BlogHosting a party is fun. Cleaning up afterwards? Not so much.
Between sticky floors, mystery cups, overflowing bins, and that “what happened in the kitchen?” moment, post-party mess can feel bigger than it actually is. The trick is to avoid random cleaning and follow a quick, logical order—so you’re not re-doing the same work twice.
Here’s a realistic, step-by-step guide to clean your home after hosting a party, using time-saving shortcuts that still leave everything feeling fresh.
Start With the 15-Minute “Damage Control” Round
Before you deep clean anything, do one fast walk-through. You’re not cleaning yet—you’re resetting the chaos.
Grab:
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A laundry basket (for items that belong elsewhere)
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A rubbish bag
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A dish tub or tray (for cups/glasses)
Do this first:
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Collect all rubbish (plates, napkins, bottles, decorations)
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Gather cups and dishes into one place
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Move lost items to one “party leftovers” basket
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Open a few windows for airflow
This takes the mess from “everywhere” to “contained,” which makes the rest feel 10x easier.
Step 1: Kitchen First (Because It Smells the Fastest)
The kitchen is usually the biggest post-party mess zone—and if you handle it early, you stop odours and stains from settling in.
Quick kitchen clean plan:
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Load the dishwasher (or soak dishes in hot soapy water)
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Clear benches and wipe crumbs into the bin
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Wipe splash zones (sink, stove area, handles, fridge door)
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Clean the sink (hot water + dish soap; finish with a quick rinse)
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Take out the rubbish (especially if there’s food waste)
Pro tip: If your bins smell, sprinkle baking soda in the bottom before adding a fresh liner.
Internal link idea: Add a related blog such as Kitchen Deep Cleaning Checklist.
Step 2: Bathrooms Next (Fast Wins, Big Difference)
Guests mean extra bathroom traffic. The good news: a quick bathroom reset makes the whole home feel cleaner.
5–10 minute bathroom reset:
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Replace hand towels (fresh towels instantly upgrade the vibe)
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Wipe sink + tap (soap marks and toothpaste stand out)
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Clean the toilet (focus under the rim and the seat edges)
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Spot-clean mirror if needed
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Empty the bathroom bin
If you’ve got more than one bathroom, do the guest one first.
Internal link idea: How to Keep Bathrooms Clean All Week.
Step 3: Living Areas (Declutter Before You Wipe)
Don’t start dusting while cups and clutter are still everywhere. Clear the room first.
Living room clean-up order:
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Collect cups/plates
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Fold blankets, straighten cushions
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Put items into the “belongs elsewhere” basket
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Wipe surfaces (coffee table, side tables)
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Check under couches for wrappers, bottle caps, and crumbs
If there are glass rings on tables, try a slightly damp microfibre cloth and dry immediately.
Step 4: Floors Last (So You Only Do Them Once)
Floors should be last, because everything else drops crumbs and dust onto them.
Post-party floor routine:
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Vacuum first (or sweep if you don’t have carpet)
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Spot mop sticky areas (entryway, kitchen, dining, around drinks)
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Full mop only if needed (don’t overwork yourself)
Sticky floor tip: Warm water + a small amount of gentle floor cleaner works well. Avoid using too much product—it can leave residue that feels sticky later.
Step 5: Deal With Spills and Stains Immediately
Parties are basically spill opportunities in disguise. The sooner you treat stains, the better your chances.
Common quick fixes:
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Red wine: Blot (don’t rub), then cold water + a small amount of dish soap
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Grease spots: Sprinkle baking soda to absorb, then wipe and wash
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Soda/juice: Warm water + mild detergent, then dry
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Carpet spills: Blot with paper towel, then dab with water + a tiny bit of dish soap
If stains are set or widespread, it may be worth booking a professional carpet clean.
Internal link idea: Carpet Cleaning Tips: Stains, Odours and Maintenance.
Step 6: Get Rid of Odours (Fast)
Even after cleaning, party smells can linger (food, drinks, smoke, perfume, bins).
Simple odour reset:
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Open windows for 15–30 minutes
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Empty bins and replace liners
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Run the exhaust fan in kitchen/bathrooms
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Wipe down “smell holders” (sink, bins, fridge handle area)
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Wash tea towels and hand towels
Optional: Simmer lemon slices in water for 10 minutes to freshen the home naturally.
Step 7: Laundry and Linens (Don’t Let It Pile Up)
You don’t need to wash everything the same day, but do the essentials so your home feels “back to normal.”
Prioritise washing:
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Tea towels
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Bathroom hand towels
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Tablecloths/napkins
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Cushion covers if there are spills
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Throws if used heavily
A Quick After-Party Cleaning Checklist (Copy/Paste)
First 15 minutes
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Rubbish bag round
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Gather cups/plates
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“Belongs elsewhere” basket
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Open windows
Kitchen
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Dishwasher/soak dishes
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Wipe benches + sink
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Take out rubbish
Bathrooms
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Fresh towels
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Wipe sink + mirror
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Clean toilet
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Empty bin
Living areas
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Declutter surfaces
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Wipe tables
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Check under couch
Floors
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Vacuum/sweep
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Spot mop sticky zones
Finishing touches
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Treat spills/stains
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Laundry essentials
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Air out home
When You Should Consider a Professional Post-Party Clean
If you hosted a big event (or just don’t want to spend your recovery day cleaning), a professional clean can reset your home quickly—especially for:
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Deep kitchen clean (grease, benches, splashback)
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Bathrooms that need extra attention
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Floors and sticky residue
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Bin and odour issues
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Full home reset before the week starts
Internal link idea: Link to your services page, e.g. One-Off House Cleaning or Deep Cleaning Services.
Final Thoughts
The easiest way to clean after a party is to follow the right order: collect → reset → kitchen → bathrooms → surfaces → floors → finishing touches. Once you do it this way, it stops feeling like a full-day job.
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