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19th March 2025

How To Deep Clean Your Holiday Home

How To Deep Clean Your Holiday Home

Whether you’re getting ready for the start of a new holiday season or just want to refresh your space, giving your holiday home a thorough deep clean is essential to bring your space back to life and make it feel brand new. 

Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to deep clean your holiday home with ease.

Declutter Before You Start

Before diving into the deep clean, begin by decluttering your space. Remove any unnecessary items that have accumulated over time. This will not only make cleaning easier but will also give your holiday home a fresh, organised look.

  • Donate or discard items that are no longer needed.
  • Pack away seasonal items or décor to free up space for cleaning.
  • Organise cupboards, drawers, and storage areas for easy access during your stay.

By decluttering, you’re starting the deep cleaning process on the right foot, ensuring you’re cleaning only what’s necessary.

Start With the Kitchen: Revitalise and Sanitise

Kitchens inside caravan holiday homes can get a lot of use, so it’s one of the most important areas to focus on.

  • Fridge and Freezer: Empty the fridge and freezer, and wipe them down with a mixture of warm water and mild detergent. Be sure to remove shelves and drawers for a thorough clean. If there are any stubborn stains, use a paste made of baking soda and water.
  • Oven and Hob: Clean the oven using an appropriate oven cleaner or a natural mix of baking soda and vinegar. Don’t forget to clean the hob and extractor fan filters, which often collect grease.
  • Cupboards and Countertops: Wipe down all surfaces and cupboards, removing any crumbs and dust that may have accumulated. Be sure to disinfect countertops, especially after meal prep.
  • Microwave and Small Appliances: Clean your microwave by heating a bowl of water with lemon slices for a few minutes, allowing the steam to loosen grime. Wipe down to finish. The same method can be used for other small appliances like toasters and kettles.

By focusing on deep cleaning the kitchen, you’ll ensure your space remains hygienic and ready for any holiday stay.

Refresh the Living Area: Carpets, Furniture, and Fabrics

Living areas in holiday homes often bear the brunt of heavy use, and a deep clean can breathe new life into them.

  • Vacuum and Steam Clean Carpets: Start by thoroughly vacuuming the carpets, then use a steam cleaner to remove deeper dirt and stains. For smaller areas, a carpet cleaner spray will work wonders.
  • Upholstery and Soft Furnishings: Remove cushions from sofas and chairs, vacuuming them thoroughly. For fabric surfaces, use an upholstery cleaner or, if possible, machine-wash cushion covers to give them a fresh feel.
  • Dust and Clean Electronics: Don’t forget to dust around the TV, remotes, and other electronics, and wipe them down with a microfiber cloth. Dust can accumulate on screens and surfaces, detracting from the overall freshness of the room.

Regularly refreshing fabrics and surfaces will keep your holiday home looking and smelling fresh throughout the season.

Give the Bathroom a Deep Scrub

A spotless bathroom is key to making your holiday home feel like a luxury retreat.

  • Clean Tiles and Grout: Grout can accumulate mildew over time, so scrub it with a mixture of baking soda and water to restore it to its original brightness. Use a bathroom cleaner on tiles and rinse well.
  • Shower and Bath: For glass shower doors, a vinegar and water solution can remove soap scum and streaks. For baths, a non-abrasive cleaner is best to avoid scratching the surface.
  • Toilets: Use a toilet cleaner to scrub the bowl thoroughly, paying attention to the rim and base. Finish with a disinfectant to ensure all bacteria are removed.
  • Sinks and Taps: A mixture of vinegar and baking soda can help remove limescale from taps and leave sinks gleaming. Polish taps with a dry cloth for a shiny finish.

Taking the time to deeply clean and sanitise the bathroom ensures a comfortable and hygienic space for you and any guests you might have over.

Don’t Forget About Windows and Doors

Sparkling windows and clean doors can make a big impact on how fresh your holiday home feels.

  • Window Frames and Tracks: Use a vacuum or small brush to remove dust and debris from window tracks. Wipe down the window frames with a mild cleaning solution.
  • Window Glass: Clean the glass using a window cleaner or a homemade solution of vinegar and water. Buff them dry with a microfiber cloth to avoid streaks.
  • Doors: Wipe down doors, especially around handles, to remove any accumulated dirt or fingerprints.

Clean windows and doors will brighten up your holiday home, letting in more natural light and giving a crisp, fresh appearance.

Tackle Outdoor Areas: Decking, Patios, and Gutters

If your holiday home includes outdoor spaces, giving them some attention will enhance your experience when you return in the warmer months.

  • Clean the Decking: Use a pressure washer to clean your decking, removing dirt, algae, and mildew. If needed, consider applying a protective sealant.
  • Tidy the Garden: Clear any fallen leaves, prune bushes, and tidy up the outdoor areas. Check for weeds and remove them to keep the space neat.
  • Check the Gutters: Gutters can accumulate leaves and debris, leading to blockages. Ensure they are cleaned out to avoid water damage.

A clean outdoor space will create a welcoming atmosphere and extend your holiday home’s living area during the warmer months.

Final Touches: Fragrance and Finishing Touches

Once your deep clean is complete, adding some finishing touches will make your holiday home feel even more inviting.

  • Air Fresheners: Use natural air fresheners, such as essential oil diffusers or potpourri, to give your home a pleasant scent.
  • Houseplants: Adding houseplants can brighten up your space while improving air quality.
  • New Bedding and Towels: Replacing old bedding and towels with fresh, soft linens will give your holiday home that ‘new’ feel, making each stay as comfortable as possible.

Enjoy Your Refreshed Holiday Home

By following these steps, you can transform your caravan holiday home into a clean, fresh, and welcoming retreat. Whether you’re preparing your home for the start of a new holiday season or simply refreshing it after a busy summer, a deep clean can make your space feel brand new.

Considering holiday home ownership? Browse our holiday homes for sale here, or get in touch if you would like more information.