.

Thanksgiving Day

• Clear away countertops.
• Dispose of the trash in trash cans or dust bins before guests arrive.
• Put out clean towels in the bathroom.
• Disinfect all the door handles and other frequently touched surfaces.
• Wipe down the stove.

After Dinner Thanksgiving Checklist

After dinner, cleaning is not difficult. Maybe you’ll get assistance from one or more guests. The key thing is to divide the work and get things done.

To avoid Thanksgiving cleaning pressure. Here’s a Thanksgiving checklist of tasks you will need to tackle:

• Set up a soaking and handwashing station

As soon as you transfer food to plates, designate a small trashcan as the washing spot. Fill it with soapy water, then soak pots and pans. Also, set up a single restroom or handwashing station for guests as a COVID precaution. 

• Line garbage cans

Triple or double line garbage cans to toss trash bags.

• Pump up the music

Turn off soothing dinner tunes and replace it with tempo music to give you the urge for cleaning.          

• Sweep the dining room, living room, and the kitchen
• Pack leftovers into the take-home containers.
• Clear napkins from the table and wipe the tabletops.
• Collect glasses, plates, and silverware.

Final Thoughts

Families are preparing to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday season together. For many, it will leave memories to be cherished for a lifetime. But before planning your Thanksgiving meal, safety should be a priority.

During this time of the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s essential to celebrate carefully to keep your loved ones safe.  Keep in mind all the necessary precautions like keeping the number of people indoors to a minimum, possibly celebrating outdoors, and also wearing face masks as much as possible. 

But, what if you don’t have time for post-dinner cleaning? Just give us a call today for home cleaning services and enjoy a happy Thanksgiving.