The holidays are approaching, and with them come guests, gatherings, and the desire for a home that sparkles with seasonal warmth. Whether you're hosting Christmas dinner, New Year's celebrations, or welcoming out-of-town family, holiday preparation cleaning ensures your Ottawa home is ready to impress.
This guide covers everything from deep cleaning priorities to last-minute touch-ups that make hosting stress-free.
Key Takeaways
TL;DR: Focus on guest areas (living room, bathroom, guest bedroom), entertainment spaces, and entryways. Professional holiday cleaning costs $200-$400 and should be scheduled 1-2 weeks before guests arrive.
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| 🎄 Best For | Holiday hosts, family gatherings |
| ⏱️ Timeline | 1-2 weeks before events |
| 💰 Cost | $200-$400 for pre-holiday deep clean |
| 📍 Service Area | Ottawa, Kanata, Orleans, Barrhaven |
The Holiday Cleaning Timeline
2-3 Weeks Before: Deep Cleaning Phase
This is when major cleaning should happen—allowing time for touch-ups closer to events.
Focus Areas:
- Deep clean guest bedroom and bathroom
- Wash all linens and towels
- Clean windows for maximum natural light
- Deep clean kitchen appliances
- Shampoo carpets and clean floors throughout
1 Week Before: Organisation and Prep
Tasks:
- Declutter main living areas
- Organise coat closet for guest coats
- Clean out refrigerator for holiday food storage
- Set up guest room with fresh linens
- Clean and prepare bar/beverage area
Day Before: Final Touches
Quick Tasks:
- Quick bathroom wipe-down
- Vacuum main traffic areas
- Empty all trash bins
- Set out guest towels and toiletries
- Light candles or set out seasonal potpourri
Room-by-Room Holiday Cleaning Guide
Living Room/Main Gathering Space
This is where guests spend most time—make it inviting.
Deep Cleaning:
- Dust all surfaces including shelves, mantels, and décor
- Clean upholstered furniture (vacuum, spot treat stains)
- Wash throw blankets and pillow covers
- Clean under furniture and cushions
- Wash windows inside and out
Holiday Prep:
- Arrange furniture for conversation
- Clear surfaces for drinks and appetisers
- Set out coasters and napkins
- Check lighting—add lamps for warm ambiance
Kitchen
The heart of holiday hosting—especially for Ottawa families.
Deep Cleaning:
- Clean oven thoroughly before holiday baking
- Empty and wipe refrigerator and freezer
- Degrease range hood and stovetop
- Clean microwave inside and out
- Run dishwasher cleaning cycle
Holiday Prep:
- Create counter space for food prep
- Organise pantry for holiday ingredients
- Stock up on dish soap and paper towels
- Set up coffee/tea station for guests
Guest Bathroom
Often the most-visited room during gatherings.
Deep Cleaning:
- Scrub toilet, tub, and sink thoroughly
- Clean grout and tile
- Wash bath mats and shower curtain
- Clean mirrors and fixtures
- Mop floors
Holiday Prep:
- Set out fresh guest towels
- Stock extra toilet paper (visible and accessible)
- Add hand soap and lotion
- Place small waste bin
- Add air freshener or candle
Guest Bedroom
Make overnight guests feel pampered.
Deep Cleaning:
- Wash all bedding including mattress protector
- Vacuum mattress
- Dust furniture and décor
- Clean mirrors and windows
- Vacuum/mop floors
Holiday Prep:
- Fresh sheets and extra blankets
- Clear nightstand for guest items
- Empty dresser drawer for unpacking
- Add bedside water carafe
- Check lighting—add reading lamp if needed
Entryway
First impressions matter.
Deep Cleaning:
- Wash or replace entry mat
- Clean light fixture
- Wipe down door (inside and out)
- Clean entry flooring
- Organise shoe storage
Holiday Prep:
- Clear coat closet space
- Set out boot tray (essential for Ottawa winters!)
