10 pre-Christmas cleaning tasks to tick off before the big day, including wiping down internal doors, cleaning fireplaces and washing table linens

Living room with green walls, green mantelpiece and lit fire with armchairs either side, central ottoman beside decorated Christmas tree.

Christmas is a time for get-togethers, celebrations and seasonal parties – so it's no surprise that, often, household cleaning can get put on the back burner.

But, if you have guests coming and going over the season, ensuring your house is clean is just as important as perfecting your Christmas decorations and recipes. From cleaning a kitchen to getting your fireplace in tip-top order, there is nothing more welcoming and comfortable than a clean home.