Cleaning Tips for Hosting the Big Game  

Hosting the big game is a huge undertaking, but it can also be extremely rewarding. Preparation is the key to success and should include making sure your home is in tip-top shape. These football game day (hosting and cleaning) party tips should help: 

Preparing to Host a Watch Party

Playoff season arrives right after the holidays, so you'd be forgiven if you struggle to bring some semblance of order to your home. This is a great opportunity for a refresh, however, so you should get started as soon as you take down the last of your holiday decorations.

To begin, identify where you'll hang out as you watch the big game — and which rooms you can bypass for now. Depending on who is visiting and for how long, this might include the living room, the kitchen, one or two main bathrooms, and a guest room.

Now, adopt a top-to-bottom approach, tackling one room at a time until your entire hosting space is squeaky clean. Your exact cleaning needs will depend on which rooms you expect to occupy, but you'll almost certainly follow at least a few of these key steps:

• Clean the ceilings. If you have a popcorn ceiling, you've almost certainly acquired a few cobwebs. While a feather duster is standard practice, you might also be able to use your vacuum if you have the right attachments. Don't forget the ceiling fan, which often carries a shocking amount of dust.
• Address the walls. Once your ceilings are shiny and clean, it's time to move on to the walls. Work from top to bottom, using the brush attachment on your vacuum to tackle every inch. At this point, you can also address any shelves or knick-knacks that may have collected dust.
• Take a focused approach to flooring. Do unsightly, embedded stains require extra steps such as shampooing? Waxing may also be helpful. The right cleaning system can handle both, not to mention tile and grout. Give yourself plenty of time for these specialized tasks. Complete a final pass with the vacuum an hour or two before your party begins.

How to Clean Up During and After the Party

How guests behave will determine how much effort you need to dedicate to cleaning up after a party. You want to be as hospitable as possible, of course, but it's perfectly acceptable to set a few baseline rules to keep your space inviting for all guests.

The obvious first step? Politely request that guests remove their shoes in the mudroom or entryway. Most people tend to do so automatically, but you can also create a visual cue: A clearly marked place for guests to stow their shoes.

During the game, take a few moments each quarter to tidy up. You'll be amazed by how quickly trash can accumulate. Ask guests to help by throwing out the trash or disposing of recyclables in clearly marked containers. Ideally, they'll also bring dishware to the kitchen so you can load the dishwasher as soon as possible.

After an exciting game, the last thing you want is to get back up on your feet and start cleaning your house. Wait too long, however, and you'll find that these tasks become even less desirable. Keep the post-party mess manageable by dedicating a few short minutes to immediate cleanup. You'll thank yourself later.

To begin, wander through the living room and kitchen, grabbing any trash that you or your guests may have missed. Wipe down counters and other surfaces that have attracted crumbs or stains from beverages.

Next, use your vacuum to remove crumbs and dirt from your rugs or carpeting. The sooner you vacuum the living room, the less likely you are to track this debris throughout the rest of your house. Take a close look at the upholstery, as this may be dirtier than expected.  

The Best Tools for Cleaning

Before you prepare your home for the big game, invest in the best cleaning tools and solutions. An all-encompassing cleaning system such as the Kirby Availir 2 is a wonderful option, as it provides a deep clean for several key areas of your home. Designed to expedite the cleaning process, this system features several accessories and attachments for surfaces that are typically tough to tackle.

In addition to a trusted vacuum system, you'll want a few high-powered solutions designed for the most stubborn messes. From carpet shampoos to stain removers, these helpful solutions can expedite the process.

Your home could be the perfect place to host a football party, but your event will be a lot more enjoyable if your space is spick and span. Remember: A few minutes of planning can save you a lot of effort later on. Tackle cleaning strategically so you can treat your guests to the best watch party in town!