The holiday season is a time for delicious meals, festive gatherings, and cherished memories with loved ones. But let’s face it: holiday cooking can leave your home in a less-than-festive state. From grease-splattered stovetops to overflowing trash bins, the aftermath of holiday feasts can feel overwhelming. In Lebanon, PA, where families come together to celebrate the season, keeping your home clean and inviting is key to enjoying the festivities.

Here’s a guide to tackling the cleaning challenges of holiday cooking with tips, hacks, and professional solutions to make your life easier.

1. Tackle Grease and Grime in the Kitchen

Holiday cooking often leads to a buildup of grease on stovetops, countertops, and cabinets. Grease can attract dust and create stubborn stains if not addressed promptly.

Tips and Hacks for Cleaning Grease:

• Baking Soda Paste: Mix baking soda with water to create a paste. Apply it to greasy surfaces, let it sit for 10–15 minutes, then scrub with a soft sponge or cloth.
• Vinegar Spray: Combine equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray on greasy areas and wipe clean with a microfiber cloth for a streak-free shine.
• Degreasing Dish Soap: For heavy-duty grease, add a few drops of dish soap to warm water and scrub with a sponge.

Preventive Tip:

Use splatter guards or lids while cooking to minimize grease buildup. Wipe surfaces immediately after cooking to prevent grease from setting in.

2. Keep Your Oven and Stovetop Spotless

Holiday roasts, casseroles, and baked goods often result in spills and splatters inside the oven and on the stovetop.

Cleaning Hacks for Ovens and Stovetops:

• DIY Oven Cleaner: Mix 1/2 cup of baking soda with water to form a paste. Spread it inside the oven and let it sit overnight. Wipe clean with a damp cloth the next day. For stubborn spots, spray vinegar over the paste before wiping.
• Stovetop Shine: For glass stovetops, use a mixture of dish soap and baking soda. Scrub gently with a soft sponge and wipe clean with a damp cloth. For gas stovetops, soak removable grates in warm soapy water before scrubbing.
• Lemon Power: Cut a lemon in half and rub it over stains for a natural and effective way to clean. Its acidity helps break down grease and grime.

3. Handle Overloaded Trash Bins

With all the holiday cooking, trash bins can fill up quickly, leading to unpleasant odors and mess.

Tips for Managing Trash:

• Double Bagging: Line your trash bin with two bags to prevent leaks and spills from heavy loads.
• Neutralize Odors: Sprinkle baking soda at the bottom of the bin to absorb odors. Alternatively, place a dryer sheet at the bottom for a fresh scent.
• Recycle Smartly: Separate recyclable materials like cans, bottles, and cardboard to reduce waste and free up space in your trash bin.

Hack:

Keep a designated bag or container near the kitchen for food scraps. Composting them can reduce waste and benefit your garden.

4. Clean as You Go

One of the best ways to avoid a post-cooking mess is by cleaning as you cook. This approach helps minimize clutter and makes the cleanup process less daunting.

Cleaning As You Go Tips:

• Wash While You Wait: Use downtime while food is baking or simmering to wash dishes and wipe surfaces.
• Keep a Trash Bowl: Place a large bowl on the counter to collect scraps and waste as you cook, reducing trips to the trash bin.
• Soak Pots and Pans: Fill pots and pans with warm soapy water immediately after use to make scrubbing easier later.

5. Refresh Your Floors

Holiday cooking inevitably leads to spills and crumbs on the floor, which can become sticky or slippery if not addressed.

Floor Cleaning Tips:

• Sweep and Mop Regularly: Use a broom to sweep up crumbs daily and mop the floor weekly with a gentle floor cleaner.
• Spot Clean Spills: For sticky messes, mix equal parts vinegar and water and wipe the area with a damp cloth.
• Protect Your Floors: Place a washable rug or mat in high-traffic areas like in front of the sink and stove to catch spills.

6. Dealing with Lingering Kitchen Odors

Strong smells from cooking holiday favorites like garlic, onions, or seafood can linger in your kitchen and throughout your home.

Odor Elimination Hacks:

• Simmer Pot: Boil a pot of water with citrus peels, cinnamon sticks, and cloves to freshen the air.
• Charcoal or Baking Soda: Place bowls of activated charcoal or baking soda around the kitchen to absorb odors.
• Ventilation: Open windows or use your kitchen exhaust fan while cooking to reduce odors.

7. Call in the Professionals

The holiday season is busy, and sometimes you just don’t have the time or energy to tackle deep cleaning on your own. That’s where professional cleaning services come in handy.

Why Choose SOAA Cleaning Services in Lebanon, PA:

• Expertise: Our team knows how to handle even the toughest kitchen messes, from grease buildup to lingering odors.
• Time-Saving: Focus on enjoying the holidays while we handle the cleanup.
• Customized Cleaning Plans: Whether you need a one-time deep clean or regular service, we tailor our solutions to meet your needs.

Make Your Home Sparkle This Holiday Season

Holiday cooking doesn’t have to leave your home in chaos. With these tips, hacks, and the help of SOAA Cleaning Services, you can keep your kitchen and home looking spotless and inviting throughout the season.

Contact us today to schedule a cleaning service in Lebanon, PA, and enjoy a stress-free holiday season with a sparkling clean home!