Focus on key areas and don’t be afraid to create the impression of cleanliness. Most importantly, enjoy your time with family and friends.

Sometimes the best times with family and friends are last-minute get-togethers. However, when the gathering is at your house, it might generate anxiety about a less-than-spotless home. Don’t worry! Here are tips for fast cleaning—or at least creating the impression of cleanliness.

Spiff up the entry

First impressions set the tone for visitors. Experience your entryway as they will.

Step outside, close the door and notice what your guests see when they’re waiting for you to open the door.

Is the porch light burned out? Pitch that pot of dead flowers and sweep away any debris. Then open the door, head inside and observe. Remove things that might make navigation difficult for guests—like shoes or backpacks.

Focus on where guests will spend the most time

The key to a quick clean is to focus on the areas your guests will be. Most often this will be the kitchen, family room and bathroom.

Sweep and vacuum the floors. Skip mopping but spot clean any obvious spots on hard flooring surfaces.

Fresh towels are an instant improvement in the bathroom. Folks will definitely look in the mirror, so give it quick clean. While you’re at it, spray the sink, faucet and toilet and give them a quick swipe too. Occasional cleaning with glass cleaner won’t harm porcelain, chrome, or plastic. However, don’t use glass cleaner on granite or natural stone surfaces.

Quickly clear clutter

Grab a laundry basket or oversize tote and gather up any items that make your space look cluttered. Stash the basket out of sight; you can organize the collected items later. For now, focus on cleaning.

Clear the sink of dirty dishes; put them in the dishwasher. No dishwasher? Stack them under the sink. While the oven could be used as a hiding place for dirty dishes, you run the risk of forgetting they’re there and creating a hazard the next time you turn the oven on. Only put oven-safe items in the oven if you opt for this tactic.

Empty the trash

Emptying the trash removes the source of possible odors and empty receptacles look orderly.

Make it smell clean

Sometimes you only have time to create the impression of cleanliness. Spray scented products in the air. The smell of lemon furniture spray in the living room and essential oils in the powder room will make it seem like you cleaned more than you did. Just before guests arrive, light a scented candle.

When your guests arrive

Family and friends who care about you are there to see you, not critique your home. When they arrive, give them a warm welcome and skip any comments or apologies about the state of your home. Instead, draw attention to your visitors. Thank them for coming. Compliment them. Show them where to gather. Enjoy your time together. When you’re relaxed it will be easier for them to relax. That’s what hospitality is really about.

 

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