Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and nothing says “welcome” like a sparkling, guest-ready home. But with so much to do before the big day—cooking, decorating, and prepping for guests—cleaning might feel like an overwhelming task. That’s where we come in.

We’ve put together the ultimate Thanksgiving cleaning checklist, breaking it down by room and task, so you can tackle the work in manageable pieces. Follow this guide, and your home will be clean, cozy, and ready to impress for the holidays. 

We’ve also sprinkled in some of COIT’s best cleaning tips, product recommendations, and a post-Thanksgiving cleanup guide to make the whole process stress-free.

Two Weeks Before Thanksgiving: Get Organized

The key to a good cleaning plan is starting early. About two weeks before Thanksgiving, focus on big tasks that will stay relatively clean, so you don’t have to worry about them again before the holiday.

Kitchen: Make Room for the Feast

• Clean the Refrigerator: Go through every shelf and drawer to toss old leftovers and expired condiments. You’ll need every inch of space for Thanksgiving groceries!
  • Tip: Wipe down shelves with a mix of water and baking soda for an easy clean.
• Polish Your Special Serveware: If you plan on using any special china, glassware, or serving dishes that don’t get much use, wash them now. A quick rinse will make sure they’re sparkling for the big meal.

Entryway: Prepare for Guests

• Declutter the Coat Closet: Make room for guest coats by clearing out the clutter. Store items you don’t need and give the closet a quick vacuum.
  • Pro tip: Place a few cedar blocks or scented sachets in the closet to keep things smelling fresh.
• Tidy Up Outdoor Spaces: Rake leaves, sweep the porch, and make sure the entrance looks neat. First impressions matter! If you’re expecting cold weather, ensure walkways are clear and safe.

Dining Room: Set the Stage

• Dust and Clean Light Fixtures: Focus on ceiling fixtures and sconces where dust and grime accumulate. A microfiber cloth works wonders here.
• Polish Silverware and Glasses: A little shine goes a long way in creating a welcoming and festive table setting.

One Week Before Thanksgiving

A week before Thanksgiving, it’s time to focus on deep cleaning. Doing this now means you won’t have to worry about much more than quick touch-ups closer to the big day.

Living Room: Guest-Ready Spaces

• Dust Thoroughly: Dust all surfaces, paying extra attention to window sills, baseboards, and areas where guests might lean or gather.
• Clean Upholstery and Furniture: Use a vacuum brush attachment to clean your sofas, chairs, and cushions. If you have a microfiber couch, now’s the time to clean it.
  • Need a deep upholstery clean? COIT’s professional upholstery cleaning services can make your furniture look brand new.
• Vacuum and Mop: Sweep and vacuum floors thoroughly, especially in high-traffic areas. If you have hardwood or tile floors, give them a good mop.

Kitchen: Where the Magic Happens

• Deep Clean the Oven and Stovetop: After weeks (or months) of use, your oven probably has baked-on grease and food splatters. Use a non-toxic oven cleaner or baking soda paste to give it a deep clean. Don’t forget to wipe down the stovetop, knobs, and exhaust fan.
• Clean Windows: Wash the windows in the kitchen and dining room—clean glass makes a world of difference in brightening up your space.
• Wipe Down Cabinets and Appliances: Pay attention to high-touch areas like cabinet handles and appliance doors. A microfiber cloth and mild cleaner will do the trick.
• Wash Table Linens: Pull out your tablecloths and napkins and give them a wash. If necessary, iron them so they’re ready to go.

Bathrooms: Sparkling and Spotless

• Deep Clean Guest Bathrooms: Your guests will likely be using a specific bathroom, so make it shine. Scrub the sink, toilet, shower, and mirrors until they gleam.
  • Pro tip: Use a bathroom-specific cleaner to prevent soap scum buildup in showers and tubs.
• Restock Essentials: Make sure you have plenty of soap, clean towels, and extra toilet paper ready to go.
• Dust and Wipe Down Fixtures: Don’t forget light fixtures, mirrors, and vents. These often-overlooked areas can gather dust and grime.

The Day Before Thanksgiving: Last-Minute Touchups

It’s almost showtime! The day before Thanksgiving is all about touching up the work you’ve already done so everything looks fresh and ready for guests.

Living Room & Dining Room: Final Prep

• Quick Dust and Vacuum: By now, you’ve already done a deep clean, so a quick once-over with the vacuum and duster should do the trick.
• Set the Table: If you’re not using your table for meal prep, go ahead and set it. This gives you one less thing to worry about on the big day.
• Put Out Decorations: Now’s the time to put out any candles, centerpieces, or holiday décor you’ve planned for the dining area.

Bathrooms: Freshen Up

• Wipe Down Surfaces: Give mirrors, faucets, and counters a quick wipe to make sure everything’s spotless.
• Restock Toiletries and Towels: Put out fresh towels, soap, and make sure there’s plenty of toilet paper on hand. Fresh hand towels will make a good impression.

Kitchen: Last-Minute Cleanup

• Clear Countertops: Chances are your kitchen will be the hub of activity. Keep things tidy by clearing as much counter space as possible.
  • Tip: Use trays to organize ingredients and utensils to keep things neat.
• Run and Empty the Dishwasher: A clean slate before the cooking frenzy starts will help keep the kitchen organized.
• Wipe Down the Stove and Sink: Make sure both are clean and ready for action, especially since guests tend to congregate in the kitchen.

Thanksgiving Day: Hosting with Ease

On Thanksgiving Day, try to focus on enjoying time with your friends and family and not stressing over cleaning. These quick tasks will help you stay on top of things throughout the day.

Bathrooms: Keep It Fresh

• Put Out Fresh Towels: Swap out used towels for fresh ones just before guests arrive.
• Quick Wipe Down: Check for water splashes or smudges on mirrors and faucets, and give everything a quick wipe if needed.

Kitchen: Stay on Top of the Mess

• Wipe Down the Stove: Cooking a big meal can create messes in no time. Wipe down spills as you go to prevent grease buildup.
• Take Out the Trash: Empty the trash before guests arrive. With all the cooking, it’ll likely be full.
• Keep Counters Clear: Try to keep countertops tidy by putting away ingredients and utensils you’re done using. Your guests will appreciate having a clean spot to chat.

Post-Thanksgiving Cleanup: Relax and Recover

Once the feast is over and your guests have gone home, it’s time to focus on the post-Thanksgiving cleanup. These quick tips will help you wind down and get your home back in order.

Living Room: Quick Touchup

• Fluff Pillows and Cushions: A quick fluffing can make your sofa look fresh again after a day of guests lounging.
• Spot Clean Upholstery: Look for any spills or stains on your upholstery or tablecloth. A quick spot treatment can prevent them from setting.

Kitchen: Reset for the Next Day

• Run the Dishwasher: Load the dishwasher with everything you used throughout the day. If it’s already full, run it and then reload for round two.
• Wipe Down Surfaces: Clear countertops of any leftover dishes and give them a quick wipe with an all-purpose cleaner.
• Tackle Spills: If there were any major spills, now’s the time to treat them. A mixture of dish soap and warm water can handle most stains, but for tougher ones, we recommend our professional carpet cleaning services.

Bathrooms: Back to Basics

• Clean Toilets and Sinks: After a day of hosting, your bathrooms may need a refresh. A quick wipe-down will help reset them for the weekend.

Final Thoughts 

By breaking the work into manageable tasks, starting early, and using this Thanksgiving cleaning checklist, you’ll be ready to welcome guests without stressing over every detail. And remember, if you need an extra hand with deep cleaning or just want to give your home a professional touch, COIT is always here to help.

Need more cleaning tips? Check out our blog for more expert advice!

Contact COIT for a professional cleaning!