The Christmas celebrations have come to an end, and while the memories linger, so does the aftermath of the festivities: the tangled lights, the stained tablecloths, and the mountains of gift wrappings. Dealing with this can seem daunting, but with a systematic approach, the task becomes manageable.
In this helpful post, we’ve got all the information needed to perform a post-Christmas cleanup that will leave you feeling jolly good! Let’s dive in and find out how to deal with decorations, food stains, and everything else in between.
1. Tackling Christmas Decorations
Sorting and Organising
Before stashing away the decorations, it’s essential to sort and organise them.
- Ornaments: Wrap each ornament in tissue paper or bubble wrap and place them in their original boxes or in sturdy containers.
- Lights: Wind the string lights around a piece of cardboard to prevent tangling and store them in a designated box.
- Wreaths and Garland: Store them flat to retain their shape, ideally in a container that protects them from dust and moisture.
Assess and Dispose
Post-Christmas is a great time to inspect decorations for wear and tear.
- Check ornaments for cracks and lights for broken bulbs.
- Consider donating decorations you no longer want or need to charity shops.
2. Managing Food Stains and Spills
Wine Stains
For red wine stains:
- Blot, don’t rub, using a clean cloth.
- Sprinkle salt over the stain and let it sit for a few minutes.
- Rinse with cold water and apply a mixture of liquid detergent and hydrogen peroxide.
Gravy Spills
For gravy or sauce spills:
- Scrape off the excess with a spoon.
- Apply a mix of dishwashing soap and warm water.
- Gently dab the stain until it lifts.
Chocolate Marks
For chocolate stains:
- Remove excess chocolate carefully.
- Apply liquid detergent directly to the stain.
- Soak in cold water and then wash as usual.
3. Dealing with Gift Wrappings and Boxes
Reuse and Recycle
Rather than binning all the wrapping paper:
- Flatten and fold large, undamaged pieces for reuse.
- Consider using gift boxes for storage or craft projects.
- Recycle papers that are plain paper-based. Note: Foil-based and glittery papers often cannot be recycled.
Store and Label
Store reusable ribbons, bows, and tags in clear containers. Label them so they’re easy to find next year.
4. Reviving Your Living Spaces
Vacuum and Mop
Post-Christmas, your floors would have seen a lot of foot traffic. Give them a deep clean:
- Vacuum carpets thoroughly, paying attention to corners and under furniture.
- Mop hard floors with a suitable cleaning solution.
Upholstery and Curtains
They absorb odours and can collect dust during the festive period.
- Vacuum upholstery using the brush attachment.
- Consider laundering curtains or giving them a good airing.
Concluding Thoughts: SweepSouth to the Rescue
Post-Christmas cleanup can be a hefty task, but it doesn’t have to be one you tackle alone. With SweepSouth, the after-party blues can be alleviated. The cleaning professionals you can book on our platform will ensure that your home returns to its pre-festive glory, allowing you a hassle-free transition into the new year.
By entrusting us with the post-festive cleaning, you can focus on relaxing and planning for the year ahead. Book a SweepSouth cleaning service and let us handle the mess and give you back your much-deserved free time.
