Post-Eid cleaning tips: Save hours with these expert hacks

You feasted and had a blast with your loved ones during Eid, but now the reality has set in: The kitchen needs a clean-up and there are gift-wraps strewn all over your living room. And yikes! There are mysterious food stains on the carpet.

Don’t worry. We have you covered. Here’s your ultimate step-by-step guide to getting your home back in shape—without the stress. Aria Duncan and Bethany Hill, two decluttering and organisational experts based in Dubai helped us with this guide.

Start with a deep breath and a game plan

Before diving in, take a moment to assess what needs to be done. Make a quick checklist of what needs to be tackled, from the living room to the kitchen and beyond. Prioritise tasks based on urgency, like food spills and break the work into manageable chunks.

Kitchen recovery: Banish the feast fallout

After days of cooking and hosting, your kitchen deserves some TLC: 

• Clear the counters: Put away leftover food, toss anything that won’t last, and wipe down all surfaces.

• Dish duty: If you’re staring at a mountain of dishes, start with the essentials. Load the dishwasher or fill the sink with soapy water and let stubborn stains soak. Gather all plates, glasses, and cutlery in one spot and categorize them—delicate glassware, greasy pans, and everyday dishes. Load the dishwasher with the most used items first, and for those without a dishwasher, fill the sink with warm soapy water. Let stubborn stains soak while you tackle other areas. For burnt pots and pans, sprinkle some baking soda and let them sit before scrubbing.

• Fridge detox: Sort out the leftovers, store what’s still good in labeled containers, and toss expired or forgotten items.

• Place used coffee grounds in an open container inside the fridge to neutralise strong smells from all the rich Eid dishes.

• Spilled oil or grease on the counter? Sprinkle flour over it, let it absorb for a minute, then wipe clean—no smearing!

• Grease and grime attack: Wipe down stovetops, cabinets, and the sink with a mix of baking soda and vinegar for a natural clean.

• Aluminum foil for sparkling stovetops: Place a crumpled piece of foil in a bowl with hot, soapy water and let greasy stove grates soak for 15 minutes—it lifts off grime effortlessly.

Living room rescue: Restore the festive chaos

Your living room took a hit with guests, decorations, and endless gifting. Time to reclaim it:

• Declutter first: Gather gift wrap, empty boxes, and random items left behind. Sort recyclables and trash accordingly.

• Vacuum and refresh: Crumbs, glitter, and confetti tend to take over—give the carpet and sofas a thorough vacuuming. Use a lint roller on sofas and fabric surfaces to pick up tiny debris quickly. If pet hair is a problem, put on a rubber glove, dampen it slightly, and run your hand over upholstery to lift fur easily.

• Revive your seating: Plump up pillows, refold throw blankets, and rearrange the furniture if things got shifted around.

• Quick scent boost: Light a candle or use a fabric spray for a fresh, post-Eid feel. Toss a few lemon peels and ice cubes down the disposal to banish odors and freshen up the kitchen, too.

Carpet and floors: Say goodbye to stains and spills

Feasts often mean accidental spills. Here’s how to tackle them:

• Immediate stain treatment: For fresh stains, blot, don’t rub, with a damp cloth and mild detergent.

• Deep cleaning: If your carpets need extra love, sprinkle baking soda, let it sit for 15 minutes, then vacuum. For an even deeper clean, mix equal parts baking soda and cornstarch to absorb extra grease. For stubborn stains, use a mixture of white vinegar and warm water, spray on the spot, let it sit for 5 minutes, then blot with a microfiber cloth.

• Mop and refresh: For tile or hardwood floors, a quick mop with a gentle cleaner restores shine and removes any sticky spots.

Guest room reset: Freshen up for next time

If you hosted overnight guests, now’s the time to refresh the space:

• Strip the bedding: Toss used sheets and towels in the laundry.

• Dust and tidy: Wipe down surfaces and remove any clutter left behind.

• Add a fresh touch: A spritz of linen spray or a new candle keeps the room inviting.

Decor declutter

Eid décor adds charm to your home, but post-celebration, it’s time to store it away:

• Wrap it up: Neatly pack away reusable decorations in labeled boxes for next year.

• Recycle what you can: Dispose of worn-out items responsibly.

• Keep what sparks joy: If some decorations still make you smile, find a way to incorporate them into your everyday decor!

Once your home is back in order, take a moment to enjoy it. Put on some relaxing music, sip a cup of tea, and relish the clean, refreshed space.