Thanksgiving is all about gathering around delicious food with friends and family. But once the last slice of pie has been served and everyone’s settled into a post-feast nap, the reality of kitchen clean-up can hit hard. Tackling the mess can be daunting, but with a plan in place, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming.

At Life Maid Easy, we know a thing or two about making cleanup simple and effective. Follow our ultimate Thanksgiving kitchen clean-up checklist to quickly get your kitchen back in shape, so you can relax and enjoy the holiday season.

1. Start with the Dishes

Leaving dishes for later is tempting, but starting here sets a strong foundation for the rest of the clean-up. Here’s how to make it easier:

• Load the Dishwasher First: Start by loading as many plates, glasses, and utensils as you can fit. Run it right away, so you’ll have another load ready to go soon after.
• Soak the Pans and Trays: Turkey pans, roasting trays, and casserole dishes can be extra tough to clean. Fill them with hot, soapy water and let them soak while you work on other tasks. For stubborn food, add a bit of baking soda to help lift residue.

2. Clear and Wipe Down Counters

Counters take a beating during Thanksgiving prep! Clear them off so you can give everything a thorough wipe-down.

• Remove All Leftover Ingredients and Utensils: Store any remaining food, condiments, and utensils from cooking. Wipe down any containers before putting them away.
• Disinfect Surfaces: Use a non-toxic surface cleaner or make a mix of vinegar and water to clean counters, cutting boards, and stovetops. Pay extra attention to areas where raw food was prepared.

3. Clean the Stove and Oven

After hours of cooking, the stove and oven likely need some extra attention.

• Stovetop Care: Use a degreaser or a baking soda paste (baking soda mixed with water) to scrub off cooked-on grease and spills. Let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe it clean with a damp cloth.
• Oven Tackle: If your oven has leftover spills or splatters, apply a mixture of baking soda and water, let it sit for 15-20 minutes, then scrub it with a sponge. For a deeper clean, consider using your oven’s self-cleaning feature when the kitchen is clear.

4. Organize Leftovers and the Fridge

Thanksgiving often means an overflowing fridge. Take some time to organize leftovers and make space.

• Store Leftovers in Clear Containers: Use transparent containers so you can easily see what’s inside. Labeling and dating items can help ensure nothing goes to waste.
• Wipe Fridge Shelves and Drawers: Remove any spills from the day’s festivities. Even a quick wipe-down will keep the fridge fresh and odor-free.

5. Sanitize the Sink

Your kitchen sink does a lot of heavy lifting on Thanksgiving. It’s time to give it some TLC.

• Scrub the Sink Basin: Rinse out any food residue, then scrub with a mild cleaner. A bit of baking soda can work wonders for a sparkling finish.
• Clean the Garbage Disposal: For a fresh-smelling sink, toss in some ice cubes, a handful of baking soda, and a few lemon peels. Run the disposal until the ice clears, then rinse with hot water.

6. Take Out the Trash and Recycling

Thanksgiving means more waste than usual. Don’t let it sit overnight; take it out to keep your kitchen smelling fresh.

• Empty All Bins: Clear the trash, recycling, and compost bins. Replace the bags so they’re ready for any post-dinner clean-up the next day.
• Deodorize: Sprinkle a bit of baking soda at the bottom of the trash can before putting in a fresh liner to neutralize odors.

7. Sweep and Mop the Floor

Thanksgiving traffic can bring spills and crumbs to the floor. Finish your clean-up with a good sweep and mop.

• Sweep First: Clear away any crumbs, especially around the stove, prep areas, and under the dining table.
• Mop with a Fresh Scent: Mop with a solution that leaves a subtle, fresh scent—something light that won’t overpower the holiday vibe.



8. Refresh the Air

Finally, finish your Thanksgiving kitchen clean-up by refreshing the air with some seasonal aromas.

• Simmer a Potpourri: Place water, a few cinnamon sticks, and some cloves or orange peels in a pot and let it simmer on low. It’s a natural way to add a lovely scent to your home.
• Light a Scented Candle: Choose a subtle seasonal candle to complete your Thanksgiving ambiance.

Let Life Maid Easy Handle the Rest

Sometimes, the best way to enjoy Thanksgiving fully is by letting someone else handle the mess. At Life Maid Easy, we offer post-holiday deep cleaning services to get your kitchen (and home) back to its best without the stress. Whether you need help with the kitchen, living areas, or every room in your home, our team is here to make your holiday season easier and cleaner.

Ready to book a post-Thanksgiving clean? Contact Life Maid Easy today and leave the clean-up to us, so you can focus on what matters most—spending time with loved ones!

With this ultimate kitchen clean-up checklist, your Thanksgiving clean-up can be quick and painless. We hope these tips help you enjoy the holiday to the fullest!