My house is never cleaner than when I find out someone is coming to visit. Given enough time, I tackle all of the usual tasks like dusting and vacuuming at least twice, in addition to many less common tasks like dusting the fans, washing the baseboards, breaking down the boxes in the basement, planting new flowers in the garden, reupholstering furniture and maybe even refinishing the bathtub. That’s nothing…you should see me when I’m nesting! When notice is short, I resort to speed cleaning.
I actually like it when people come to visit because of the extra motivation. The house feels good for months, even after they leave.
As much as I like having people over, panic mode sets in when I only have a few minutes to prepare. I mean, the deck can’t be repainted in 30 minutes. Or can it?? Just kidding. So I came up with this checklist of tasks to make the house feel presentable in 30 minutes or less.
Keep in mind our house is a small three bedroom, two bath house, so size is in my favor. First, take a breath to prepare for the speed cleaning that is about to happen. Ask yourself what is the purpose of the visit? Will a house tour be necessary, or will the guests be focused in a couple areas of the house? Then depending on the answer, apply these suggestions to the spaces you think might be exposed at any point.
1. Pick up anything that doesn’t belong.
Take an empty tray or basket through every room that you think your guests might see (kitchen, dining room, living room, entry way). Put anything that looks out of place in the basket: dishes, clothes, mail, magazines, water bottles, anything that belongs in another room. Take this basket and stash it somewhere it won’t be seen, like a closet or a basement or under the bed or in the garage. Deal with putting those things away after your guests leave. Remember you’re on a timeline so keep moving.
2. Quick Dust.
In those same spaces take a Swiffer Duster if you have one, or a microfiber cloth or worst case scenario a paper towel and run it over the most obvious surfaces. Think counters, coffee table, mantle. Especially focus on dark surfaces that show dust easily. Do not stop to check Facebook. The memes can wait.
3. Wipe down the bathroom or powder room.
Use scented disinfectant wipes or a spray with a rag to wipe down the counter, faucet, toilet bowl and seat. Not only will this spot clean the room, the fragrance in the wipes will make it smell a little fresher.
Bonus tip: while you’re in the bathroom, spray the mirror with Windex and wipe away any dust and spots. Also, squirt toilet bowl cleaner around the inner rim of the toilet. Since we’re moving quickly don’t worry about scrubbing or flushing, just let it sit there and work it’s magic. Wait, go back! Put the toilet lid down.
4. Vacuum.
There’s no time for sweeping or mopping. Go straight for the vacuum cleaner and then move as quickly as possible through all the rooms your guest might see. Hard wood, tile, carpet – doesn’t matter, just suck it up. Order matters here because – well gravity, so make sure this step follows the dusting. Any airborne dust particles will fall to the floor and then get sucked up by the vacuum. Or if you can multitask and get the Roomba going while you clean the bathroom you might even have enough time for a shot of whiskey before your guests arrive.
Bonus points for vacuum cleaner carpet tracks. No pressure.
5. Take out the trash.
Empty all of the trash cans and take out the bag. This gets rid of any lingering odor and makes space for new trash. If your guest goes to throw something out there will be room. It’s a subtle thing, but it’s a way of making space for someone in your home. It makes it a little more welcoming.
6. Light a candle.
Obviously not a cleaning tip, but the aroma sets a friendly welcoming tone for your guests, which will make the space seem more presentable.
You’re probably a little out of breath after that speed cleaning, but congratulations, your house is now more or less presentable for your guests.
Extra Time
If by some miracle you have extra time, the next thing I would do is sweep the porch. It’s the entryway and one of the first things your guest will see, so I’d touch that up a bit, time permitting of course.
Speed Cleaning Supplies I Keep On Hand
My hubby and I have always wanted to be the gathering place, so I find myself in this scenario of speed cleaning quite often. Especially this time of year. So, here are the ten supplies I always keep in our house so I’m prepared at a moment’s notice.
- Empty baskets
- Swiffer Dusters
- Microfiber Cloths
- Mrs. Meyers Multi-Surface Cleaner
- Mrs. Meyers Toilet Bowl Cleaner
- Windex
- Paper Towels
- Clorox Disinfecting Wipes Fresh Scent
- Apples + Maple Bourbon Candle
- Roomba with an empty bin
Most importantly, remember that your real friends won’t care if there’s a little dust, or vacuum cleaner tracks. Especially if you offer them a refreshing drink when they arrive. Enjoy the company because that’s what people will remember.
Cheers!
