We partnered with OxiClean™ to give you much-needed insight into how to best prep for the fast-approaching holiday season.
It's go time, people! The holiday season is here, so it's time to prep for however you're going to celebrate — even if it's just with your immediate family, roommates, or simply you and your partner this year. Beyond the delicious food and gift-giving cheer, there are a few things you need to think about before the day arrives. What will your table look like? Are all my decor items clean, intact, and ready to be put out? No fear — we've got you covered. Take a deep breath and read on for a handy checklist to help you get your home ready for the merriment.
Bring Out Your Holiday-Specific Decorations
From your treasured menorah to heirloom Christmas ornaments to the star for the top of your tree, there are a few items for which the holidays are their time to shine (literally!). Make sure to unpack all these precious mementos before the start of the season, and confirm that there's nothing you need to replace or clean. The last thing you want is a lopsided tree-topper on Christmas morning. Stock up on candles for your menorah, be sure that all your ornaments have the proper hardware to hang on the tree, launder the tree skirt if you didn't last year, and anything in between so that when the day comes, all your decor is ready to go.
Get to Laundering!
Whether it's your favorite holiday sweater, cozy blankets and pillows for the couch, or rugs and towels that need a little love, get crackin' on your big loads of laundry. Enter: OxiClean™, your go-to product for all things stain and odor removal. Products like OxiClean™ Versatile Stain Remover and OxiClean™ Odor Blasters can be used in a number of different ways on a ton of different surfaces. To treat tough laundry stains, use OxiClean™ Versatile Stain Remover as a pre-soak before washing with regular detergent or just add a scoop into the wash with your detergent. To get smells out of everything from clothes and towels to sheets and blankets, do the same with OxiClean™ Odor Blasters — pre-soak your extra-stinky items, or put a scoop into the laundry along with detergent for less intense smells.
If you want to spot treat stains, dissolve OxiClean™ Versatile Stain Remover in water to make a solution, apply to the stain area, rinse, and blot to dry. There's virtually no stain or stink that can stand up to OxiClean™.
Prep Your Table Decor
There's nothing better than a chic holiday tablescape! Decide how you're going to zhuzh up your table this year — you could go for cut eucalyptus, taper or tea candles, or any other bits and bobs that go with the vibe. Maybe you go a little DIY this year and make your own candle holders or paint pinecones, or even make a long wreath runner out of fragrant sprigs of pine.
Unfold All Your Special Table Linens
From tablecloths and runners to cloth napkins and placemats, you likely have a set of table linens that you only use for special occasions. They may hold sentimental value (if they've been passed down through generations, for example), or you might just love the texture and color. No matter what, you want to preserve them and give them the longest life possible so your holiday table looks stylish year after year. Make sure they don't have any spots or stains ahead of your celebrations by treating them with OxiClean™ Versatile Stain Remover, which is chlorine-free and color safe for even the most delicate machine-washable fabrics. And if there are any lingering smells from dinners past or musty-ness from sitting in the closet all year, launder with OxiClean™ Odor Blasters before setting the table.
Inspect Any Fancy Table Ware
Just like with linens, a lot of people have fancy plates, dishes, cutlery, and glassware that they bring out for special occasions. If you fall into this category, take a peek at everything you're going to use to set your table. Make sure each glass is clean and spot-free, cutlery isn't tarnished, and that plates are ready to be put out.
Do a General Deep Clean
You're likely going to be spending a little extra time sitting on your floors during the holidays (hello, opening presents under the tree!), so do a good once-over on all your surfaces. Vacuum and dust all those corners that collect grime, give the windows a wash, and shine up frequently used bathroom showers and toilet bowls. Use OxiClean™ Versatile Stain Remover to scrub hard surfaces like bathroom grout, launder your bathmats, and spot treat dingy curtains and carpet stains.
Spruce Up Your Outdoor Space
Just because it's a little nippy outside doesn't mean you can't still enjoy the great outdoors if you have a patio or backyard. Spot clean the upholstered furniture with OxiClean™ Versatile Stain Remover, bring out some cozy blankets and pillows, and make sure your fire pit or chiminea is ready to be lit, so you can get warm and cozy.
