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The Thanksgiving Cleaning Countdown Checklist

Thanksgiving can be a busy time, with cooking, guests, and household preparation all happening at once. A simple cleaning checklist can help you focus on the areas guests are most likely to use, without trying to clean every corner of the home at the last minute.

Two Weeks to Go: Handle Organizing Tasks Early

  • Clean out the coat closet so guests have a place to hang coats, hats, scarves, and other outdoor items.
  • Handle outdoor tasks such as raking leaves, clearing walkways, checking outdoor lighting, or preparing the entryway.
  • Clean out the refrigerator to make room for Thanksgiving food and ingredients.
  • Wash serving dishes, utensils, or specialty items that are not used regularly, such as gravy boats, slow cookers, or wine glasses.
  • Organize guest rooms and remove items that may be in the way.
  • Schedule an appointment with Allaire Chem-Dry at (732) 751-8520 if you would like carpet, furniture, or rug cleaning before guests arrive.

One Week Ahead: Focus on Main Guest Areas

  • Dust visible surfaces, including window sills, shelves, tables, and other areas guests may notice.
  • Vacuum carpets and rugs, and sweep or mop hard-surface floors according to the floor type.
  • Clean windows, mirrors, and glass surfaces in dining rooms, kitchens, living rooms, and other high-use areas.
  • Wash and iron tablecloths, napkins, or linens that have been stored.
  • Clean guest bathrooms, including sinks, toilets, mirrors, tubs, showers, and floors.
  • Clean the oven, stovetop, and exhaust fan before holiday cooking begins.
  • If carpets, furniture, or rugs need attention before the holiday, contact Allaire Chem-Dry to ask about appointment availability. You can also check our coupons page for current offers.

1 Day Before Thanksgiving: Do a Quick Walkthrough

  • Touch up bathrooms by wiping mirrors, faucets, counters, and toilet surfaces.
  • Do a quick round of dusting, vacuuming, sweeping, or mopping where needed.
  • Run and empty the dishwasher.
  • Set the table and add Thanksgiving decorations.
  • Clear clutter from entryways, dining areas, living rooms, and kitchen counters.

Thanksgiving Day: Final Touches

  • Put fresh towels in bathrooms.
  • Take out the trash.
  • Wipe down the stove and kitchen counters as needed.
  • Do a final check of guest areas before everyone arrives.

Preparing ahead of time can make Thanksgiving Day feel more manageable. Focus on the spaces your guests will use most, and save larger cleaning projects for earlier in the schedule when possible.

Everyone here at Allaire Chem-Dry wishes you a happy Thanksgiving.

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