While there’s no accounting for some people who choose to rock up on your doorstep without so much as a prior phone call, and little you can do to make your house presentable having had absolutely no notice of their impending arrival, other types of last-minute guests can easily be catered for when it comes to welcoming them into a clean home.
Below are some handy tips for getting your home shipshape for last minute visitors:
Begin with the kitchen
If your sink is full of dirty dishes and you don’t have the time to clean, simply put them somewhere out of sight until you can tackle them. Whether in the dishwasher, or even the oven, just get them gone!
Countertop clutter can be put inside a closet or basket to be tidied away properly once the guests have gone, and all counters can be quickly sprayed with disinfectant. Throw garbage in the trash can, sweep or vacuum the floor and give a good squirt of air freshener, or light a scented candle to mask any lingering odors.
Move onto the bathroom
Pop the bathroom fan on and give the entire room a quick wipe over with some cleaning wipes, focusing on the sink and toilet as they’re the most likely to be used. Clean the mirror if it’s grubby or dusty, flush the toilet, give it a quick scrub and replace the towels with clean ones. Clean the floor, no need to pay too much attention to the corners if time is in short supply. Then, light a few scented tealights to give it a more welcoming and aromatic ambience.
Clean and tidy the living room
Begin by tossing any unnecessary clutter into a closet or laundry basket, cleaning any trash up and straightening the cushions, throws and rugs. Wipe all surfaces in the room, especially any tables, and if you have pets, use a damp cloth to pick up any dander from the furniture. Vacuum the floor, again, no need to spend too much time in the corners or under furniture, just the main footfall areas will do. Light a scented candle or spray some air freshener.
As first impressions count, clean the entryway
Wipe down the door knob/handle and shake off the welcome mat before sweeping the front step. A glass door would benefit from a quick polish, and any shoes, bags, coats and other items should be stored tidily away. Vacuum if carpeted, or brush if tiled or wooden, and leave the door open for a few minutes if possible, to let any stale odors dissipate and some fresh air in.
If your cleaner is scheduled to visit before your guests arrive, then you’ve nothing to worry about and you can ask them to focus on certain areas of your home as mentioned above. If time permits and your cleaner is available at short notice, have them come round and help you get the place shipshape.
