Birthdays are special occasions filled with laughter, joy, and memories. However, once the last guest leaves, you’re often left with a house full of remnants from the celebration: confetti on the floor, cake crumbs on the table, and heaps of used paper plates and cups. Cleaning up after a birthday party can feel daunting, but with a few strategic tips and the right tools, you can make the process much smoother. Here’s how to tackle post-party cleanup effortlessly, using items like 13 gallon trash bags to streamline the process.
1. Prepare for Cleanup Before the Party Begins
The key to an effortless cleanup is preparation. Before your guests arrive, take a few minutes to set up trash and recycling stations around the party area. Place 13 gallon trash bags in each trash bin, making them easily accessible for guests to discard their waste. By doing this, you’ll reduce the amount of trash that gets left around your home. Consider using different bins for recyclable items and general waste to make sorting easier later on.
2. Use Disposable Tableware
One of the simplest ways to cut down on post-party cleanup is by using disposable tableware. Paper plates, plastic cups, and disposable cutlery may not be as environmentally friendly as reusable options, but they can significantly reduce your workload after the event. Look for biodegradable or recyclable options to lessen the environmental impact. When the party ends, all you need to do is gather everything into the garbage bags—no washing up required.
3. Contain the Mess with Strategic Furniture Placement*
Before the party starts, think about how you can arrange your furniture to minimize the mess. For instance, set up food and drink stations in areas that are easy to clean, such as the kitchen or outdoor spaces. Place rugs or mats under dining tables to catch spills and crumbs, making it easier to clean up afterward. By keeping the mess contained to specific areas, you’ll have less work to do when the party ends.
4. Quick Spot Cleaning During the Party
While it’s important to enjoy the party and not stress too much about the mess, a little bit of spot cleaning during the event can save you a lot of time later. Keep a small cleaning kit handy, including a dustpan, broom, and some wet wipes. If a drink spills or crumbs scatter, you can quickly clean it up rather than letting it sit until the end of the night. Encourage guests to use coasters to prevent rings on furniture and remind children to eat at the table to minimize food messes throughout your home.
5. Delegate Cleanup Duties
Don’t hesitate to ask for help when it comes to cleaning up. If you’re hosting a birthday party for a child, recruit other parents or older siblings to assist with the cleanup. For adult parties, you can ask close friends or family members to lend a hand. Assign specific tasks to each person, such as taking out the trash, wiping down surfaces, or vacuuming the floors. By sharing the workload, you’ll get the job done faster and with less stress.
6. Efficiently Gather Garbage
As the party winds down, start collecting the trash. Gather all the plates, cups, and napkins, and place them directly into the garbage bags 13 gallon. If you’ve placed multiple trash stations around the venue, simply tie up the trash bags and replace them with fresh ones. This will make the final cleanup much quicker, as you won’t have to go around the entire house searching for stray pieces of trash.
When dealing with larger parties, consider having a few extra trash bags on hand. These bags are durable and can hold a considerable amount of waste, reducing the need to constantly empty smaller bins. Using sturdy garbage bags, especially ones that fit a 13 gallon capacity, will prevent rips and spills, saving you from any additional cleanup.
7. Tackle the Kitchen First
The kitchen is usually the hub of any party, so it’s often the area that needs the most attention after the event. Start by clearing countertops of any remaining food, drinks, and used dishes. Place leftover food in airtight containers, and toss any perishable items that have been sitting out too long.
Next, load the dishwasher with any reusable plates, glasses, and utensils. If you’ve used disposable tableware, simply toss them into the garbage bags. Wipe down countertops, the stove, and the sink to remove any spills or crumbs. Finally, sweep or vacuum the floor to pick up any debris.
By starting in the kitchen, you’ll be able to restore order to the most heavily used area of your home, which can make the rest of the cleanup feel more manageable.
8. Focus on the Living Room and Dining Areas
Once the kitchen is in order, move on to the living room and dining areas. Begin by collecting any remaining trash and placing it into your trash bags. Next, wipe down tables, chairs, and other surfaces to remove any sticky residues or crumbs.
If you have carpeted floors, vacuum to remove any dirt or food particles. For hardwood or tiled floors, a quick sweep followed by a mop will do the trick. If there were any decorations hung up, carefully take them down and decide whether they’re worth saving for future use or if they should be discarded.
9. Take Out the Trash and Recyclables
Once all the trash has been gathered and bagged, it’s time to take it out. Securely tie the tops of your trash bags to prevent any spills and take them to your outdoor trash bins. Don’t forget to empty the recycling bins as well. If you’ve sorted your recyclables during the party, this step should be quick and easy. Consider having a separate 13 gallon bag dedicated to recyclables to make this task even more straightforward.
10. Final Touches and Air Out the Space
After you’ve removed the trash and cleaned up the main areas, it’s time for the finishing touches. Spray a pleasant-smelling air freshener or light a scented candle to eliminate any lingering odors. If the party was particularly lively, you might want to open some windows to air out the space and bring in fresh air.
Walk through your home one last time to ensure you didn’t miss any spots. Check under furniture, behind curtains, and in any corners where debris might have been pushed. A quick final sweep or vacuum in high-traffic areas can help you feel confident that your home is back to its pre-party condition.
Conclusion
Cleaning up after a birthday party doesn’t have to be a stressful or overwhelming task. By preparing in advance, staying organized, and using the right tools like 13 gallon trash bags, you can make the process efficient and even enjoyable. Remember to enlist help, tackle the mess in stages, and take care of your most-used areas first. With these effortless cleanup tips, you’ll be able to get your home back to normal in no time, allowing you to fully enjoy the memories of a successful celebration.
Rockies Ripple is the founder and lead writer behind the independent blog tvplutos.com