Hosting guests brings excitement, but also a big question: when should you deep clean? Is it better to have everything spotless before they arrive, or should you save the big clean for after they leave?

The answer varies depending on the type of event, the number of guests, and how much time and energy you have. Here’s what the experts say about the pros and cons of deep cleaning before, after, or both.

Deep cleaning before hosting

Deep cleaning before guests arrive creates a pleasant environment and makes guests feel more comfortable. If your event includes a holiday or special occasion, preparing ahead of time can ensure your home feels ready and festive.

Kendra Hennessy, founder of the blog Mother Like a Boss, suggests that preparing for guests is also a great opportunity to decompress.

“Having guests over for the holidays is the perfect excuse to grab a few trash bags and boxes and get rid of what’s no longer serving you,” she said. “Especially for those of us who celebrate the holidays with presents, more ‘stuff’ will be coming into your home this month, so why not make room for it by shedding the clutter in your life?”

A deep clean beforehand means a refreshed home free of dust, clutter or forgotten messes. Cleaning before a guest can make it easier to find what guests may need, such as extra blankets or holiday dishes. And since you won’t have to worry about cleaning, you can relax and enjoy a pleasant, organized space during the event.

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What to clean before guests arrive

Pre-guest deep cleaning should focus on “high traffic” and visible areas such as the living room, guest bedroom, bathrooms and kitchen. Key tasks include:

• Dusting and vacuuming to remove allergens.
• Cleaning the bathroom and replenishing basic supplies such as soap and toilet paper.
• Organizing the entrance for a polished look.
• Dissolving worktops in the kitchen for space.

With these tasks done, your home will be ready for guests, and you’ll enjoy the bonus of a clutter-free space.

Deep cleaning after hosting

No matter how spotless your home is before guests arrive, post-event cleaning is often necessary. Yvonne Pratt, founder of the StoneGable blog, says cleaning up after hosting is essential.

“Cleaning up after guests isn’t glamorous, especially when you’re tired, but it doesn’t have to be a chore,” she said.

After the reunion, your home may need a refresh – think dirty dishes, sticky floors and rooms that need tidying.

“It’s not surprising that after the holiday weekend, our homes can look like a little storm that has blown through, especially if you’ve had little ones or multiple families visit,” she said.

Instead of feeling overwhelmed by clutter, Pratt recommends a simple, repeatable cleaning strategy. Tackle one room at a time, starting with the most frequently used areas. Quick actions, like loading the dishwasher and putting away supplies, can restore order and keep you from feeling stressed.

What to focus on after the guests leave

Post-event cleaning often focuses on high-traffic areas that have been used the most, such as:

• Bathrooms and kitchens: Wash dirty dishes and towels, clean countertops and take out trash.
• Guest bedrooms: Change the bedding, dust and remove the remaining garbage.
• Residential areas: Vacuum, sweep and pick up any stray items.

With a repeatable post-event routine, cleaning up after a guest doesn’t have to be exhausting, and your home can quickly get back to normal.

Cleaning before and after hosting

For some, a combination approach may be best. Focused cleaning before guests arrive makes a strong first impression, while a second, smaller clean afterward helps reset the space.

This hybrid approach is especially good if you have long-term guests or multiple gatherings during the holiday season. An initial deep clean provides a basic level of cleanliness and helps you manage small messes as they happen. After the guests leave, you can do the lighter cleaning because you’ve already dealt with the heavy cleaning before.

So which should you choose?

Ultimately, whether you opt for a deep clean before, after, or both depends on your lifestyle, the time, and the size of your gathering. If you’re short on time, focus on the essentials before guests arrive and save the deep clean for later. If you have the time to spare, doing both can give you the best of both worlds: a refreshed, inviting space before the event and a thoroughly clean home afterward.

“Having a workable and repeatable cleaning strategy is the key to managing the cleaning process without feeling stressed,” says Pratt.

Whether that strategy is one deep cleanse, two smaller cleanses, or a combination, the most important thing is to find an approach that works for you.