Having unexpected guests arrive can be stressful, especially if your home is not as tidy as you would like. With some quick cleaning tricks, you can spruce up your home in no time so you can focus on being a gracious host. Here are some tips for speed cleaning when guests pop in unannounced:
Clear Clutter
Clutter is the enemy of a clean home. When guests arrive unexpectedly, you want to:
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Collect items laying around and put them away. Gather books, papers, toys, etc. and stash them out of sight.
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Clear off surfaces. Remove everything from tables, countertops, dressers, and other surfaces so they appear neat and tidy.
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Hide piles of clutter. Shove piles of clutter into closets, the garage, under beds, or anywhere out of sight from guests.
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Do a quick tidy. Straighten items like pillows, books, and knickknacks so spaces look cared for.
Clean High Traffic Areas
Focus your cleaning efforts on the areas guests will frequent most:
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Entryway – This is the first space guests see. Make sure coats, shoes, umbrellas are put away and any dirt is swept.
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Main living areas – Quickly vacuum, dust, and straighten furniture in the main areas guests will be. Pay extra attention near seating areas.
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Kitchen – Give countertops a wipe down, add a fresh dish towel, and hide any dirty dishes in the dishwasher.
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Bathrooms – Check for grime in the toilet and give mirrors and counters a quick clean. Make sure towels are fresh.
Refresh Your Spaces
A few quick fixes can make your whole home seem fresh:
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Open blinds and curtains to let in natural light. This makes rooms feel clean and airy.
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Turn on lights in any dark rooms or corners. Good lighting shows off a tidy space.
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Fill the air. Light scented candles or infuse the home with essential oils to make it smell clean and welcoming.
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Change small decor. Swap out throw pillows, floor mats, or table linens for a quick seasonal update.
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Play soft music. Quiet instrumental music sets a relaxed vibe.
Make Your Bed
An unmade bed can make a whole room look sloppy. Take a minute to:
- Straighten sheets, blankets and pillows
- Fluff and arrange decorative pillows
- Smooth out wrinkles and folds
This small task goes a long way to making your bedroom look clean and put together.
Stash Trash Out of Sight
Nothing signals an unkempt home faster than overflowing wastebaskets.
- Empty all trash containers before guests arrive.
- Tie up garbage bags neatly and take them out to your outdoor cans.
- Hide garbage pails in closets or discreetly under sinks.
Out of sight, out of mind! With a little organization and these speed cleaning tips, you can make your home look clean and welcoming in a pinch when surprise guests show up at your door. The key is focusing on quick fixes that make the biggest visual impact. Apply these tricks and you can relax knowing your home looks presentable.
