🧼 10 Top Cleaning Tips to Get Your Home Ship-Shape for 2026

Elliotts of Devon
Dec 31, 2025
3 min read

The festive season is a wonderful time of year—but once the decorations come down and the guests go home, many of us are left with a house that feels a little chaotic. Between social gatherings, indulgent meals, and extra time spent indoors, it’s easy for clutter and grime to build up.

With normal routines returning on January 5th, now is the ideal time to reset your home and start 2026 feeling calm, organised, and in control. Follow our 10 top cleaning tips to get your house ship-shape and ready for the year ahead.

🧹 1. Clear Out Holiday Clutter

Before deep cleaning, start by decluttering.

Pack away Christmas decorations safely and label boxes for next year
Recycle wrapping paper, cards, and packaging
Find proper homes for new gifts and festive items

✨ Tip: A clutter-free space instantly feels cleaner and makes the rest of your cleaning much easier.

🧼 2. Freshen Up Carpets and Rugs

Carpets and rugs often suffer most over the festive period.

Vacuum thoroughly, especially in high-traffic areas
Spot-clean stains from food, drink, or muddy shoes
Consider professional carpet cleaning for a deeper refresh

✨ Tip: Sprinkle bicarbonate of soda before vacuuming to help neutralise odours.

🖐️ 3. Wipe Down All Surfaces

Dust and sticky residues can quickly build up during celebrations.

Clean tables, countertops, shelves, and skirting boards
Disinfect high-touch areas such as door handles, light switches, and remotes
Use microfibre cloths to avoid spreading dust

🍽️ 4. Deep Clean the Kitchen

After weeks of heavy use, the kitchen deserves special attention.

Clean appliances inside and out (oven, fridge, microwave, dishwasher)
Throw away expired or unused food
Wipe cupboard doors, handles, and splashbacks

✨ Tip: A clean kitchen sets the tone for healthier habits in the new year.

🚿 5. Bathroom Blitz

Extra guests mean extra wear and tear on bathrooms.

Scrub sinks, toilets, showers, and baths
Remove limescale from taps and tiles
Wash bath mats, towels, and shower curtains

✨ Tip: Open windows or use extractor fans to reduce moisture and prevent mould.

🪟 6. Clean Windows and Mirrors

Clean glass makes your home feel brighter and more spacious.

Clean internal windows, mirrors, and glass doors
Don’t forget window sills and frames
Use a streak-free cleaner or vinegar solution

✨ Tip: Choose a bright, dry day for best results.

🛋️ 7. Refresh Soft Furnishings

Soft furnishings trap dust, smells, and allergens.

Wash cushion covers, throws, and curtains
Vacuum sofas and chairs using upholstery attachments
Consider professional cleaning for delicate or large items

🧽 8. Tackle the Floors

Once everything else is clean, focus on the floors.

Vacuum or sweep first
Mop hard floors with the correct cleaner
Pay attention to corners, edges, and under furniture

✨ Tip: Clean floors last to avoid re-soiling freshly cleaned areas.

🗂️ 9. Organise Storage Areas

The new year is the perfect time to get organised.

Tidy wardrobes, cupboards, utility rooms, and toy boxes
Donate items you no longer use
Use labelled storage boxes for easy access

✨ Tip: If you haven’t used it in the last year, it might be time to let it go.

🗓️ 10. Set Up a Simple Cleaning Routine

The secret to a consistently clean home is routine.

Create a manageable weekly cleaning schedule
Break tasks into small, daily jobs
Even 15 minutes a day can make a big difference

✨ Tip: Consistency beats occasional deep cleans every time.

A little effort now can make your return to normality on January 5th far less stressful. A clean, organised home supports productivity, wellbeing, and peace of mind—helping you start 2026 on the right foot.

If you’d rather leave the cleaning to the professionals, Elliotts Cleaning & Property Services is here to help. From one-off deep cleans to regular domestic and commercial services, we’ll keep your home looking its best all year round.