You’ve bought the groceries. You’ve hung the stockings. You’ve even put out the decorative hand towels—and reminded everyone twice that they’re for decoration only.
You shouldn’t have to deep clean on top of all that.
Instead of scrubbing baseboards or touching up ceiling paint, focus on the high-traffic, high-impact areas that make the biggest difference before guests arrive. For every “We’ll host next year” that’s turned into “Oh no, that’s this year,” Azuna’s got you covered.
Step 1: Declutter before you do anything else.
It doesn’t have to be an exhaustive process; you can save the full purge for spring cleaning. But a light reset can instantly make your home feel calmer and more guest-ready.
We recommend focusing on just a few areas first, and starting two piles: one for displaced items you’ll keep, and one for donations. Large plastic stackable storage bins work great for securely storing or transporting items.
- Clear out entryways or hall closets to make space for guests’ coats, boots, and bags. It’s also a great opportunity to swap out any summer clothes or shoes for storage, too; we’ve pinpointed a few of the best tips on how to store seasonal items.
- Tidy guest rooms and linen closets and dressers. No need for a full redecoration—just swap out decorative pillows and throws for cozier, more functional options that double as bedding.
- Free up your countertops. Move small appliances to open up space for food, drinks, and extra prep room.
A quick declutter now means less chaos later.
Step 2: Focus on high-traffic, high-touch areas.
Forget deep cleaning every corner. Instead, direct your energy where guests will actually notice it: your kitchen, bathroom, and living room.
While you’re streamlining what you clean, do the same with the products you use. Use a family-friendly, non-toxic cleaner—we always reach for our tea tree oil-based multipurpose wipes—to clean high-touch surfaces while removing dust, dirt, and any unpleasant smells.
Other hotspots to hit include:
- Your pantry and cupboards: Toss expired goods, take stock of what you have, and set aside extra nonperishables you won’t be using for donation.
- Refrigerator shelves and drawers: Wipe away spills, crumbs, and hidden buildup. (Pro tip: Remove crisper drawers entirely and tackle the shelf underneath for a more thorough clean.)
- Stovetop and cabinet handles: Give each surface a once-over to remove grease, fingerprints, and forgotten spills.
- Bathroom countertops and faucets: A quick wipe will keep things fresh and streak-free.
Finish with a quick clean of living room and guest room surfaces—like tabletops, dressers, and windowsills—for consistently natural freshness.
Still chasing that deep-clean feeling? Check out our guide to cleaning commonly forgotten places.
Step 3: The final night-before refresh.
You’re almost there (we promise). These last-minute touches will ensure you’re ready for just about anything.
- Sweep, mop, or vacuum. If you have hardwood or tile flooring, you can mist one of our surface cleaning sprays onto a mop pad to capture dust and dirt without harsh chemicals.
- Wipe down frequently-used surfaces one last time—like doorknobs, light switches, and television remotes.
- Empty trash and recycling bins. For added freshness, tuck a Small Room Odor Eliminator near or beneath your garbage bag for continuous coverage.
- Refresh linens (hand towels, blankets, throw pillows) with an Ultra Mist Mini. Each spray pairs our natural Australian tea tree oil base with seasonal scents like apple, pumpkin, or fraser fir to freshen and deodorize simultaneously.
