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Costumes, candy, and spooky decor are why we all love Halloween parties. Cleaning after them, however - not so much. If your schedule is packed, you might consider leaving the heavy lifting to one of the companies in Urbandale that offers house cleaning services.
With a simple plan and a focused checklist, you can reset your space in a single sweep, without wasting too much time. The key is to target high-impact areas and use quick wins that make everything look fresh without spending the whole day on chores.
If you don't have much time after your Halloween party and can’t get professional help, try to skip the perfectionism and hit the spots that make the biggest difference.
Clear surfaces make the room look cleaner even before you dust. So grab a couple of big bags and do a swift trash scoop in the entry, living room, dining area, and guest bathroom. Then, grab a laundry basket, pick up all the displaced things, and return them to their spots.
Now that the dust has settled (pun so intended), it’s time to grab that feather duster and do a quick sweep. Remember to start high and work your way down, as well as from the furthest corner to the room entry - it prevents having to return and re-do areas.
Wipe door handles, light switches, the fridge handle, and remotes with a mild cleaner. Follow with a quick pass on coffee tables and side tables. These touch points are where fingerprints show, and wiping them down gives an instant lift.
Vacuum the main walkways and any rugs in areas where guests tended to chill. If you have hard floors, do a light mop near the entry and in the kitchen. Focus on edges and corners where crumbs and dust collect. Fresh floors make the whole room light up.
Open a few windows for ten minutes to let in fresh air. Light a fall scented candle or use a diffuser with something warm like cinnamon or clove. A fresh scent signals clean and feels great after a high-intensity clean.
Parties tend to naturally gravitate to the kitchen, so this is likely the area that would take the most time to clean. Begin by picking up and taking out the trash, so you can navigate more easily. Then, empty the sink, load or start the dishwasher, and wipe the counters.
Focus on the spaces your guests used the most. A little attention in the right places can pay off more than you expect.
Everybody had to pass through these, so be sure to sweep the porch and shake out the doormat. Follow up by wiping the door (and knobs) and the glass of smudges. Finish up by vacuuming or mopping the hallway floors, working your way toward the entryway.
Clear the counter and remove any used towels or clutter. Leave only soap, a fresh hand towel, and maybe a small seasonal touch if it still looks tidy. Wipe the sink, faucet, and mirror, and check the toilet bowl and seat. Refill toilet paper and replace the spare roll if it was used. Empty the trash can and replace the liner.
Gather cups, plates, and any leftover snacks or trash. Dust or wipe large surfaces if needed, straighten pillows, and refold throws. Take down or tidy up décor - especially fake spider webs or anything that sheds - so it doesn’t stick to clothing or furniture. Clear walkways to restore flow through the room.
Remove leftover food and drinks, then wipe down the counters and designated drink/food areas. Clean any trays, runners, or serving pieces that caught drips. Collect used napkins, cups, or plates and throw them away or load them into the dishwasher. Wipe surfaces and leave a clean cloth handy for any remaining spills.
At phClean, we love helping families enjoy their holidays without the stress of cleaning. Our friendly, detail-focused team can get your home spick and span, with polished floors, fresh bathrooms, and all the little touches - no matter how wild the party was. Let us handle the dusting and tidying while you enjoy the memories.
If you want to keep your space in top shape, explore our tips on toilet bowl cleaning that actually works, find out how to clean blinds without making a dust cloud, and check out your guide to Thanksgiving cleaning for a home that shines all season long. Take a relaxing stroll through Lions Park in Urbandale while we make your home shine from top to bottom. Call us today and find out why our clients say we make their homes sparkle!