By the time the wrapping paper’s gone, and the dishes are finally done, most of us are ready to collapse into the couch. But before you declare your post-Christmas cleaning complete, cleaning experts warn that a few overlooked gadgets could be harboring more grime than you think.
These everyday devices have worked overtime throughout December – and if you skip cleaning them now, they could spread germs around the house, or underperform well into the New Year. Thankfully, cleaning them takes minutes, and it’s one of the easiest ways to make post-Christmas cleaning less overwhelming.
Here’s what cleaning professionals say you should tackle before December 28 – from filters to remotes – to keep your home fresh, safe, and ready for a reset.
The 4 Household Gadgets to Clean After Christmas
Cleaning experts agree that these small, easy-to-forget devices are worth your attention now.
‘Even after a thorough post-holiday clean, neglected gadgets can leave a home feeling less fresh,’ says Nina Miller, operations manager at Cura Maids. ‘Simple, targeted cleaning restores both hygiene and function – something you can easily tackle before the end of the year.’
1. The TV Remote
Of all the gadgets in your home, none gets passed around quite like the TV remote. Between holiday movies, game nights, and guests lounging on the sofa, it’s one of the grubbiest items in the house.
‘After December, I often advise clients to consider their household tools – these are oftentimes the most recovered, yet most overlooked, products in your home,’ says Scott Schrader, cleaning expert at CottageCare. ‘At the top of my list is the TV remote. It gets passed around a ton, so I give it a wipe using 70% isopropyl alcohol wipes. Do not soak it – a wipe is sufficient to sanitize it.’
To make it a habit, keep disinfecting wipes like this pack of 40 wipes at Target, near where you spend the most time chilling. Cleaning your remote is the perfect warm-up before you clear up fast after Christmas Day and start on the bigger jobs like vacuuming or resetting decorations.
2. The HVAC Filter
During the holidays, your HVAC system works overtime between cooking fumes, candles, and all the extra guests, filtering far more than usual.
‘HVAC filters should ideally be cleaned or replaced every one to six months depending on their thickness,’ says Eli Zimmer, director of operations at Luxaire HVAC Services.
‘The holiday season can often lead to these filters getting dirtier quicker than normal – people light candles, bake more, and host larger gatherings. All of that means the filter is working harder to keep your air clean,’ Eli adds.
A quick post-Christmas maintenance check can prevent reduced airflow, odors, or allergens from re-releasing into your home. Knowing how to clean your HVAC system will help, so you know how to wash or replace your filters safely.
If yours are washable, you can give the filters a deeper clean by soaking them in one part warm water and one part white vinegar (like this $2.83 white vinegar at Walmart).
If you use a connected thermostat or one of the best air purifiers, this is also a good time to wipe down those surfaces. Pair the task with a cleaning playlist to stay motivated while you work through your December deep clean.
3. Kitchen Appliances
The kitchen is one of the hardest-working spaces in your home, even more so over the holidays. With endless rounds of coffee to marathon baking sessions, appliances collect more grime than usual, and deserve a dedicated clean.
‘Guests increase the load on all appliances – more cooking, more dishwashing, more spills,’ explains Petya Holevich, cleaning supervisor at Fantastic Service. ‘This accelerates the accumulation of grease, crumbs, and bacteria, making post-holiday cleaning essential to restore hygiene and prevent odors or long-term damage.’
Petya recommends starting with cleaning your coffee maker, ‘Run a vinegar and water cycle through the machine, then rinse with plain water. Remove and wash the filter basket and carafe with warm, soapy water.’
Heather Perry, CEO of Klatch Coffee, agrees, ‘Lack of cleaning can impact coffee flavor and aroma. As usage goes up, so should your cleaning and maintenance frequency.’
From there, move to cleaning your dishwasher, refrigerator, and oven – the areas most likely to collect grime during holiday hosting. Wipe down all exteriors, scrub filters, and check for clogs or spills before they become stubborn stains.
A quick sweep of the floors with your regular vacuum ensures no crumbs are left behind to attract pests (and don't forget to clean your vacuum, too).
4. Smoke Detectors
Finally, don’t overlook your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. After a month of candles, cooking, and cozy fires, after Christmas is the perfect time to give these vital devices a once-over.
‘More guests mean more cooking and activity, which increases dust, pet dander, and cooking residues,’ explains Tommy Tran, tech expert at PLACE. ‘These particles can settle on gadgets like smoke and CO detectors, potentially affecting their sensors. Cleaning after the holidays ensures these devices stay reliable during winter, when fire and CO risks are higher.’
Use a soft vacuum brush or compressed air to remove dust from the vents, being careful not to use wipes or liquids that could damage sensors and impact smoke alarm tests. Many modern systems – such as smart smoke detectors – include diagnostics that alert you when the unit needs cleaning or replacement.
Once the safety essentials are sorted, you’ll be ready to reset your home after Christmas and enjoy a fresh start to the new year.
What to Shop
All prices were correct at the time of publication.
Instantly clean the TV remote – and other electronics such as your computer keyboard and games controller – with this pack of 40 wipes at Target.
For washable HVAC filters, soaking them in water and white vinegar will provide a deeper clean. If not, use your vacuum's dusting brush attachment.
Whether dusting, cleaning windows, or wiping down the kitchen and bathroom, microfiber cloths should be in your essential cleaning checklist if they aren't already. You can wash and reuse them hundreds of times, just skip the softener.
Next, learn these tiny tidy-ups to clean your home after Christmas, and the classic Christmas clean-up mistakes that make the job harder.
