How to Spot Clean the House for Company

Your home can quickly go from messy to meticulous, or at least appear that way, with the right tricks.

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No matter how tidy, anal or organized we are, we’ve all had to scramble to clean the house in less than 15 minutes for unexpected company. A few simple tricks will have your house looking in shipshape shape even when it's not. Only you will know the truth about the dirty dishes in the closet. Read on to learn how to keep it that way.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Boxes
Damp rag
Towel
Toilet brush

Step1

Clear clutter. Take a box and just toss anything that looks like clutter into that box. This includes newspapers, books, coats on the chair backs and bills that tend to sprawl themselves across the kitchen table. Stuff the box in the closet.

Step2

Hide filthy stuff. Yes, even the dirty dishes piled in the sink should be hid from view. Use a second box to collect all things that need cleaning, like the pan splattered with grease from last night’s chicken, a throw rug encrusted in mud and the dirty socks that pock the bedroom floor. Stuff the box in the closet.

Step3

Close doors. Any room that is not going to be used or is just too messy deserves its privacy. This applies double to closets.

Step4

Shine metal. Take a damp rag and quickly wipe down all shiny kitchen and bathroom fixtures, even the handle on the stove. You’ll be amazed what a difference this makes. Immediately dry so they don’t get streaky.

Step5

Swish a brush around the toilet. You need not perform a full-fledged cleaning, but make sure no gross stuff is stuck anywhere. Visitors will not recall if you have dust bunnies under the couch, but they’ll sure remember if you have a disgusting toilet.

Step6

Answer the doorbell and smile.

Tips & Warnings

Spot wipe mirrors. They look awful with hair gel stuck on them.
Dog and kids toys are OK if piled neatly in the corner. Don’t hide your pooch’s favorite bone just because it was lying in the middle of the floor. He’ll just whine and you’ll have to open the closet, God forbid, to retrieve it.
Don’t apologize for not having a cleaner house. If you don’t mention it, neither will they.