Countdown to Christmas Cleaning Schedule

It’s the most wonderful (and busiest) time of the year! Between decorating the tree, wrapping gifts, baking cookies, and hosting guests, keeping your home clean for Christmas can feel like Santa’s toughest job.

Don’t worry—Molly Maid has you covered. Our Countdown to Christmas cleaning schedule will help you tackle your to-do list one day (or one room) at a time. Grab your cocoa, cue the carols, and let’s make your home merry, bright, and beautifully clean—without the last-minute scramble.

Article contents

• Weekly Cleaning for a Stress-Free Christmas
• Three Weeks Before Christmas
• Two Weeks Before Christmas
• One Week Before Christmas
• Christmas Eve
• After Christmas
• The Countdown Recap: At-a-Glance Christmas Cleaning Schedule
• Contact Molly Maid for Christmas Cleaning Help
• FAQs About Christmas Cleaning

Weekly Cleaning for a Stress-Free Christmas

A clean home doesn’t just look beautiful—it sets the tone for the season. A detailed holiday cleaning list helps you stay organized, avoid last-minute chaos, and keep every corner of your home guest-ready. Think of it as your Christmas countdown companion: By spreading out your cleaning tasks, you’ll have more time to enjoy the moments that matter most. From scrubbing the kitchen to fluffing the guest pillows, every step brings you closer to a stress-free celebration. 

Start your Christmas cleaning plan about three weeks before the big day, tackling a handful of tasks each week to ensure plenty of time—and no last-minute surprises.

Three Weeks Before Christmas

Starting your holiday cleaning three weeks before Christmas may seem a little early, but we all know how the holidays can sneak up on us. These initial steps will provide the groundwork for an organized Christmas and a clean home. 

Declutter before you decorate

Before the garland goes up, it’s time to clear the clutter. The less clutter you have, the easier it is to clean and the more festive your décor will shine. 

• Sort through old décor, wrapping supplies, and knick-knacks. 
• Donate items you no longer use. 
• Make space for new gifts and holiday goodies. 

Purge your pantry

Remove everything from the pantry and get rid of anything expired to free up space.

• Wipe down the shelves and put the remaining items back in an organized way.
• Make a shopping list and gather what you'll need for holiday cooking and snacks.
• Adding a few of your guests’ favorite foods and snacks is a great way to make them feel welcome.

Stock up on cleaning supplies

While shopping for groceries before the holidays, stock up on cleaning products like glass cleaner, all-purpose cleaner, and furniture polish.

• Check your home inventory for microfiber cloths, mop and duster heads, and bathroom fresheners. Stock up as needed.

Prepare holiday tableware

Locate your special holiday dishware, place settings, and serveware.

• Ensure you have enough plates, utensils, and glassware, and wash and dry them if needed.
• Check that your placemats and tablecloth are fresh, clean, and in good condition.
• Store holiday tableware somewhere out of the way until you need it (such as in a bin under the dining room table).

Two Weeks Before Christmas

With only two weeks to go until Christmas, cleaning the kitchen takes top priority. In phase two, you’ll focus on getting your food preparation and storage areas ready for holiday action.

Clean out the refrigerator

Remove everything from your fridge, including the shelves and drawers. Keep perishable items in a cooler or spare fridge.

• Power off the refrigerator and clean out the inside. Wash and dry the shelves and drawers using a baking soda and water solution to eradicate odors.
• Purge outdated items, take a quick inventory, and restock the fridge (remember those snacks and treats for guests).
• Group ingredients you'll need for Christmas meals in a convenient area, and list items you're missing.

Holiday hack: Line your fridge drawers with removable liners to make post-holiday cleanup faster.

Give the kitchen floors a deep clean

You'll need to sweep and mop again later, but giving your kitchen floors a thorough cleaning ahead of time means you’ll only need a quick cleaning before guests arrive.

• Sweep the floor, including corners.
• Clean areas beside and underneath appliances if you can.
• Mop, wash, or polish when applicable.

Get your oven holiday ready

The only thing you want your holiday guests to smell is the irresistible aroma of your cooking, not oven grease and grime.

• Pull out the racks and scrub with soap and warm water in the kitchen sink.
• Clean the stovetop and oven (inside and out, including the door).
• Remove burner grates and clean those in the sink as well.

Holiday hack: A mild solution of water, vinegar, and dish soap can help cut through stubborn grease for a clean look.