- Add welcoming seasonal décor
- Check porch light
- Clear salt/sand from walkway
Quick Cleaning Tips for Last-Minute Prep
When time is short, focus on what guests actually notice:
The 20-Minute Emergency Clean:
- Clear all visible clutter (5 min)
- Wipe bathroom surfaces, add fresh towels (5 min)
- Quick vacuum main traffic areas (5 min)
- Kitchen counters and visible surfaces (5 min)
Smell Matters:
- Empty all garbage bins
- Run garbage disposal with lemon
- Light seasonal candles 30 minutes before guests
- Simmer cinnamon sticks on stove
Lighting Matters:
- Replace burnt-out bulbs
- Add candles throughout
- Use dimmer switches for ambiance
- Turn on all lights in guest areas
Ottawa Winter Considerations
Holiday cleaning in Ottawa requires attention to winter challenges:
Salt and Slush Management:
- Place sturdy boot trays at entries
- Keep supply of rags for quick floor cleanup
- Protect hardwood near entries with rugs
- Schedule cleaning after major snowfalls
Winter Indoor Air Quality:
- Replace furnace filter before hosting
- Dust registers and returns
- Consider humidifier (Ottawa winter air is dry)
- Open windows briefly for fresh air exchange
Urban9 Holiday Cleaning Services
Urban9 Cleaning provides professional house cleaning to prepare your home for holiday entertaining. Our pre-holiday packages ensure your Ottawa home is guest-ready without the stress.
Ready for stress-free holiday hosting? Contact Urban9 for a free quote on holiday preparation cleaning in Ottawa and surrounding areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How far in advance should I schedule holiday cleaning?
We recommend scheduling 1-2 weeks before major events. This allows time for any touch-ups needed closer to the date. Book early—holiday cleaning appointments fill quickly!
Q: What areas should I prioritise for holiday guests?
Focus on guest bathroom (most visited), living/gathering spaces, entryway (first impressions), and guest bedroom for overnight visitors. Kitchen cleaning is also essential for hosting.
Q: How much does holiday cleaning cost in Ottawa?
Pre-holiday deep cleaning typically costs $200-$400 depending on home size and services requested. Many clients combine deep cleaning with regular maintenance for best results.
Q: Can you clean after my holiday party?
Yes! Post-event cleaning is available, including dish washing, floor cleaning, and restoring your home to pre-party condition. Contact us to schedule post-party cleanup.
Q: How do I maintain cleanliness during multi-day visits?
Focus on daily bathroom touch-ups, keeping kitchen surfaces clear, and quick evening tidying. Don't try to deep clean during visits—enjoy your guests!
Q: What if I need last-minute cleaning help?
Contact us for same-day or next-day availability. We offer emergency cleaning services when unexpected guests are arriving, though advance booking ensures availability.
Q: Should I clean before or after putting up decorations?
Deep clean before decorating—it's easier to clean empty spaces and your decorations will look better on clean surfaces. Dust decorations as you put them up.
Q: How do I handle pet odours before guests arrive?
Professional carpet cleaning, washing pet bedding, and thorough vacuuming help significantly. Consider professional pet odour treatment for persistent issues.
Conclusion
Holiday hosting should be joyful, not stressful. With proper planning and either dedicated DIY time or professional help, your Ottawa home can welcome guests with warmth and cleanliness that makes everyone—including you—feel at ease.
Focus on guest-facing areas, tackle major cleaning early, and save energy for enjoying the festivities rather than scrubbing floors on Christmas Eve.
Ready for a guest-ready home? Contact Urban9 Cleaning at 613-664-5678 or get a free quote today. Our team serves Ottawa, Kanata, Orleans, Barrhaven, Nepean, and surrounding areas with holiday cleaning that lets you focus on what matters—time with loved ones.
Urban9 Cleaning provides professional house cleaning and holiday preparation services throughout Ottawa and surrounding areas. Contact us for pre-holiday deep cleaning that makes hosting a pleasure.
