Cleaning Before Guests

Guests are coming. You have limited time. What do you clean first? The key is focusing on high-impact areas while ignoring things guests won't notice or see.

What Guests Actually Notice

Research and common experience show guests notice:

1. Smells: The first thing noticed upon entering
2. Bathroom: The one private room they'll use
3. General tidiness: Clutter vs. clear surfaces
4. Floors: Especially in main areas
5. Kitchen: If they'll see it

What Guests Don't Notice

• Dust on top of high shelves
• Inside of cabinets and closets
• Behind furniture
• Your bedroom (usually)
• Perfect organization

Priority Order for Guest Prep

1. Clear Clutter (5-10 minutes)

Clutter makes spaces feel messy even when clean:

• Clear all flat surfaces in common areas
• Put random items in a basket or bag
• Stash in closet or bedroom
• Straighten pillows and throws

2. Bathroom (5-10 minutes)

The room every guest will use alone and examine:

• Clean toilet (inside and out)
• Wipe sink and counter
• Clean mirror
• Put out fresh hand towels
• Ensure toilet paper is stocked
• Empty trash
• Put away personal items

3. Kitchen (5 minutes)

• Clear and wipe counters
• