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The Highs of the Marathon, the Calm After the Finish Line

The Publix Atlanta Marathon brings the city together in a celebration of strength, endurance, and community. If you’ve hosted a pre-race dinner, a lively cheering station, or a post-marathon gathering, your home or event space likely played an important role in the festivities. Once the final runner has crossed the finish line and the cheers have faded, it’s time to face the next challenge: the clean-up.

Restoring your space doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With a thoughtful approach, you can make the process smooth and rewarding. Here’s how to bring your space back to life after the marathon’s excitement.

Step 1: Tidy the Most Visible Areas First

When you walk into a room post-event, your eyes naturally go to the most obvious messes. Start here to quickly create a sense of order. It’s amazing how much progress you can make by focusing on what catches your eye first.

• Living Rooms and Entryways: These spaces are often high-traffic zones during gatherings. Begin by clearing away visible clutter like cups, wrappers, or decorations.
• Kitchens and Dining Areas: If food and drinks were involved, this is where you’ll need to concentrate. Wipe down counters, clear dishes, and take out the trash to eliminate any lingering odors.
• Bathrooms: Always a priority after guests, bathrooms should be cleaned and refreshed immediately. Wipe down surfaces, replace towels, and empty the trash.

Quick Wins: Start by collecting all trash into one bag. This simple act reduces visual clutter and gives you a clear path for deeper cleaning.

Step 2: Dig Deeper Into the Layers

Once the surface-level mess is handled, it’s time to focus on the areas where the mess might not be immediately obvious but still matters in terms of overall cleanliness.

• Carpets and Rugs: Marathon day often involves a lot of foot traffic, especially if you hosted a cheering station or party. Vacuum thoroughly to remove tracked-in dirt and debris. Spot-clean any stains before they set.
• Furniture: Check couches, chairs, and tables for crumbs, drink rings, or any sticky spots. Remove cushions and vacuum underneath. Wipe down hard surfaces to restore their shine.
• Windows and Mirrors: If your space included banners, posters, or window displays for the event, clean any smudges or adhesive residue. Polished glass creates an immediate feeling of cleanliness.

Pro Tip: The areas that don’t demand attention right away often make the biggest difference when they’re cleaned thoroughly. Take the time to tackle these hidden messes for a truly refreshed space.

Step 3: Step Outside and Assess

If your event extended outdoors, don’t forget to clean up your yard, porch, or driveway. Outdoor areas often bear the brunt of marathon excitement and need just as much attention as the inside.

• Sweep Outdoor Spaces: Porches, driveways, and sidewalks might be littered with confetti, water bottle caps, or other debris. A quick sweep can restore order.
• Refresh Lawn Areas: If your guests set up chairs, banners, or tents on the grass, you may notice flattened patches or stray trash. Pick up any debris and water the lawn to help it recover.
• Take Down Decorations: Remove any temporary decor like balloons, banners, or signs. Save reusable items and dispose of what you no longer need.

Quick Tip: Outdoor messes are often small but spread out. Create a checklist to avoid missing hidden items like wrappers or bottle caps.

Step 4: Refresh and Reset

Once the visible mess is handled, it’s time to bring your space back to its usual routine. Think of this stage as restoring balance and preparing your home for the week ahead.

• Restock Essentials: Replenish paper towels, hand soap, and other items that may have been used during the event.
• Air It Out: Open windows or run air purifiers to remove any lingering odors and bring in fresh air.
• Deep Clean Floors: Whether you have hardwood, tile, or carpet, giving your floors a proper cleaning helps remove any remaining dirt and debris from marathon day.

Pro Tip: If the clean-up feels overwhelming, divide tasks into smaller chunks or schedule a professional cleaning service to tackle the bigger jobs.

Step 5: Celebrate Your Efforts

Hosting an event as part of the Atlanta Marathon is no small feat, and neither is the clean-up that follows. Once your space is back in shape, take a moment to appreciate your hard work. Light a candle, relax with a cup of tea, or enjoy the calm that follows a bustling event.

Final Thoughts: Cleaning as Part of the Journey

Hosting a marathon-related event is an opportunity to connect with others, share the excitement, and be part of something larger than yourself. Cleaning up afterward is simply the final chapter of that story, a chance to reflect on the memories made while preparing for the days ahead.

If you’re looking to speed up the process or tackle tougher cleaning jobs, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Professional cleaning services can make quick work of even the most daunting mess, giving you the freedom to fully enjoy the post-marathon calm.

Need a hand? Let ATL Clean help you refresh your space. Book a post-event cleaning today and let us handle the heavy lifting!

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