Let’s be honest, who hasn’t been there before? The clock is ticking, your guests are about to arrive, and your house looks like a disaster zone. The temptation to start scrubbing every nook and cranny is strong, but the reality is, that’s just not sustainable. After all, cultural conditioning notwithstanding, “absolutely nothing and no one says you have to make your house spotless before people come over.” In fact, there’s something rather vulnerable and trusting about letting people in when your home is in its lived-in state. It can even put guests at ease and set the stage for deeper connection.
That said, there are times when a thoroughly picked-up and clean house is exactly what the occasion calls for. Maybe you’re hosting your book club for some fancy charcuterie, or the soccer team is coming over after practice for a cookout. In situations like these, a bit of consideration and politeness goes a long way. But that doesn’t mean you need to spend hours scouring the house from top to bottom. No, my friend, there’s a better way – a speed clean that’ll leave your home more than clean enough while still giving you plenty of time to focus on hosting duties.
The Art of the Speed Clean
I know this because I’ve pulled it off many times before. The key is to approach it with a strategic, full-throttle effort that covers all the important bases in around an hour. It may sound like a tall order, but trust me, it’s totally doable. The secret lies in prioritizing the right areas, enlisting the whole household, and staying focused on the task at hand.
Enlist the Troops
If at all possible, arrange for everyone to clear out for the duration of your cleaning blitz. I often ask my husband to take the kids and dogs out for a walk or to the playground. This way, you can focus on the task at hand without people and animals continuing to make a mess as you’re cleaning up.
Triage Time
The first step in this fast-track approach is deciding which areas you’re going to skip over. After all, your guests aren’t likely to be spending much time in the primary bedroom, so you can focus your energy and efforts on the spaces they will inhabit – the common areas, the bathrooms, and the kitchen.
Room-by-Room Rhythm
To keep yourself on track, establish a room-by-room routine. Always start in the same room and work your way around in the same order. This way, you won’t waste time switching between cleaning supplies and tools, and you won’t expend extra energy trying to remember what you’ve done and what you haven’t.
Declutter Like a Pro
The biggest factor in a house that looks put-together is whether there are things strewn all over the place. So start by doing a deliberate decluttering of every space you’re going to get in order. The laundry basket method is a good technique here – it allows you to pick up out-of-place items fast and get them out of sight, even if you don’t have time to put everything away in the moment. Straightening out items on desks or surfaces also goes a long way in making things look tidy.
Bathroom Brilliance
The bathrooms are not the place to skimp on cleaning efforts. For any bathroom that your guests might use, do a top-to-bottom cleaning, making sure to polish mirrors and fixtures and ensure that the toilets are pristine. Don’t forget to clean the floors and make sure soap and toilet paper are full and towels are clean.
Kitchen Crackdown
The condition of the kitchen is another factor that determines the overall impression of whether a place feels clean or not. Start by gathering any dirty dishes and putting them in the dishwasher, then clear off and clean the counters, and make sure the floors are decent. The table should also be cleared off and clean with chairs neatly set around it.
Dust to Impress
Dusting may seem like too detailed of a task when you need to clean up fast, but dusty surfaces make everything look and feel dirty, and that’s not what you want your guests to experience. Grab your dusting mitt and swipe visible surfaces. This is not the time to attack the ceiling fan or the mementoes on the bookshelves – stick to obvious spots and go fast.
Vacuum Vitality
Vacuuming instantly freshens up any room by getting rid of dust and dirt and fluffing up the carpeting. Again, this is not the time to get detailed. Concentrate on the most visible areas and aim for good enough. Remember, you’re going for an overall good impression, not perfection.
Finishing Touches
As you’re nearing the end of your power hour, consider some finishing touches to really make your home shine. Light a candle, turn on some lamps, or set out some fresh-cut greens or flowers from your yard. These little details can make all the difference in creating a welcoming and inviting atmosphere.
The Beauty of Doing It for Yourself
Now, you might be tempted to only do this kind of speed clean when you’re expecting company. But I’d encourage you to consider doing it for yourself, too. Because, you know what? You’re worth a peaceful, welcoming home. And the truth is, a little bit of focused effort can go a long way in making your everyday living space feel so much more inviting and serene.
So, the next time you find yourself staring down a seemingly insurmountable cleaning task, don’t despair. Embrace the power of the speed clean and watch as your home transforms from disaster to done in a matter of 60 minutes (or less!). Your future self (and your future guests) will thank you.
Adam Cleaning Services is your one-stop shop for professional, thorough, and efficient house cleaning that’ll have your home sparkling in no time. Check out their website to learn more about their comprehensive cleaning packages and how they can help you achieve the spotless perfection you deserve, whether you’re preparing for guests or simply treating yourself to a clean, stress-free living space.
