The Ultimate Guide to Cleaning Up After a Halloween Party

Hosting a Halloween party is exciting—costumes, candy, and spooky decorations make it a night to remember. But when the last guest leaves, you’re left with spills, sticky counters, and glitter everywhere. Don’t let cleanup feel overwhelming. With the right strategy, you can get your house back to normal quickly.

Before the Party: Set Yourself Up for Success

• Protect your space: Put down rugs or mats in high-traffic areas where food and drinks are likely to spill.

• Use table covers: Disposable or washable tablecloths catch crumbs and spills before they hit your furniture.

• Place trash bins strategically: Guests are more likely to throw things away if bins are visible and easy to reach.

Right After the Party

• Handle spills immediately: Blot drink and candy stains before they dry and set into carpets or upholstery.

• Collect decorations: Glitter, confetti, and fake cobwebs should be taken down as soon as possible before they spread.

• Do a sweep: Walk through your home with a trash bag and gather wrappers, cups, and plates left behind.

The Next Day

• Deep clean floors: Vacuum to catch crumbs and glitter, then mop sticky spots.

• Wash fabrics: Toss towels, tablecloths, and reusable napkins into the laundry.

• Check hidden spots: Look under couches and chairs for wrappers and candy that rolled away.

Bonus Tip: Enlist Help

If you have kids, let them help with the cleanup by turning it into a game—who can find the most candy wrappers wins.

Halloween cleanup doesn’t have to be scary. A little prep and a simple post-party routine will keep your home from looking like a haunted house the next morning!