7 cleaning jobs experts say you should always finish before putting your Christmas tree up

While it's incredibly tempting to get the Christmas decorations out as soon as possible, cleaning expert Lynsey Crombie recommends ticking a few essential jobs off your list before you start decking the halls.

Whether you keep up with your daily cleaning habits or not, some spaces in our homes tend to get a little dusty and grimy over time. These corners, ceilings and surfaces are usually hard to reach, which makes cleaning them once decorated all the more challenging.

That's why Lynsey Crombie, @lynsey_queenofclean on Instagram, the UK's No. 1 home expert and TV presenter, has revealed her non-negotiable cleaning jobs to get done before you even think about putting your tree up.

7 Cleaning jobs to do before decorating for Christmas

Before you settle on a Christmas tree theme, you'll want to prepare the areas of your home you're planning on decorating. That way, when your festive decor is up, you won't need to worry as much about cleaning around it.

To make sure you don't miss a spot, cleaning expert Lynsey is here to walk us through her pre-Christmas cleaning checklist.

Give the floors a thorough clean

Once the Christmas tree is in position, cleaning the surrounding floor area becomes tricky. Therefore, Lynsey recommends a thorough clean beforehand.

"The spot where your Christmas tree will sit deserves more than a quick once-over with the vacuum. For the next few weeks, it’s likely to be partly hidden beneath a stand, tree skirt and a growing pile of presents, so this is your chance to clean it properly," says Lynsey.

"Vacuum carefully, using the crevice attachment along the edges of the room. If you have hard flooring, follow with a mop using a product suitable for the surface, and let it dry fully before putting your tree in place," she continues.

"Make this the last job in your pre-decorating clean. Start with the higher surfaces and work downwards so you’re not knocking dust onto freshly cleaned floors," suggests Lynsey.

Lynsey Crombie

Lynsey is the UK’s leading home expert, specialising in all things related to cleaning, organising, and home management. She is the author of Queen of Clean 15-Minute Clean: The Quickest Way To A Sparkling Home. A familiar face on popular shows like This Morning and Good Morning Britain, Lynsey is a go-to resident cleaning expert.

Wipe down the skirting boards

Now is a good time to clean commonly forgotten germ and dirt hotspots around your home, because once you start adding decorations, they become even harder to reach.

"Skirting boards are one of those areas we stop noticing, but they can collect a surprising amount of dust, particularly behind furniture," begins Lynsey. "Before the tree blocks your access, remove loose dust with a vacuum brush attachment or a dry microfibre cloth. "

"Follow with a lightly damp cloth where the finish allows, paying attention to the top ledge and any grooves," she advises for cleaning skirting boards.

"You don’t need to crawl around the whole house. Concentrate on the room you’re decorating and the areas that will become difficult to reach," suggests Lynsey.

Tackle awkward corners

Now is a good time to tackle ceilings and hard-to-reach spots to keep your home dust-free.

"Take a moment to look up as well as down," says Lynsey. "Ceiling corners, curtain poles and the spaces around picture frames can harbour dust and cobwebs that are easy to miss during your usual clean."

"Use a long-handled duster for high areas and your vacuum’s crevice attachment for narrow gaps beside furniture. If you’re moving an armchair or side table to make space for the tree, clean the newly exposed corner before putting anything else there," she adds.

"These are small jobs, but they’re much easier without branches and fairy lights getting in the way," Lynsey says. Once you've added your best Christmas lights to your home, you'll be very glad you dusted before.

Clean underneath and behind the furniture

"If you’re rearranging the room for Christmas, make the most of it. The spaces beneath sofas and behind sideboards can become collection points for pet hair, crumbs and dust," Lynsey starts.

"Move smaller pieces of furniture where you can do so safely, and use your vacuum’s attachments to reach beneath heavier items. There’s no need to struggle with a large sofa on your own," she adds.

"While you’re there, check down the sides of the sofa cushions. It’s a good opportunity to remove the crumbs and retrieve anything that’s slipped out of sight before guests arrive," Lynsey suggests.

Clear and dust surfaces

Before you crack on with your Christmas decorating ideas, give yourself a clean, tidy canvas to start with.

"Before adding garlands, candles or festive ornaments, clear your shelves, mantelpiece and windowsills and give them a proper dust," Lynsey says.

"Working around everyday accessories can mean we miss patches, so take everything off and clean the whole surface, including the corners. Dust picture frames and lamps nearby, too," she suggests.

"I also like to put away a few everyday ornaments when the Christmas decorations come out. It gives the festive pieces space and makes cleaning around them much easier over the coming weeks," explains Lynsey.

When styling your mantelpiece for Christmas, it's much easier to start with an empty surface and build up from there.

Freshen up sofas, cushions and throws

Whether you're limited to 10 minutes to clean your living room or are able to give it a deep clean, it's a space that could do with some extra attention prior to hosting.

"Your living room is about to become the setting for present-opening, festive films and visitors, so give your soft furnishings some attention before the room fills up," Lynsey says.

"Vacuum the sofa using an upholstery attachment, including beneath removable seat cushions and along the seams. Check the care labels on throws and removable covers before washing, and make sure everything is completely dry before putting it back," she continues.

Cleaning a velvet sofa is a completely different method from cleaning a leather sofa, so ensure you use the right steps and tools.

"Treat any marks with a method suitable for the fabric, testing in an inconspicuous area first. Finish by plumping the cushions and vacuuming rugs thoroughly, particularly any section that will sit beneath the tree," Lynsey suggests.

Make windows and mirrors sparkle

Cleaning windows is definitely something to tick off before hanging lights up or adding window decals to your home.

"Fingerprints and smears can be easy to overlook until fairy lights start reflecting in the glass. Clean your windows, mirrors and glass doors before adding window decorations or arranging anything on the sills," Lynsey recommends.

"Remove dust from frames first, then clean the glass with a suitable product and a clean microfibre cloth. Buff away any remaining streaks with a separate dry cloth," she continues. "It’s a finishing touch that makes the whole room feel brighter and ready for those twinkling lights."

Deep cleaning might seem like an unexciting job to tackle before decorating your home for the festivities, but you'll be pleased you did it before your guests arrive.

"For me, this is about making Christmas easier. Once these jobs are done, you can enjoy decorating knowing you won’t have to squeeze behind the tree with a vacuum a week later," says Lynsey.

"My golden rule: Clean from the top down, leave the floors until last, then bring out the baubles. A little preparation means you can sit back and enjoy your festive room once the lights go on," she finishes.