Your Last-Minute Quick Cleaning Checklist
When you receive a call about last-minute guests, here's what to do...
Life should be lived in the moment, so they say, but what happens when you suddenly are on the receiving end of last-minute guests? We’re only human, so it’s unlikely our homes are ready to receive guests at every given moment. The problem is this: if you only have a little time to prepare, it can be difficult to know where to start. Well, worry no more. Using a methodical approach, you can have your place looking tidy in no time … and burn some calories along the way.
The crucial thing is to have a plan. This one is quick, simple, in logical order and divided room by room. We’ve also thrown in some extra time-saving tricks for good measure.
The crucial thing is to have a plan. This one is quick, simple, in logical order and divided room by room. We’ve also thrown in some extra time-saving tricks for good measure.
One of the easiest ways to clear clutter is to move from left to right (or vice versa) across the room. As you come across something, pick it up and make a decision. Perhaps it needs to go in the kitchen for cleaning? Perhaps it needs to be thrown out? Perhaps you need to move it back into the bedroom where it belongs? Whatever the answer, make the decision, act on it, and then return to where you left off.
TIME-SAVING CLEANING TIP: Invest in two or three storage boxes, which you should be able to buy from your local stationery store. When you’re suddenly faced with an impromptu clean-up mission, you can put all the knick-knacks that have accumulated in the living room – think recipes, coins, old birthday cards – into your storage boxes, ready for you to sort through when your guests are gone. Not only is this a great way to quickly clear up your clutter, but it will also compel you to sort through these bits and pieces and action them.
MORE TIME? Wipe down or dust all visible surfaces and do a quick run over the carpet with a vacuum.
TIME-SAVING CLEANING TIP: Invest in two or three storage boxes, which you should be able to buy from your local stationery store. When you’re suddenly faced with an impromptu clean-up mission, you can put all the knick-knacks that have accumulated in the living room – think recipes, coins, old birthday cards – into your storage boxes, ready for you to sort through when your guests are gone. Not only is this a great way to quickly clear up your clutter, but it will also compel you to sort through these bits and pieces and action them.
MORE TIME? Wipe down or dust all visible surfaces and do a quick run over the carpet with a vacuum.
In the kitchen
Moving on to the next most popular entertaining space: the kitchen/dining area. If all else fails, keep guests happy in the newly-cleaned living room with drinks and give your kitchen a quick spruce up.
Moving on to the next most popular entertaining space: the kitchen/dining area. If all else fails, keep guests happy in the newly-cleaned living room with drinks and give your kitchen a quick spruce up.
- Pull the rubbish bin out and set it on the floor so you have easy access to it (but make sure it’s not in a place that’ll cause you to trip over it). Then, run a sink full of hot, soapy water.
- While the sink is filling up, check that the dishwasher is already empty. If it is, start cleaning by again moving from one side of the room to the other. If you come across rubbish or food scraps, place them straight into the bin. Place recycling to one side. If you come across dirty dishes, put them next to the sink.
- Now, turn off the tap, and while the water cools, spray your kitchen surfaces with cleaning product and allow it to soak in.
- Make your way through the dishes. If they can go in the dishwasher, give them a quick dip in the water and then place them straight into the dishwasher. If they can’t, wash them by hand and then set them aside to dry on your drying rack.
- Wipe down the surfaces and take out the rubbish and recycling.
TIME-SAVING CLEANING TIP: It’s all about making the best use of your time, so when you are waiting to begin one job, see if you can squeeze in another. For example, while you’re filling up the sink for dishwashing duty, you can start clearing the kitchen. Likewise, while you wait for your cleaning products to soak into the benchtops, you can take out the rubbish and recycling.
MORE TIME? Put away your clean dishes, light a scented candle and pick some flowers from the garden for the kitchen bench. It makes a difference, promise.
MORE TIME? Put away your clean dishes, light a scented candle and pick some flowers from the garden for the kitchen bench. It makes a difference, promise.
- The first thing you need to do when you arrive in the bathroom is grab the toilet cleaning liquid and apply it liberally to the toilet bowl. While that works its magic, remove any dirty laundry (including hand towels) and either place it in a hamper or take it into your laundry, and then empty the bin.
- Now, grab a cloth and some surface spray and give your vanity and sink a once-over. Pay special attention to your sink as it can get clogged up with toothpaste that hasn’t been rinsed properly.
- Once everything looks neat and tidy, replace any missing linens. Lay out clean hand towels for your guests, and make sure there is spare toilet paper readily accessible for anyone who needs it. Last, but certainly not least, give the toilet a quick scrub with your toilet brush and then flush for good measure!
How to design a self-cleaning bathroom
In the bedroom
While you may not be expecting last-minute guests to enter the bedroom, it doesn’t hurt to give it a quick once-over, if you have time.
TIME-SAVING CLEANING TIP: When you’re running short on time, it’s easier to remove items than reorganise them. For that reason, it may be quicker and more efficient if you set aside any clean laundry right now, and fold it or put it away once your guests have left.
MORE TIME? Hoover the floors and if it’s the guest bedroom you’re preparing, lay out fresh towels on the bed.
10 thoughtful touches you can add to a guest bedroom
While you may not be expecting last-minute guests to enter the bedroom, it doesn’t hurt to give it a quick once-over, if you have time.
- The first thing to do is make the bed, if you haven’t already.
- Then, gather up any clothes or shoes that are lying around and make a quick decision: place them back in the wardrobe or toss them in with your dirty laundry.
- Fluff your pillows and decorative cushions, straighten up your lampshades and draw your curtains open or shut (depending on the time of day).
TIME-SAVING CLEANING TIP: When you’re running short on time, it’s easier to remove items than reorganise them. For that reason, it may be quicker and more efficient if you set aside any clean laundry right now, and fold it or put it away once your guests have left.
MORE TIME? Hoover the floors and if it’s the guest bedroom you’re preparing, lay out fresh towels on the bed.
10 thoughtful touches you can add to a guest bedroom
In the entrance
If you have an entryway of any kind, make sure you give it a quick clean.
If you have an entryway of any kind, make sure you give it a quick clean.
- Start by removing any shoes and jackets that are lying around. Then, wipe down any dusty surfaces and arrange any items (for example, keys, phones, and so on).
- If it’s night time, or getting dark, turn on an outside light so your guests do not trip as they arrive.
The final touch
Now that everything is spic-and-span, you can take a moment to relax and await their arrival. If you have time, it might be nice to set out a few snacks, or boil the kettle for tea and coffee.
And that’s it! You’re done!
TELL US
What are your last-minute cleaning tips?
MORE
How to Be the Perfect Host For Overnight Guests
Dirty Secrets: Where do You Stash Your Stuff in a Hurry?
Must-Have Items for a Smooth-Running Household
Now that everything is spic-and-span, you can take a moment to relax and await their arrival. If you have time, it might be nice to set out a few snacks, or boil the kettle for tea and coffee.
And that’s it! You’re done!
TELL US
What are your last-minute cleaning tips?
MORE
How to Be the Perfect Host For Overnight Guests
Dirty Secrets: Where do You Stash Your Stuff in a Hurry?
Must-Have Items for a Smooth-Running Household
Let’s prioritise the living room, which is the space you’re mostly likely to entertain in, and the room your guests are most likely to see.