Make your guest bedrooms comfy and inviting

If you're having overnight guests for the holidays, you'll need hand and bath towels at the ready and fresh sheets on the bed.

• Dust pictures, shelves, and other surfaces, working from the top down.
• Vacuum or sweep the bedroom floor, and place a diffuser filled with holiday scents by the bed for a cozy reception.
• A mint on the pillow is a nice touch and may even get you that five-star rating you desire.

Clean gathering spaces

Focus on high-traffic areas like the living room, entryway, and dining room. 

• Dust ceiling fans, blinds, and shelves (holiday lights highlight everything!). 
• Vacuum or mop floors.
• Wipe down baseboards and clean windows to let that winter sunlight sparkle in. 

One Week Before Christmas

The final days of your Christmas cleaning countdown are about setting the stage for a joyous, low-stress holiday. Do a walkthrough to note any areas that need additional cleaning or decluttering. 

Gear up your kitchen for Christmas cooking.

Clear the clutter from the kitchen counters, including small appliances you won't use with guests over.

• Ensure you have counter and fridge space for holiday snacks, meals, and leftovers.
• Double-check your holiday menu and make sure you have everything you need.
• Clean dishes and make sure your sink and dishwasher are ready to receive holiday serveware.

Give your bathroom(s) a final cleaning

Clean your bathroom(s) and restock toilet paper, soap, shampoo, conditioner, washcloths, and towels.

• Make sure your guests have access to a blow dryer.
• Make space for toiletries and personal items, especially for guests who are spending a few nights.
• Use an essential oil diffuser or similar device to keep your bathroom(s) fresh and festive with holiday aromas.

Give your guest bedroom(s) a final cleaning.

Clean your guest bedroom(s) and ensure plenty of pillows and warm blankets are available (especially in cold climates).

• An essential oil diffuser in the bedroom can add fresh and festive holiday aromas.
• Put nightlights in bedrooms, hallways, and bathrooms to help guests find their way at night.

Make space to create a relaxing environment

Declutter the living room and den, but leave a few throws and pillows within easy reach for your family and guests.

• Add or remove chairs and other furniture to accommodate your guests.

Holiday hack: Place wrapped boxes or ornaments under the tree to hide cords and clutter. 

Christmas Eve 

It’s go time! Focus on the little details that make your home shine when guests arrive. 

• Fluff pillows and blankets in the living room. 
• Wipe countertops, sinks, and tables. 
• Sweep entryways (Santa tracks in snow, too!). 
• Empty trash bins and take out recycling. 
• Do one final check of bathrooms and guest rooms. 

Holiday hack: Keep your favorite holiday playlist on—it makes even last-minute mopping feel festive. 

After Christmas

The wrapping paper’s everywhere, the dishes are piled high, and the kids are knee-deep in new toys—it’s time to reset and refresh for the New Year. 

Post-Christmas cleaning checklist 

• Pack away decorations carefully (label boxes for next year).
• Dust shelves and mantels once the décor is gone. 
• Vacuum up pine needles or glitter (the never-ending confetti of Christmas). 
• Wash table linens and guest bedding.
• Wipe down kitchen surfaces and clean the fridge after leftovers.
• Donate unused gifts, outgrown clothes, or duplicate décor. Less stuff means less to clean! 

Need a break? Let Molly Maid handle your post-holiday deep clean. Your local team will restore peace, order, and sparkle—so you can focus on enjoying your clean home and cozy memories. 

The Countdown Recap: At-a-Glance Christmas Cleaning Schedule

Contact Molly Maid for Christmas Cleaning Help 

A clean, cozy home is the best gift you can give yourself this Christmas. Molly Maid professionals can help you spend less time cleaning and more time celebrating what truly matters. We provide one-time, occasional, and special event cleaning services designed to fit your needs and schedule.

So, put down the mop, grab your mug of cocoa, and let your local Molly Maid team handle the rest. With trusted professionals, flexible cleaning options, and the Neighborly Done Right Promise®, you’ll enjoy peace of mind knowing your home will sparkle from floor to ceiling—just in time for the season’s magic. 

Request a free estimate for Christmas cleaning service from Molly Maid today and come home to comfort, joy, and a spotless kind of cheer.

This article is intended for general guidance only and is not applicable to every situation. You are responsible for determining the proper course of action for your property and situation. Molly Maid is not responsible for any damages that occur as a result of advice and/or guidance derived from its blog content. Molly Maid services may vary by location. For the most accurate guidance, contact the Molly Maid nearest you for more information and a professional on-site assessment.