Hosting a Summer Party? Use These Cleaning Hacks to Recover Quickly.

Summer is here and there’s no better time to host a party. From graduation parties to holiday gatherings and backyard BBQs, there’s always something to celebrate. But when the fun is over, the mess remains.

Here are some cleaning hacks that will help you quickly recover and get your home back in tip-top shape.

1. Start with a Clean Slate

Any good party planner knows that preparation is key for pulling off a successful celebration – but it can also make a huge difference down the road when it comes to post-party tidying. 

Start with a clean slate by deep cleaning your home before the party and making sure you have plenty of cleaning supplies and recycling bags on hand.  

Put on your favorite Spotify cocktail playlist, mix your favorite margarita and roll up your sleeves!

 

2. Prep a Cleaning Kit

In addition to stocking-up on food and drinks, be sure to prep a cleaning kit ahead of time.  We recommend the following items:  microfiber cloths, all-purpose cleaner, vinegar, baking soda, paper towels, garbage bags, a spray bottle, rubber gloves and a mop.  Having everything within reach will save you time and allow for quick clean-ups during and after the event.

 

3. Tackle Spills Immediately

Accidents happen and spills are inevitable at a party.  The key to preventing stains from becoming permanent party fouls is to address them promptly.  Having your cleaning kit at the ready will help you in this regard.  Blotting rather than rubbing stains will typically help minimize the stain from spreading.

For carpet stains, try this simple hack.  Mix equal parts water and white wine vinegar in a spray bottle.  Spray the solution on the stain and let it sit for a few minutes.  Blot the area with a clean cloth, working from the outer edges inward.  Repeat if necessary.  Lastly, sprinkling baking soda over the affected area and letting it sit for 15 minutes will remove unwanted smells both from the stain and the other cleaning supplies.

 

4. Enlist the Help of Your Dishwasher

Your dishwasher is your best friend when it comes to cleaning up after a party.  During the party, allow your guests to help out by asking them to kindly place their dishes in the dishwasher (or at least near it) after mealtime. If there are children in attendance, they often enjoy feeling helpful – ask those overachievers to wrangle up dirty plates. 

Can you believe that two out of every three Americans have a dishwasher in their home, but only 20% of dishwasher owners ever use the advanced features and settings?  Many dishwashers have a “Soak & Clean” and/or “Heavy” cycle.  While these cycle settings typically use more water and higher temperatures, they can be a lifesaver to minimize the time needed to restore hard-to-clean or heavily soiled dish ware. 

And remember that dishwashers allow you to “set it and forget it”. So, once that cycle is running, keep the productive momentum moving and use that time to tackle our next kitchen cleanup tip.

 

5. Don’t Forget the Garbage Disposal

Garbage disposals help to prevent huge amounts of waste from ending up in landfills and keep your garage from stinking by allowing food waste to pass down the drain instead of going in the trash. A clogged garbage disposal can get smelly – fast. 

To quickly refresh your disposal, run cold water for a few seconds and then turn on the disposal. Add a few ice cubes, a handful of coarse salt, and maybe a citrus peel or two, then let the disposal run for a minute or two to help break up any remaining food particles and deodorize the unit. 

Garbage disposals are notorious for failing after heavy use.  Did you know HomeKeep offers bundled services to keep your disposal working and sink draining? (In-home service available in limited markets, visit our website for details.)

 

6. Tackle the Grill

If you hosted a backyard BBQ, don’t forget to take care of the grill! It may come as a surprise, but your grill is just as much of an appliance as your fridge or oven. That means that HomeKeep can help you take care of your grill, too! For example, Weber warranties certain grill parts for life – if you register your grill that is.  With HomeKeep registering any appliance is a snap.

After you host a barbecue, you need to clean your grill. Wire brushes are a popular choice for cleaning a grill grate, but they can be dangerous. Stray wires may fall out of the brush and find their way into your next brat or burger. Use a wire-free grill brush to scrub away any stubborn, cooked-on food debris, then wipe down the grates canola or peanut oil so they’re ready to go the next time.

 

7. Restore Your Bathrooms

The bathroom is one area that often requires extra attention after a party. To quickly freshen it up, create a mixture of equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution on all surfaces including the sink, toilet, and bathtub.  Let this solution sit for a few minutes and then wipe everything down with a cloth or sponge.

Remember, hosting summer parties is supposed to be fun! Don’t stress too much about the cleaning. With these tips, you can quickly recover and get your home back to its pre-party state. And if all else fails, just pour yourself a cold drink and relax. After all, it’s summertime!