10 Tips to Clean Quickly Before Guests Arrive

What do you do when guests will be at your place in 2 hours and your place isn’t ready? In other words, your place is messy.

Your first instinct might be to panic. Don’t. Take a deep breath instead. 

Now, you know that for the most part when folks are making the effort to see you, they aren’t coming over to judge your place. They’re coming over to spend time with you.

HOWEVER, you will feel better and more at ease knowing that your place is in order.  And, you’ll feel freer to enjoy the visit. 

So, can you clean quickly before guests arrive?

You sure can. The key is to focus on the areas that will be visible to your guests.

Here are 10 tips to help you clean quickly before guests arrive.

1. Front door and porch

Before your guests enter your home, make sure that the outside of it looks clean. Use your outdoor broom to sweep away any dirt that has collected on the front porch and steps. And, depending on the state of your welcome mat, either shake it out or spray it down with your garden hose. 

With a microfiber cloth dampened with mild soap and water, wipe down your front door.  If you have glass on your front door, spray it with a vinegar and water mixture (one part vinegar, 3 parts water) and wipe it clean.

A microfiber duster with an extendible attachment is good for removing any cobwebs on the light fixtures and door jamb. 

2. Tidy up the entryway/foyer

The entryway is the first impression your guests will have about the interior of your home.  No matter how big or small your entryway is, you want it to be clean and uncluttered. 

So, put away any shoes or other items that have been dropped by the door.  Clear off the surface of the console table, and remove any dust.

Be sure to clean the mirrors.

Then do a quick run-through with the mop. 

3. Organize the coat closet 

Straighten out the coats in the closet and neatly arrange any shoes that are inside. 

Group all unused hangers on one side for your guests’ outerwear. 

Now, if hats, scarves, and other items are piled on the top shelf of the closet in disarray, place them in a basket and leave the basket on the shelf.  Alternatively, quickly organize them neatly on the shelf. 

4. Clean the bathroom that the guest(s) will use

You can use disinfecting wipes to clean the toilet seat and the outside of the toilet.  Spray some toilet cleaner inside and scrub the bowl and rim with your toilet brush. 

Wipe down the sink, counter, and faucets. If you spray hydrogen peroxide on your faucets and wipe them with a microfiber cloth, they will sparkle.  Hydrogen peroxide is also an effective disinfectant, so you’re doing double-duty here. 

If you have a soap dispenser, fill it up. Or, if you have a soap dish, clean off the soap scum and put a fresh bar of soap in the clean dish.

Remember to use the vinegar and water mixture on the mirror. 

Change out the hand towels and ensure that there’s enough toilet paper. 

Throw out the trash and replace the bag.  For a fresh smell, place one or two drops of your favorite essential oil in the bottom of the bag or the trash can. 

5. Remove clutter from common areas and surfaces

Let’s keep it real. You likely have clutter in several of the common areas that you have yet to handle, in addition to clutter on some surfaces that will be visible to your guests.  As this is not something you want your guests to see, it’s time to grab your laundry basket and remove the clutter from the common areas and surfaces such as the kitchen counter, dining table, etc. 

Given the time constraint, stash the laundry basket in an upstairs closet or in an area that won’t be seen by your guests.  Now, this is a TEMPORARY measure. This clutter needs to be dealt with at a later date.  

6. Dust in the rooms that your guests will be using

Removing dust in the rooms that your guests will be in, is another way to clean quickly before guests arrive.  Use a microfiber duster or microfiber cloth to remove dust on shelves, lampshades, surfaces, etc.  

Quickly run the vacuum over your couch to get rid of any dust build-up. Using a lint roller on your couch will also get the job done. 

7. Tidy the kitchen 

Undoubtedly, your guest will be in the kitchen at some point during the visit.  To clean quickly before guests arrive, be sure to put dirty dishes in the dishwasher, remove any smudges from appliances and clear the counters as best as possible. 

Now that your sink is clear of dishes, clean the sink and faucets and wipe dry with a microfiber cloth. 

Quickly damp-mop or Swiffer your kitchen floor – this way it will dry faster.

8. Check for cobwebs 

Remember, you’re focusing on the areas that will be visible to your guests. Use a vacuum or microfiber duster with an extendable handle to remove the cobwebs.  Your home will look neat and tidy without the cobwebs.

9. Vacuum and/or Swiffer

If you’ve got carpets or rugs, give them a quick once-over with the vacuum. Time permitting, first, sprinkle some baking soda and leave for about 15 minutes before vacuuming, for a fresh smell. 

Use a Swiffer or damp mop on the rest of the floors.

10. Freshen the scent of your home 

To quickly get rid of cooking scents, open the windows. This will aid in proper air circulation and bring some fresh air into your home. 

Recap

When you’re pressed for time preparing for guests, remember to focus on the rooms that your guests will be in.  This will cut down on the time you spend cleaning.

Put your mind at ease and use these tips. 

1. Clean the front door and porch 
2. Tidy the entryway/foyer
3. Organize the coat closet
4. Clean the bathroom that the guests will use
5. Remove clutter from common areas and surfaces
6. Dust the rooms that your guests will use
7. Tidy the kitchen
8. Check for cobwebs
9. Quickly vacuum and/or Swiffer
10. Open the windows

Download these 10 tips here.

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