5 Items in Your Home That Need Deep Cleaning After the Holidays

We all know how celebrating the holidays can be hectic. And as if prepping the house, cooking sumptuous food, and welcoming guests are not enough, we have a mess to deal with afterwards. But there is nothing to worry about. That’s because we are here to share with you five items in your home that you should deep clean after the holidays.

Quick take: Florida humidityHumidity is the amount of moisture or water vapor present in... More + holiday cooking = prime time for odors, grease, and hidden moisture. Start with the fridge/freezer, oven, dishwasher, carpets, and upholstery and watch for signs of water damage or moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More if guests, spills, or storm showers made things damp.

Why this matters in Tampa

• High humidityHumidity is the amount of moisture or water vapor present in... More drives musty odors and speeds moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More growth in soft furnishings.
• Big-cook days (roasting, frying) push grease and smoke into appliances and fabrics.
• More foot traffic = more grit in carpets, plus higher moisture from beach/rain days.

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1) Fridge & Freezer: sanitize and de-odor (and prevent “mystery smells”)

1. Unload + sort: Keep cold items in a cooler with ice packs. Toss anything past its date or questionable leftovers.
2. Unplug & defrost (if applicable): Speeds cleaning and helps melt ice buildup.
3. Clean: Wipe interior, bins, and gaskets with warm water + a little dish soap. For odors, use a solutionA solution is a homogeneous mixture of two or more substance... More of 1 tbsp baking soda per quart of warm water.
4. Dry completely: Moisture left behind = odorAn odor is a smell, often detectable by the human nose, whic... More and microbe magnet.
5. Restart & restock: Add an open box of baking soda to absorb odors.

Tampa tip: Check the fridge drip pan (where accessible). In humid climates it can harbor mildewMildew is a type of fungus that grows on damp surfaces, typi... More.

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2) Oven: post-feast grease removal without harsh fumes

• Steam method (fast): Place a heat-safe pan of water in the oven at 450°F for 20–30 min; cool, then wipe.
• Baking soda paste: Mix baking soda + a little water to a paste; spread on cooled surfaces, rest 20–30 min, scrub, then wipe with damp cloth.
• Racks: Soak in hot, soapy water in a tub or large sink; scrub and rinse.

When to call a pro: If heavy smoke set off alarms or you see sootSoot is fine black particles composed of carbon and other ma... More on walls/ceiling from a cooking flare-up, you may need smoke deodorization beyond DIY.

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3) Dishwasher: de-gunk for cleaner dishes (and fewer musty smells)

1. Pre-check: Empty and clean the filter and drain area; remove food debris.
2. Vinegar cycle: Put 1 cup white vinegar in a dishwasher-safe cup on the top rack; run a hot cycle.
3. Baking soda boost: Sprinkle 1 cup baking soda in the bottom; run a short hot cycle.
4. Detail: Wipe door gaskets and spray arms; clear clogged holes with a toothpick.

Tampa tip: In high humidityHumidity is the amount of moisture or water vapor present in... More, leave the door cracked open after cycles to vent moisture.

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4) Carpets & Rugs: spot stains now, prevent musty later

• Spot-treat first (before vacuuming). DIY mix: 1 tsp dish soap, 1 tsp baking soda, 1 tbsp white vinegar, 1 cup warm water. Spray, gently blot (don’t rub), allow to dry, then vacuum.
• Deep dry: Run ceiling fans and a dehumidifierA dehumidifier is a device that removes excess moisture from... More the same day to remove residual moisture.
• Pet/party accidents: Use an enzyme cleaner to control odorAn odor is a smell, often detectable by the human nose, whic... More bacteria.

Call a pro if: Stains wick back, you notice a persistent musty odorAn odor is a smell, often detectable by the human nose, whic... More, or there were wet areas >24–48 hours—a sign to check for hidden moisture and potential moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More.

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5) Upholstery & Soft Furnishings: quick refresh, Florida-proofed

• Vacuum thoroughly (crevice tools, both sides of cushions).
• Spot clean using the same carpet mixture above (check fabric codes).
• Sun + breeze: On a dry, breezy day, air cushions outdoors for 1–2 hours—humidity permitting.
• Deodorize: Light sprinkle of baking soda, wait 30–60 minutes, vacuum.

Watch for: Darkened seams, persistent odorAn odor is a smell, often detectable by the human nose, whic... More, or damp backs on sofas against exterior walls. These can hide condensation-related growth in winter air-conditioning.

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Bonus 10-minute resets

• Trash bins: Rinse, disinfect, and dry; add a deodorizing pod or baking soda.
• Sink/disposal: Ice + lemon peels through the disposal; wipe splash zones.
• Entry mats: Shake, vacuum, and dry—these trap sand and storm day moisture.

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When to bring in a Tampa restoration pro

• Water sat in carpet/pad, walls, or cabinets >24–48 hours
• Musty odors persist after cleaning
• SootSoot is fine black particles composed of carbon and other ma... More/smoke residueResidue is any leftover material, such as soot, dust, or che... More or recurring smoke smells after a cooking incidentAn incident is an event or occurrence that causes damage, di... More
• Visible moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More growth or allergy/respiratory symptoms in the home

We help Tampa Bay & Fort Myers homeowners with: water extraction, structural drying, smoke/soot cleanup, and mold remediation – with documentation for insurance.

 

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FAQs

How do I keep post-holiday odors from coming back in our humidity?

Dry thoroughly the same day you clean. Use fans + a dehumidifierA dehumidifier is a device that removes excess moisture from... More, and crack appliance doors to vent.

Is it safe to DIY after small kitchen smoke?

You can wipe light film, but if odorAn odor is a smell, often detectable by the human nose, whic... More lingers or you see sootSoot is fine black particles composed of carbon and other ma... More on walls/ceiling, ask about professional odorAn odor is a smell, often detectable by the human nose, whic... More neutralization (HEPA filtration, hydroxyl/ozone as appropriate).

My carpet feels slightly damp – what now?

Run AC (fan auto), a dehumidifierA dehumidifier is a device that removes excess moisture from... More, and airflow. If damp >24 hours or there was a spill/overflow, schedule a moisture check to prevent moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More.

What’s the fastest fridge refresh?

Empty, baking-soda wipe, dry fully, replace a fresh box of baking soda, and clean the drip pan.

Do you work with insurance?

Yes, if a covered water or smoke loss occurred, we document damages (photos, moisture maps, itemized estimate) and coordinate with your adjuster.

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Holiday mess turned into odors or moisture?

Call 24/7 for water extraction, structural dryingDrying is the process of removing moisture from materials, s... More, smoke cleanup, and moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More preventionPrevention refers to actions taken to reduce the likelihood ... More. Same-day assessments across Tampa Bay, St. Pete, Clearwater, and Fort Myers.
RestorationMaster Tampa: (813) 730-4258