Modern Homemakers

The “Ber Months” Deep Clean Checklist for Filipino Families

by Kevyn Gohu
September 17, 2025

For Filipinos, September is the start of preparing for Christmas—from gift-buying to even deep-cleaning the house

When September rolls in, the Christmas song trio’s (Jose Mari Chan, Michael Bublé, and Mariah Carey) serenades echoing from every speaker signal the long holiday season that Filipino families are famous for. For parents, that means parties, reunions, gift-wrapping marathons, and more foot traffic at home. To keep the house guest-ready without scrambling come December, a Ber Months deep clean is the ultimate parenting hack.

Here’s your family-friendly checklist to keep everything neat, cozy, and stress-free before the celebrations begin.

For Filipinos, September is the start of preparing for Christmas—from gift-buying to even deep-cleaning the house

1. Start With Storage Spaces

Before the holiday décor comes out, make space. Dig through the closets, storage rooms, and kitchen cabinets. Sometimes, we may even find an impulse buy that we know someone would love to have as a gift.

And this Christmas, outgrown clothes, old toys, and unused gadgets deserve some love too! Donate or recycle things we no longer use or need. September is the perfect time to purge so you’re not overwhelmed when Christmas gifts start piling in.

Try to involve the kids! Have them pick out toys or clothes they’re ready to pass on—teaching them generosity while clearing clutter.

2. Deep Clean the Kitchen

Only the universe knows how used and abused our kitchen is. With the Holiday season rolling in, it’s definitely going to be a stress test filled with endless cooking and feasting.

Clean out the gunk, dust, and dirt of all the kitchen appliances—especially the ones we heavily use like the rice cooker, fridge, microwave, and the airfryer. Wipe through the shelves. Double-check expiration dates and check if there’s a need to resupply. Nobody likes doing last-minute grocery shopping on Christmas Eve!

Besides, a more organized kitchen means more time spent with the guests than cooking and cleaning.

3. Refresh Bedrooms

September may be the ideal time to get all those linens laundered. Those who live in condos can even have laundromats do it for them.

While that’s happening, dust under the beds and flip the mattress. Add a bit of linen spray for that extra scent of relaxation. A fresh bed means higher quality sleep, which means we’ll be more than ready to entertain guests when the holiday celebrations roll in.

Add more fun by having the kids pick out holiday linens and sheets.

4. Focus on the Living Room

Since we receive a lot of guests in the living room, this one will need a little more heavy-duty cleaning. Vacuum the couches, pillows, and rugs. Dust and wipe the furniture down. Because once Christmas Eve arrives, it’s going to look like a pool of shredded gift wrapping paper while everyone poses for pictures and sings enough karaoke to wake up the neighboring baranggay.

Don’t forget to keep a “quick clean kit” nearby—wipes, air freshener, and a duster—for surprise visitors.

5. Don’t Forget Windows and Doors

With all the twinkling parols and Christmas lights soon to be hung, clean windows and doors will make your home shine brighter. Plus, sparkling glass makes décor photos extra Instagram-worthy. We can even turn this into a bonding activity—kids love spraying and wiping (with supervision, of course).

6. Check Safety Essentials

The holidays mean more electrical appliances, lights, and candles. Before the season kicks in, inspect extension cords, outlets, and smoke alarms. Prepare a simple family safety drill in case of emergencies. We can even create an “emergency corner” with a flashlight, first-aid kit, and batteries—it’ll also give kids peace of mind.

7. Add a Holiday Touch Early

Once the heavy cleaning is done, sprinkle in a few festive accents: a Christmas-scented candle, a holiday throw blanket, or even just displaying a parol. It sets the tone and makes the coming months feel less like work and more like a celebration.

Start small and let the kids decorate their own mini space—like a corner of their room.

Why Christmas starts on September in the PH

September is the secret weapon for parents who want to survive (and enjoy!) the long Filipino holiday season. By following this Ber Months Deep Clean Checklist, we create a fresh, safe, and cozy home where memories can be made—without the last-minute cleaning panic.

After all, a well-prepared home lets you focus on what matters most: family, laughter, and the joy of celebrating together.