Post-Party Cleaning Hacks
Everyone’s just left, and your house? Total wreck. There’s food everywhere, the table’s a disaster, and no matter where you look, something’s begging for attention. Don’t stress—this list of post-party cleaning hacks will get things back on track in no time. Whether you’re up for a quick fix or ready to dive into a more detailed plan, there’s an approach here that’ll help you get it all done.
These home cleaning tips are your go-to solution for tackling the chaos and getting your home back to where it needs to be.
Must-Do Cleaning Tips Right After the Party
After a night of celebrating, cleaning up might be the last thing you feel like doing. But trust me, dealing with a few key messes right away can save you from a bigger headache later. Here are three must-do tasks to do right now:
#1. Clear the Food and Drinks
Start by dealing with any leftover food and drinks that are sitting out. Put anything that needs to be refrigerated into the fridge and toss out the rest. Gather up empty glasses and bottles too—just stack them in the sink or load them into the dishwasher to handle later.
#2. Handle the Spills
Spills happen—it’s just part of the party vibe. But don’t let them stick around and settle in. Grab a paper towel or cloth, blot up as much as you can right away, and then hit it with some soapy water to clean up the rest. A quick cleanup now means less scrubbing later.
#3. Take Care of the Trash
Gather up cups, plates, napkins, and whatever else didn’t make it to the trash can. Throw away or recycle what you can to give yourself a clearer, fresher space to work with. It’s a small and easy win that makes the rest of the cleanup feel way more manageable.
Post-Party Cleaning Hacks
Throwing a party is always a blast, but waking up to a mess? Not so much. Before you start feeling overwhelmed by the mess in front of you, take a deep breath. Cleaning up doesn’t have to be a marathon. With a game plan and some simple hacks, you can have your space sparkling in no time.
D/M Pro Tip: Let’s be real—this is a big job. Make it easier (and a little more fun) by popping on some headphones and diving into a great audiobook. The distraction will keep you focused and help the time fly, so you can tackle this task and get back to your day.
Be sure to grab the FREE Checklist below to put the easy button on this party cleanup!
Kitchen Hacks
The kitchen often takes a hit during a party, but these tips will help you reclaim it in no time. Start by cleaning the kitchen and make a big dent in your post-party clean up.
- Start with the dishes: Gather all the dirty glasses, plates, and utensils from around the kitchen and beyond. Load up the dishwasher (if you’ve got one) and set it to run, or stack items neatly for washing later if you’re not ready to tackle them just yet. For fragile pieces, give them a quick hand wash to get them out of the way. Clearing the sink of piled-up dishes is a game-changer for your mental cleanup mindset.
- Clear the counters: Toss or store leftovers and wipe up spills as you go. If dish racks or trays are cluttering the space, put them away. Keeping your counters clear isn’t just about looks; it gives you more room to work and feels like an instant win when you’re cleaning.
- Take out the trash: Party trash tends to pile up fast, especially if food waste is involved. Empty all full bins, replacing liners so they’re ready for any additional garbage you’ll collect during cleanup. Don’t forget to clean the trash can itself if anything has spilled on the outside.
- Open the windows: Post-party odors, from cooking to drinks to general mingling, love to linger. Crack open the windows for some fresh air while you clean. Even ten minutes of airing out can make your kitchen feel fresher and more inviting (and less like a party hangover).
Bonus Tip for Sticky Messes
If you’ve got those inevitable sticky spots on your counters or floors, don’t stress. Mix equal parts warm water and vinegar, apply it to the sticky areas, and use a cloth to scrub gently. The vinegar cuts through grime like a pro and leaves surfaces clean without any harsh chemicals.
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Family Room Hacks
This is the heart of the party, so it probably needs a little extra love. Don’t worry, though—with a few simple steps, you can make it look like the party never even happened.
- Pick up clutter: Start with a quick sweep of the room. Grab a laundry basket or even just a large tote bag and collect anything that doesn’t belong, from stray cups to game controllers or random socks (you never know with parties). Don’t overthink where things go right now; just focus on decluttering the family room so you can start cleaning. You can sort it all out once the mess is under control.
- Reset the furniture: Straighten pillows and fluff cushions to instantly make the room feel more put-together. If blankets were tossed around, fold them neatly or drop them in a basket. Bonus points for giving your couch cushions a quick shake to get rid of any hidden crumbs.
- Fluff and vacuum: This step is a double win. First, pick up any visible crumbs or bits of debris and toss them in the trash. Then, grab your vacuum and give the floor a good once-over. Don’t forget to hit under the furniture and along the edges where crumbs like to hide. If glitter made an appearance during your party, try sweeping it together with a dryer sheet before vacuuming. It’ll grab those stubborn sparkles like magic!
- Wipe surfaces: Use a damp microfiber cloth to clean coffee tables, end tables, and any shelves where snacks, drinks, or fingerprints might have landed. For sticky spots, a gentle spritz of all-purpose cleaner can help.
- Freshen up the air: After a party, the family room can feel a bit…stuffy. Open a window or light a candle with a clean, subtle scent. If your couch or chairs absorbed any strong food smells, sprinkle a little baking soda on the cushions and vacuum it up after 15 minutes. It’ll leave everything smelling fresher in no time.
Entryway Hacks
The entryway is the first impression for your guests, and it often bears the brunt of the party chaos.
- Declutter and sweep: Start by picking up any stray items like coats, shoes, or bags that your guests might have left behind. If you had a designated place for these things, make sure it’s clear and ready for daily use again. Once the area is neat, give the floor a good sweep or vacuum.
- Check for spills or scuffs: Party foot traffic can leave marks on walls, baseboards, or the floor. Scan the area for scuffs or any accidental stains. A damp microfiber cloth usually does the trick for light spots, while a magic eraser is perfect for tougher marks on walls.
- Refresh your welcome mat: Your welcome mat likely got plenty of action. Shake it out outside to get rid of dirt, crumbs, or any party aftermath. If it’s especially dirty, give it a quick vacuum or even a wash if it’s machine-safe. A fresh, clean mat makes your entryway instantly feel more inviting.
- Add a finishing touch: After cleaning, take a moment to freshen up the space. Pop a vase with a few flowers or a small seasonal decoration on a side table if you have one. It’s a tiny detail but it gives your entryway a welcoming, put-together vibe for the next time you come home or have visitors.
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Bathroom Hacks
No one really wants to deal with a messy bathroom after a party, but it’s an area you can’t skip. Give the entire space a quick clean so you can check another room off your list.
- Empty the trash: Bathroom bins have a way of filling up fast, especially during a party. Grab the trash bag, toss it out, and replace it with a fresh liner.
- Wipe everything down: The sink, faucet, toilet, and countertop likely saw a lot of action. Disinfectant wipes are your go-to hero here for a fast, effective clean.
- Restock supplies: Make sure there’s plenty of toilet paper, fresh hand towels, and hand soap so everything is back to normal.
- Clean the floor: Grab a broom or give the floor a quick clean before mopping up any sticky spots.
- Shine up the mirror: A party can leave surprising smudges on bathroom mirrors. A quick wipe with glass cleaner or even a mixture of water and vinegar will have it streak-free in seconds.
Outdoor Hacks
If your party featured some backyard fun, don’t skip cleaning up outside. A little time spent sprucing up the space can make a huge difference, and it doesn’t have to be a chore with these easy tips.
- Pick up litter and decorations: Take a quick walk through your yard or patio and gather anything left behind. From cups and plates to food wrappers and leftover streamers, grab a trash bag and scoop it all up. Don’t forget to check planter beds or under furniture where stray items might have blown or been stashed.
- Clean up seating areas: Outdoor furniture can collect crumbs, drink rings, or even sticky spots. Use a damp cloth to wipe down tables, chairs, and armrests.
- Water down sticky spots: Check patios, decks, or concrete surfaces for food or drink spills. A quick spray with the garden hose should take care of most messes, but for stubborn areas, you can add a drop of dish soap and give it a light scrub before rinsing.
- Check the lawn: If your party extended onto your grass, look for any forgotten items like bottle caps or skewers that could become hazards later. Also, rake up any confetti or wrappers before they blow away into neighboring yards.
Bonus Tip for Grills
If you used the grill, sprinkle some baking soda onto the grates and scrub with a grill brush before the grease hardens. It’s way easier to clean when it’s still warm.
Don’t forget to snag the FREE Post-Party Cleaning Checklist! It’s a quick, easy version of this list that you can download and pop into your cleaning binder. Next time you host, you’ll have it handy to make cleanup a breeze.
Pre-Party Prep Hacks
Want to spend less time scrubbing and tidying after the party? A little prep can go a long way in saving you from post-party cleanup headaches.
- Stick with finger foods: Ditch the need for forks and knives by serving snacks and dishes your guests can enjoy with their hands. Less cutlery and plates to wash = big win!
- Set up trash areas: Make life easier for yourself by placing clear trash and recycling bins around the party area. Label them so guests don’t have to guess where things go, and you’ll have way less to sort later.
- Protect your surfaces: Cover tables with tablecloths or runners to catch any spills. Bonus tip? Skip tricky decorations like glitter and confetti. They look cute but are a nightmare to clean up!
- Opt for disposables: If you’re okay with it, go with disposable plates, cups, and napkins. There are so many stylish options now that it won’t even look like a compromise.
- Clean as you go: While you’re hosting, take little moments to tidy up when you can. Wipe a spill here, gather empty glasses there—it really makes a difference!
- Have take-home containers ready: Stock up on containers and bags so your guests can take leftovers home. Less food for you to store (and clean around) later, plus it’s a thoughtful way to share the love.
These post-party cleaning hacks really take the stress out of getting your space back to normal. It doesn’t take much to make your home feel fresh and inviting again. That little bit of mess? Just a reminder of the great memories you created with your guests.
With these tips, you can tackle the cleanup easily and feel ready to host the next get-together. Whether it’s a small dinner party or a large family event, knowing you have a plan once the last guest leaves can help you to enjoy the party even more.
