Holiday Hosting: Quick Green Cleaning Tips To Get Your Home Ready for Guests

December 17, 2025

Holiday hosting can be equal parts festive fun and frantic preparation. Between planning menus, wrapping gifts, and juggling schedules, this season can quickly become chaotic—but getting your home guest-ready doesn’t have to be.

With a few non-toxic essentials and sustainable swaps, you can get your home sparkling and ready for guests without adding to your holiday stress. Read on for some quick green cleaning tips to help you create a clean, welcoming home that’s better for your loved ones (and the planet) before the doorbell rings.

Making Green Cleaning Part of Your Holiday Routine

The first step in getting your home ready for guests this holiday season? Stock up on your favorite green cleaning products. 

Green cleaners are not only more eco-friendly and sustainable, they’re also better for your family’s health. You can even make many household cleaners yourself using simple ingredients like baking soda, vinegar, castile soap, and essential oils. (Note: Whenever you use a new-to-you cleaner, always spot-test to make sure it won’t discolor or cause other damage to your surfaces.)

Learn more about non-toxic cleaning alternatives here.

In addition to using non-toxic cleaners, swap out your paper towels for reusable cloths or compostable sponges, and opt for glass spray bottles instead of plastic.

Using non-toxic cleaning products helps reduce chemical exposure for your family, guests, and pets. And in a season known for excess waste, it’s one simple way to be kinder to the planet while still enjoying all that seasonal cheer.

Quick Green Cleaning Tips for Holiday Hosting

Entryway Essentials

Help your guests feel welcome from the moment they walk in the door with a clean, decluttered entryway.

Start by clearing the clutter: Put away extra shoes and coats, as well as any backpacks or packages that are lying around. Make sure there’s space for guests to place their shoes, coats, and bags as they walk in the door. Then, wipe down surfaces and sweep or vacuum the floors. 

For a final touch, spritz the entry with a little essential oil-scented spray or light a beeswax candle.

Guest Bedroom Touch-Ups

Whether you have a dedicated guest room or you’re fixing up the home office or rec room for guests to stay in, it’s important to offer them a cozy, comfortable space to land.

Make the bed with clean linens, dust surfaces with a microfiber cloth, and vacuum the floors. Free up some space in the closet or dresser so your guests have a place to put away their belongings during their stay. Place clean towels at the foot of the bed or on an empty chair if you don’t have a dedicated guest bath.

Finally, put together a goodie basket for your guests, including snacks in reusable jars, recycled or bamboo tissues, and an extra bamboo toothbrush or two.

Bathroom Sparkle

Make sure your bathroom is spotless by giving it a thorough clean from the top down with non-toxic cleaners and a microfiber cloth:

• Clean the mirror (Pro tip: use an “S” motion, rather than a circular one, for a streak-free shine)
• Wipe down faucets, countertops, and sink
• Clean and squeegee the shower, tub, and shower door
• Scrub the toilet and wipe down its exterior
• Sweep and mop floors and vacuum rugs
• Empty the trash and replace the liner

Once things are clean and sparkling, make sure to restock hand soap and toilet paper and put out fresh towels. Finally, give the room a light spritz with a soothing essential-oil scented spray (lavender, eucalyptus, or citrus are especially nice).

Living Room + Common Area Tidy-Up

The common spaces of your home—such as the living room, dining room, or rec room—are where your guests will likely spend a lot of their time, so make sure to give these spaces some TLC. 

First, declutter. Put away anything that doesn’t need to be out, including remote controls, toys, and magazines. You’ll want to do this before you put up holiday decorations so you have a clean slate to work with.

Next, wipe down all surfaces with a damp microfiber cloth, paying special attention to frequently-touched surfaces like light switches, countertops, tables, and doorknobs. Spot clean fabrics with a little gentle, non-toxic soap or stain remover. Vacuum the carpets, floors, baseboards, and upholstery. (Pro tip: To naturally deodorize carpets and upholstery, sprinkle on a little baking soda, let it sit for 15-20 minutes, then vacuum.) 

Fluff pillows and straighten throw blankets for added coziness. Finally, open the windows briefly (5-10 minutes will do) to freshen up the air.

Kitchen Polished to a Shine

No matter what you plan for your gatherings, it seems that everyone ends up hanging out in the kitchen. It is, after all, the heart of the home!

To get your kitchen guest-ready:

• Clear the countertops of clutter and wipe them down with a non-toxic disinfectant
• Pop dirty dishes into the dishwasher and give the sink a good scrub
• Shine up stainless steel appliances with an olive oil and vinegar mixture or your favorite non-toxic stainless steel cleaner and a microfiber cloth
• Take out the garbage and deodorize your trashcans with a little baking soda: Sprinkle it on the bottom and sides of the trashcan and let it sit overnight to absorb odors
• Sweep and mop the floors

Once the kitchen is spotless, add a little holiday cheer with a simmer pot: Fill a pot with water, cinnamon sticks, and orange peels, and set it to simmer to fill your home with a natural, festive scent.

Keeping your home clean and fresh during the holidays doesn’t have to mean resorting to chemical-laden cleaners. With these green cleaning tips, you’ll be well on your way to maintaining a clean, welcoming home for your guests this season.

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