How to get your bathroom ready for Thanksgiving guests – they'll notice these touches 'immediately' and feel welcomed, pros say

When preparing for Thanksgiving, we often focus on the dining room and kitchen, but the bathroom is just as important for hosting guests.

Making sure it is clean, well stocked, and perfectly organized can ensure the day runs smoothly and guests feel well cared for in your home. It is a small detail they will notice immediately.

Here, professional cleaners and organizers have shared the steps they take to get your bathroom ready for Thanksgiving guests and make a home cozy for Thanksgiving.

How to get bathroom ready for Thanksgiving guests

Whether you have full guest bathroom ideas or are preparing your single bathroom for extra visitors, the steps are the same. Clean from top to bottom, stock up on essential supplies, and add a cozy ambiance to make guests feel at home.

Here's how the experts do it.

1. Deep clean

Cleaning a bathroom is the first step in preparing the space for Thanksgiving guests, so remember to target the dirtiest places in a bathroom.

Get rid of dust in the bathroom says Lina DaSilva, cleaning expert and founder of Toronto Shine Cleaning. She shares, 'We stumbled upon a brand, E-Cloth, available at Amazon, whose microfiber cloths have proven exceptional in trapping dust and preventing it from resettling. We dampen one side of the cloth for an initial wipe and use the dry side to finish off, eliminating smears and ensuring a polished look.'

You can then move on to cleaning a bathroom sink and vanity, cleaning showers and baths, and cleaning the toilet. Adding in a candle or the best essential oil diffuser can help to make a bathroom smell nice after cleaning for an extra welcoming touch.

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2. Organize and declutter

It is vital to declutter and organize a bathroom before your guests arrive to keep clutter hidden and stop them from stumbling into personal items you would rather keep hidden.

Maria Anderson, cleaning and organizing expert at Henfield Storage says, 'Use drawer organizers, from Walmart, to keep small items such as cotton balls, Q-tips, and makeup brushes tidy. Look for organizers with adjustable compartments to make organizing a bathroom cabinet easier.

'A shower caddy is perfect for storing soaps, conditioners, shampoos, and other toiletries. Search for shower caddies with multiple compartments and suction cups, at Walmart, for easy attachment to the shower wall.

'Finally, keep your towel storage ideas organized and easily accessible with towel hooks and racks and hooks. Opt for rust-resistant materials such as brass or stainless steel.'

3. Stock up on essentials

Angela Rubin, cleaning expert at Hellamaid says, 'Anticipate your guests' needs by ensuring the bathroom is well-stocked with essentials. Provide an ample supply of toilet paper, hand soap, and fresh towels.

'If guests are staying overnight, consider preparing a guest bedroom for Thanksgiving by placing a basket with travel-sized toiletries, such as toothpaste, shampoo, and conditioner for guests who may have forgotten them, for a thoughtful and convenient touch.'

4. Invest in fresh linens

People will need to wash their hands before and after eating during a Thanksgiving feast, so ensure you have enough of the best bath towels both on your towel hooks and in your linen storage.

How many towels you need will depend on the size of your bathroom, the size and needs of your household, and how many guests you can host. As a general rule of thumb, you need three towels per household member, plus two extra sets for guests.

Following our essential rules for buying towels will ensure your towels will stand the test of time, stop towels from shedding, and keep them fluffier and more luxurious for longer.

5. Incorporate festive decorative touches

Add a touch of Thanksgiving spirit to your bathroom with simple and tasteful Thanksgiving decor. You want to stay simple, avoiding anything that will make cleaning a bathroom more difficult, or make the space unsanitary.

The best candles with Thanksgiving motifs, like pumpkins, or pinecones can be a fun yet elegant touch.

You might also want to decorate with coordinating hand towels or seasonal-themed soap dispensers can also contribute to the holiday spirit.

6. Create a vanity station

'Set up a small vanity station with a mirror and extra lighting if possible,' suggests Angela Rubin, cleaning expert. 'This allows guests to freshen up comfortably and helps avoid congestion in other areas of the house.'

You can add a tray of essentials to make guests feel fully accommodated for, creating a hotel-like stay. These personal touches can make a world of difference.

Also, check that all light bulbs are working in this area and ensure you have suitable task bathroom lighting options to ensure they have a convenient space to shave, put makeup on, or wash.

7. Provide space for guest items

Another must-have for a guest bathroom is empty space for guests to store their own essentials when they are staying the night.

Millie Hurst, former homes writer and section editor for Solved says, 'Creating some empty space on bathroom surfaces so anyone staying overnight has somewhere to put their toothbrush, contact lenses, and any essential toiletries. If bathroom countertop space is limited, could you clear some space in your vanity unit or on shelves?'

Adding extra storage space for your guest including clearing surfaces can ensure they are comfortable and can settle in with all their accessories instead of feeling they must be crammed into a corner.

8. Privacy and comfort considerations

Angela Rubin, cleaning expert, recommends, 'Ensuring that the bathroom offers privacy and comfort. Check that locks are functioning properly, and consider providing a discreet place for guests to hang their towels or belongings.

'If space allows, a small chair or bench can provide a comfortable spot for guests to place clothing or personal items.'

9. Check plumbing and fixtures

Make sure that all plumbing is in good working to avoid troubles when your guests are staying, because what could be more stressful than bathroom malfunctions during the hustle and bustle of Thanksgiving hosting?

Josh Mitchell, plumbing expert and owner of Plumbing Lab recommends beginning by, 'checking all faucets for drips or leaks. Test faucets and ensure that both hot and cold water are flowing smoothly.

He also suggests, 'removing any mineral buildup from showerheads to ensure a pleasant shower experience for your guests. Cleaning with vinegar and soaking the showerhead overnight can effectively remove buildup.

'Ensure all drains are clear and water flows freely. Avoid chemical cleaners as they can damage your pipes over time.'

If there are any issues, consider hiring a professional plumber to address them before your guests arrive.

10. Keep the bathroom warm

You should also consider the bathroom's temperature, checking it is comfortable. If your bathroom is prone to being cold during the fall and winter months, consider adding rugs and bath mats and draft-proof the bathroom to ensure it stays cozy for Thanksgiving.

Will Ehrman, project manager at Hatchet Design Build recommends, 'Supplementing the heat in the bathroom with towel warmers, which provide additional warmth (although not as much as an electric radiator). You can also opt for high-efficiency windows with double or triple pane glass, and consider argon-filled options for even greater efficiency; these will significantly reduce heat loss and air leaks.'

For a quicker fix, Drew Mansur, co-founder and director of TileCloud adds, 'A lot of heat escapes through poorly insulated windows. Double-glazing is ideal, but even heavy, insulating window treatments can make a big difference. They block drafts and add a cozy look to the space.'

Preparing your bathroom ahead of time helps to mitigate a common Thanksgiving mistake making your holiday hosting harder.

When hosting throughout Thanksgiving, periodically check the bathroom to ensure it remains clean and well-stocked, especially if guests are staying longer than a day. Empty the trash regularly and wipe down surfaces as needed.