it’s been a day and they’re on their way. follow this cheat sheet for a super-duper quick clean.
‘Tis the season for guests, guests, and more guests! But now is not the time to stress over keeping your home perfectly clean. Instead, take just a few minutes to spruce up the obvious areas. (If you have a bit more time, we’ve given you tips for what to tidy next.) Your home might not be spotless, but your guests will never know the difference!
focus your efforts: 1 minute
Your guests won’t step foot into the bedrooms, so there’s no need to clean them right now. Shut the doors to any rooms that aren’t company-worthy, then focus your time on the living room, dining room, kitchen, and bathroom.
contain the clutter: 5 minutes
Grab a laundry basket and a trash bag and make a sweep of your space. Collect everything in the basket that needs to be put away, and bag up any old newspapers, mail or random junk that can be tossed. Stash the laundry basket in a bedroom (for now) and take out the trash and recyclables.
If you have a few more minutes: Make a second sweep and put everything in its rightful place so you don’t have to deal with it later.
do a quick dusting: 3 minutes
Using a microfiber cloth or Swiffer duster, give the surfaces in your kitchen, living room, and dining room a speedy once-over. Pay attention to the obvious spots like counters and coffee tables.
If you have a few more minutes: Dust the floor and table lamps, TV screen, and chair arms.
vacuum only where you really need it: 5 minutes
No need to waste valuable time vacuuming your whole home. Just run a vacuum over your high-traffic areas and anywhere there’s visible buildup or dust bunnies. Better yet: Use a handheld vacuum so you don’t have to plug anything in—or invest in a style that easily converts to a handheld.
If you have a few more minutes: Sweep or vacuum the stairs. Dust and pet fur tend to accumulate in the corners, so a quick sweep will make a clean(er) impression.
fluff the couches, upholstered chairs, and throw pillows: 1 minute
Straighten (or flip) the cushions on your sofa and chairs—that’ll go a long way toward making your house look more considered. Then, quickly adjust and fluff your throw pillows.
If you have a few more minutes: Straighten up tabletops and stash your remotes. A pretty tray is a great way to keep things organized—and stylish!
do the dishes: 4 minutes
Load any dirty dishes into your dishwasher, then hand wash, dry, and put away anything that isn’t dishwasher safe. If you use a dish strainer or dryer, be sure to empty it, then swap out your dish towel for a freshly laundered one. Hang it neatly!
If you have one more minute: Wipe out the inside of the kitchen sink so it’s dry. It’s amazing how that little trick can make your whole kitchen look cleaner.
wipe down the kitchen counters: 1 minute
Using a cloth, sponge, or Magic Eraser, give the countertops and stove top a quick pass. Wetting them with water is just fine, but bonus points for something that cleans and smells delightful.
If you have a few more minutes: Wipe the front and handles of the fridge, then finish off by cleaning any obvious stains or spills on the floors.
bathroom quick-clean: 3 minutes
Water and toothpaste splatters may be small, but they can give the impression of a not-so-clean house. Use a paper towel or cloth and some glass cleaner to wipe off the mirror, counter, and sink, then give the chrome on the faucet and handles a quick pass. A little extra shine goes a long way! Then grab a toilet brush and cleaner and give your toilet a quick scrub. Finally, light a scented candle and safely place it on the top of the toilet or a counter.
If you have a few more minutes: Grab another cloth and make a last run through the house to buff away any visible smudgy spots.