With Thanksgiving fast approaching, you may be wondering if your home will be clean and ready in time for the holidays. The good news is that you can get started now and just leave a few things for that final week.  

Things You Can Do Now: 

• Clean entertaining spaces, starting at the top, banishing corner cobwebs, and working your way down to the baseboards so you won’t have to count dust bunnies among your guests. 
• If you have pets, clean pet hair off furniture and then put down washable throws that can be removed before guests arrive. 
• Give your stove and oven a deep cleaning. 
• Check your supply of aprons, potholders, napkins, sheets, and towels. Make sure they are in good condition. Do any cleaning, stain removal, or replacing now so you have plenty on hand when needed.  
• Make sure the tablecloth you plan to use is clean and wrinkle-free. 
• Clean your trash cans. 
• Spruce up houseplants by removing dead leaves and wiping off dust with a damp paper towel. 
• Put a container of tissues and disposable wipes in any guest bathrooms. Check the supply of hand soap. 
• Inventory your laundry supplies and stock up on stain remover in case of spills. 
• Polish your silver and make sure you have plenty of dish detergent for post-meal clean-up. 
• Spend some time decluttering. Make room for guest coats in the closet and clear as much kitchen counter space as you can. You’re going to need it! 
• Put mats and throw rugs at entryways to prevent dirt (or snow) from being tracked in. It can also be helpful to add a boot tray and a basket for hats and gloves if it’s cold. 

Preparation the Week Before: 

• Vacuum carpets and sweep floors. 
• Clean out the refrigerator to make room for the holiday food. Remove food beyond its expiration date and wipe down the shelves. 
• Put coasters in prominent locations so guests can use them to avoid beverage rings on your wood furniture. 
• Deep clean any guest bathrooms and hang fresh towels. 
• Put out fresh sheets for overnight guests. 
• Wipe down kitchen surfaces, cabinets and appliances. 
• Use an electrostatic dust cloth for the TV, especially if you plan to watch any Thanksgiving football. 

Final Touches on the Day: 

• Take out the garbage and recycling and put a fresh liner in any trash cans. 
• While food is in the oven, take a moment to clean the counters before guests arrive. 
• Having a small, hand-held vacuum on-hand for crumbs can also be helpful.