Cleaning up after a party might seem overwhelming, but it’s actually more manageable than you might think. Just take a systematic approach and use a checklist to ensure nothing is missed.
Here’s your ultimate post-party cleanup guide, broken down into tasks for right after the party and the next day:
- Immediate After-Party Cleaning Tasks
- Next Day Cleaning Tasks
Let’s dive into these tasks now and get your house back in order!
Same-Day Post-Party Clean-Up Checklist
The party’s over, and the last guest has just left. You might be tempted to postpone cleaning until tomorrow, but tackling it now can prevent regret later! Immediate cleaning not only makes the task easier but also stops stains from setting in.
Here’s prioritized checklist for cleaning up right after the party:
Collect Garbage
Grab a couple of trash bags and collect all the garbage from every room used during the party. Make sure to throw away any food scraps to prevent pests, and sort recyclables into separate bags.
Pack Leftovers
Store leftover food in containers and refrigerate them. Dispose of any items like leftover dips that can’t be saved.
Load the Dishwasher
To avoid waking up to a pile of dirty dishes, load them into the dishwasher. Rinse any extras and let them soak in the sink to be washed the next morning.
Load the Washer
Wash tablecloths, runners, dish towels, and hand towels to remove dirt and stains. Pre-treat any severe stains with a stain remover before washing.
Wipe Up Spills
Look for any spills or crumbs and clean them up with a multipurpose cleaner and a clean cloth.
Check for Carpet Stains
Address stains on carpets and rugs immediately. The sooner you treat them, the easier they are to remove.
Wipe Down Kitchen Counters
Finish up by cleaning your kitchen counters with a damp cloth and a multipurpose cleaner.
The Next Day Post-Party Clean-Up Checklist
By handling some key cleaning tasks right after the party, you can relax tonight, knowing tomorrow won’t be overwhelmed with chores. However, there are still a few tasks left for the next day that will take a couple of hours to get your home completely clean and organized again.
Here’s what you’ll need to do the next day:
Run the Dishwasher
Start by running the pre-loaded dishwasher. Once the first load is done, store the clean dishes and load the remaining dirty ones. Tackle other tasks while the dishwasher runs.
Put Away Decorations
Take down the party decorations you want to keep, and discard or give away single-use items like balloons.
Clean the Kitchen
Clean your stovetop and kitchen sink to remove any grease and grime. A simple solution of warm water and vinegar will do the trick for both glass and stainless steel surfaces.
Tidy Up
Reorganize any displaced items and furniture that were moved during the party.
Wipe the Furniture
Clean all furniture, paying extra attention to any sticky spots you might have missed the night before, using a microfiber cloth and all-purpose cleaner.
Vacuum the Floor
Vacuum thoroughly to remove dirt and debris, especially under furniture and in corners, depending on how much foot traffic there was.
Mop the Floor
Mop non-carpeted floors with a warm cleaning solution to remove any remaining dirt.
Clean Bathroom Surfaces
Disinfect high-touch surfaces in the bathroom, letting the spray sit for 10 minutes before wiping. Clean the sink, toilet bowl, and floor.
Clean Outdoor Areas
If the party extended outdoors, tidy up your porch, patio, or backyard first, then hose down the floors, banisters, and walls.
When you break down the post-party cleanup into a systematic checklist over two days, it doesn’t seem so daunting. So, next time you’re planning a party, remember to use this after-party cleaning checklist to efficiently restore your home to its clean and orderly state!