21 Holiday Cleaning Tricks To Make Homes Look Amazing Fast

🔎 Disclosure: Heads up, babe: some links here are affiliate links, which means you might throw a tiny commission my way if you buy (zero extra cost to you). Only things you’d actually use and love get shared on this site.

What You’ll Get After This:

  • Every surface looks clean and organized for guests in less time
  • Dust and dirt are reduced so rooms feel fresh and welcoming
  • Cleaning routines are faster and more efficient for holiday prep

1. Clear Counters And Tabletops Quickly

Clutter makes rooms look messy even when floors are clean

Start Small With This: Pick up anything that doesn’t belong and put it in drawers or storage bins

It will feel so simple if you use stackable bins to keep items contained

2. Dust Baseboards And Door Frames

Dust builds up on edges and corners and makes rooms look tired

Start Small With This: Wipe all baseboards and door frames with a damp microfiber cloth

You can make this faster if you use a Swiffer Duster for corners

3. Vacuum Under Furniture

Crumbs and dust hide under sofas and tables making floors look dirty

Start Small With This: Pull furniture slightly forward and vacuum with an extended nozzle

It will be so much easier if you use a lightweight vacuum with a long wand

4. Clean Light Fixtures And Ceiling Fans

Grime from fans and lights can fall onto clean surfaces

Start Small With This: Use an extendable duster to wipe fan blades and light bulbs

It will feel less stressful if you use a Swiffer Telescopic Duster

5. Wash Mirrors And Windows

Smudges make rooms feel unfinished no matter how clean the rest is

Start Small With This: Spray glass cleaner and wipe in circular motions with a microfiber cloth

You could get it done faster if you try a streak-free microfiber cloth

Picked For You:  35 Deep Cleaning Tips To Reset Your Room Once And For All

6. Change Bedding And Pillowcases

Old sheets make bedrooms feel tired and uninviting

Start Small With This: Strip the bed and replace with fresh sheets and pillowcases

It will feel so simple if you use fitted sheets with elastic corners

7. Vacuum Carpets And Rugs Thoroughly

Dust and pet hair hide deep in carpet fibers

Start Small With This: Vacuum in multiple directions to lift dirt completely

You can make this easier if you use a vacuum with rotating brushes

8. Wipe Down Nightstands And Dressers

Fingerprints and spills make furniture look messy

Start Small With This: Wipe every surface with a damp cloth or all-purpose cleaner

It will be way faster if you use a gentle cleaning spray

9. Organize Drawers And Closets

Messy drawers make spaces feel chaotic even when surfaces are clean

Start Small With This: Fold clothes neatly, discard items not used, and group similar items

It will feel so simple if you use drawer dividers for separation

10. Sanitize Light Switches And Doorknobs

High-touch areas accumulate germs and dirt

Start Small With This: Wipe switches and knobs with disinfecting wipes or spray

It will be so much easier if you use a pack of Clorox disinfecting wipes

11. Remove Dust From Electronics

TVs, remotes, and game consoles collect dust quickly

Start Small With This: Use a microfiber cloth to gently wipe screens and devices

You could get it done faster if you use a screen-safe cleaning spray

12. Shake Out Throw Rugs

Rugs trap dust and small debris

Start Small With This: Take rugs outside and give them a quick shake or vacuum

It will feel less stressful if you use a handheld vacuum for edges

13. Organize Shoes And Entryway

Messy shoes make the first impression feel chaotic

Start Small With This: Line up shoes neatly or use a shoe rack

You can make this easier if you use a compact tiered shoe organizer

Picked For You:  19 Easy Deep Cleaning Tricks To Make Your Living Room Feel Brand New

14. Clean Under Beds

Dust bunnies and forgotten items hide under beds

Start Small With This: Move items and vacuum the floor underneath

It will take less time if you use a long-handled vacuum attachment

15. Wipe Window Sills And Frames

Dust and grime accumulate on horizontal surfaces

Start Small With This: Spray lightly and wipe with a microfiber cloth

You could save time if you use a microfiber duster with extendable handle

16. Refresh Curtains And Drapes

Fabric traps dust and smells

Start Small With This: Shake them out or run through the washer if possible

It will be so much easier if you use a handheld steamer to refresh fabric

17. Clean Lampshades

Lampshades attract dust and make rooms look dull

Start Small With This: Wipe fabric or plastic shades with a dry cloth or lint roller

You can make this faster if you use a microfiber cloth designed for lamps

18. Sanitize Remote Controls And Keyboards

Electronics harbor germs from constant use

Start Small With This: Wipe with disinfecting wipes or spray lightly on a cloth

It will feel so simple if you use Clorox disinfecting wipes for devices

19. Declutter Nightstands And Dressers

Extra items make surfaces look messy

Start Small With This: Remove anything unnecessary and neatly organize essentials

You could keep it simple if you use small trays to corral items

20. Fluff Pillows And Cushions

Flat pillows make beds and sofas look tired

Start Small With This: Shake and pat them to restore shape and volume

It will be so much easier if you use a pillow fluffing tool

21. Air Out Rooms

Stale air makes spaces feel less clean

Start Small With This: Open windows for a few minutes to refresh air

It will feel so simple if you use a small fan to circulate fresh air

22. Wipe Door Tops And Frames

Dust hides where eyes don’t often go

Picked For You:  23 Tips To Clean Your Home For Christmas Without The Headache

Start Small With This: Use a microfiber cloth or duster to clean high spots

You could get it done faster if you use a Swiffer Telescopic Duster

23. Quick Surface Spray Before Guests Arrive

Even clean surfaces can gather dust quickly

Start Small With This: Spray a light mist of all-purpose cleaner and wipe counters and tables

It will take less time if you use a multi-surface spray with microfiber cloth


📌 SAVE IT FOR LATER! 📌


Photo of author

Lily Thompson

Hey, I'm Lily! I'm a mom who's really good at two things: making life easier and sharing what works. I created ''Like Mom Said'' after one too many moments of realizing: "My mom was right about this." Turns out, a lot of that old-school wisdom still holds up... it just needs a modern spin. Think of me as your friend who's always got a tip (and coffee in hand.)