[title subtitle=”words: Catherine Frederick”][/title]
Quick Clean Your Home in Twenty Minutes or Less!
’Tis the season for unexpected friends and family. Oh, joy! If you’re like me, ninety-nine percent of the time your house is a gigantic train wreck tad bit messy. Don’t panic! When guests say they’re on their way, follow these eight simple steps to quick clean your home in twenty minutes or less. Let’s do this!
Do’s and Don’ts
Do keep room spray and all-purpose cleaner on hand at all times.
Don’t go it alone—enlist family to help with tasks.
Don’t apologize for your home—your guests are there to see YOU!
Smell Factor
Immediately preheat the oven (I’ll explain later). Spritz room spray (my favorite is from Bath & Body Works) to remove odors—especially trashcan areas, kids’ rooms or areas with kitty litter boxes or dog kennels. Open windows for a bit, even if it’s chilly, turn on the ceiling fan and get that air moving! Back to the oven. Bake up some frozen cookies (might want to put those on your grocery list), not only to get your house smelling delicious, but also to have a nice treat when guests arrive.
Front Door
Make sure this entry area is free of clutter and go over the floor with a broom or vacuum. An extra spritz of room spray won’t hurt.
Powder Room
Make sure it’s stocked with toilet paper, soap and linens. Use an all-purpose cleaner to quick-scrub the toilet, wipe down surfaces and the mirror. Close the shower curtain to hide any unpleasantness.
Dishes
If time, load them in the dishwasher. If not, and there’s only a few, rinse and stack neatly on one side of the sink. If there are too many and it looks unsightly, place them in a tub or box and hide them away until the coast is clear. Use an all-
purpose cleaner on surface areas and sink.
Control Clutter
I’m the world’s worst at pigging out one counter in our kitchen. Mail, purse, papers, keys, craft materials. Nothing will make your house appear messier than a sea of clutter. Grab a box, a bag, anything, to gather up items and hide them away until your guests leave. Now is not the time to put things away.
Great Room
Focus your attention on the room where you’ll spend the most time with guests. Whether it’s the den or the kitchen, make sure it’s tidy and smells fresh. Quickly run over that floor with a broom or vacuum.
Check Yourself
You probably don’t want to hear this, but your guests will be more focused on you than your home. Find a mirror, brush your teeth, comb through your hair, and get out of your pajamas.
Time to Kill
Keep your focus on the front door area, the main room and any other areas your guests may walk through on the way to the powder room. Dust, if time, and pay attention to floors—especially if you have pets. Tidy up pillows on the couch and arrange loose books or magazines.
