Our Ultimate 12 Day Holiday Cleaning Countdown

Cleaning before the rush of the holidays or the arrival of guests is something many people do. Rather than worry about getting it all done on time, we've broken down the long list of potential to-dos into little tasks you can tackle individually over three weeks. So instead of trying to make your entire home sparkle in one marathon cleaning session, you can deal with the kitchen floor one day and clear out the refrigerator another. You'll still have to do a final spruce-up, but all the big chores will already be done. Then, relax and enjoy the holiday—without the morning-of cleaning frenzy.

For our cleaning countdown, we've compiled a list of common cleaning tasks that may be on your list, but feel free to customize your checklist according to your home and priorities. To save you time and energy, we've focused on the rooms most commonly used when entertaining (living room, kitchen, dining room, and bathrooms), but expand the list as needed. For example, if you're planning to entertain outdoors, add the patio or covered porch to your to-do list.

The Holiday Cleaning Countdown

12 Days Before

• Stock up on essential cleaning supplies so you can skip the last-minute trips to the grocery store.

11 Days Before

• Clean out your pantry. Start by removing everything from the shelves and wiping them down. Check the expiration date on each item before placing it back on the shelf. Organize one area for all the ingredients you'll need when prepping the holiday meal. (This will also help you avoid buying items you already own.)

10 Days Before

• Take stock of the dishes, silverware, and serveware you plan to use for the big dinner. Wash or dry-clean the tablecloth and placemats. You may also want to quickly wash the dishes—especially if you're using the good china that's been collecting dust for the past 11 months.

9 Days Before

• Scrub the stovetop and clean the oven (including the grimy oven door!). As a precaution, you may want to skip the self-cleaning feature on your oven. There's a risk of malfunction that could put your oven out of commission during the biggest cooking holidays of the year (yikes!).

8 Days Before

• Clean out the refrigerator. First, remove everything from the shelves and give them a thorough cleaning. Check the expiration dates before returning each item to the fridge. Like in the pantry, make sure the ingredients you'll reach for when cooking holiday meals or baking Christmas cookies are front and center.

7 Days Before

• Give the kitchen floors a deep clean. You'll need to vacuum or sweep again as the holiday gets closer, but any serious dirt and grime will be taken care of.

6 Days Before

• If you're having family stay over, collect all the extra hand towels, bath towels, and bed linens you'll need. Take the time to wash them all now, so you're not stuck doing load after load of laundry the night before.
• If guests are staying overnight, give the guest room a quick clean by vacuuming the floor, clearing off the nightstand, and dusting. Leave out any items that will make their stay more comfortable.

5 Days Before

• Clear the clutter from the kitchen counters to make space for food prep. For now, move small appliances you likely won't use to a cabinet or closet. Then clear off the bathroom counters too.
• Declutter the living room, relocating any piles of mail or kids' toys. Leave a couple of spare blankets in a basket near the sofa or side chair so they're easy to reach.

4 Days Before

• Give the toilets a quick scrub, then wipe down the exteriors.
• Wipe down the tub or shower stall (now is not the time to tackle those grout lines).

3 Days Before

• Stock the bathrooms with extra toilet paper, clean towels, and toiletries.
• Wipe down the bathroom and kitchen counters, then disinfect them. Clear off any clutter that may have collected over the past week.

2 Days Before

• Catch up on cleaning duties in other areas of your home, or take a rest day. You deserve it!

1 Day Before

• Empty the trash cans, focusing on those in the kitchen and bathrooms.
• Vacuum or sweep the kitchen and living room floors.
• Wipe down the bathroom mirrors (and remember to follow an S pattern).
• Pour yourself a cup of tea (or glass of wine) and congratulate yourself for not riding the procrastination train!