Thanksgiving is just a month away, and while that might seem like plenty of time, it’ll be here before you know it. Since the holiday season can be stressful, why not get ahead on your to-do list while there’s still time to breathe?
We asked cleaning pros for their best advice on exactly where to start. Here, they share eight cleaning tasks you should tackle now, so you’re not scrambling right before friends and family arrive on Turkey Day.
Do a Big Fridge Cleanout
Making a giant turkey, cranberry sauce, and all of those fixings? You can’t snap your fingers and suddenly have a larger refrigerator, so you’ll need to do a major decluttering of the space. “Go through your fridge and throw away any expired items or old ingredients," says Katie Dills, president of The Cleaning Authority. "Once that’s done, remove all food and beverages from the fridge as well as the shelves and drawers."
While you're at it, take this opportunity to give your shelves and drawers a thorough cleaning. “Wash shelves and drawers with soap and water to remove leftover food residue or grime," Dills adds. "Then, clean the inside of the fridge by mixing two tablespoons of baking soda and one quart of water. This solution will help cut through any residue."
She also recommends focusing on the exterior of the fridge too, which can be wiped down with the same baking soda mixture you used for the interior.
Run a Self-Cleaning Cycle on Your Oven
This is actually a pretty easy task because most ovens today are self-cleaning. So, if you haven’t run a cleaning cycle in a while, now is a better time than ever to do it. Just be sure to read your manufacturer’s instructions because every model works a little differently and doing this incorrectly can lead to serious malfunctions—and no one wants a broken stove right before Thanksgiving.
Clean the Toaster Oven
Whether you’re toasting bread for a gobbler sandwich the day after Thanksgiving or reheating sweet potatoes, you’re probably going to use your toaster oven a lot during the holidays, so Dills recommends doing a deep clean of the appliance.
Before starting, make sure the toaster oven is completely unplugged. To clean it, remove the tray, cooking rack, and the lower catch tray, then soak in warm, soapy water. "You can even let it sit overnight to combat tough stains, then scrub with a sponge or rag," Dills instructs. "If the coating is nonstick, avoid anything abrasive." Wipe out any remaining crumbs.
Lastly, the pro advises creating a paste with baking soda and water and applying it to the door so it sits for 15 to 30 minutes before wiping it away. "To help the toaster oven stay clean, it’s recommended to routinely empty the crumb tray after use," she adds.
Clean the Air Fryer
You’re also probably going to use your air fryer a lot this season. While cleaning it can be a multi-step process, it’s worth the time to keep this small appliance in good working order.
Remove the basket and tray from the chamber, then hand-wash them with warm, soapy water and a sponge or cloth, just like you would a pot or pan. "If the mess is particularly stubborn, it’s okay to soak the basket and tray to loosen crusty, sticky, or greasy messes," says Dills. "Then hand-wash as normal and let parts dry completely before the next use."
To clean the main chamber, wipe the bottom with a damp cloth, sponge, or paper towel. “Take care to remove crumbs, oil, and drippings," Dills points out. "Pay special attention to cracks or grooves where food residue can get caught.”
It’s also wise to clean the heating element, which sits directly above the basket. “The air fryer heating element may be protected by a metal screen or spiral, where food and grease tend to get caught," Dills says. "Remove this screen, if possible, to wipe it clean with soap and water, then let it air-dry before putting it back into place." If it doesn’t come out, wipe it with a mildly damp cloth.
Tidy Up Your Guest Rooms
Are you having friends or family visiting for the holidays? Then now's the time to get your guest rooms clean and tidy. “If you are hosting any guests overnight, these are easy spaces to get ahead of prepping since they typically won’t get much use in the time before you reset and host," says Heather Day, principal scientist at Clorox.
Throw in guest bedding and towels the next time you are doing laundry, and take a few minutes to dust and then vacuum up surfaces. "I always recommend dusting from top to bottom, followed by vacuuming so you can vacuum up any dust that’s fallen to the floor along the way,” Day recommends.
Deep Clean Your Bathrooms
It’s crucial to give your bathrooms a cleaning before you have any guests, according to Day. “Since bathrooms are typically high-traffic areas in most people’s homes, they should be saved for last to deep clean, typically a day or two prior to having guests over," she explains. Deep clean the toilets, sinks, and—if hosting—tubs or showers with a disinfecting cleaner to tackle germs, mold, and mildew stains.
Don’t forget to refill hand soap, stock up on guest towels, and make sure there’s an extra roll or two of toilet paper that’s easy for guests to find.
Prep the Entryway
These are the very first areas of your home guests see, so you should really prioritize the entry zones. “Your porch and entryway are your home’s first impression," Day says. "Sweep the porch, shake out the welcome mat, and make sure there's space for coats and shoes.”
Clean Your Gutters
It might not be a glamorous task, but according to Chris Counahan, president of LeafFilter, it’s a good idea to clean your gutters in the late fall as most of the leaves have already dropped. "Clearing them out now ensures your gutters can handle seasonal rain and snow, preventing clogs, leaks, and water damage," he explains. "Taking care of your gutters in early or mid-November ensures your water flows properly, and your home is protected before the holidays.”
Source: Lauren, A. (2025l, October 31). Hosting Thanksgiving? Do these 8 cleaning tasks now for a Stress-Free holiday. Real Simple. https://www.realsimple.com/cleaning-tasks-to-do-before-thanksgiving-11839098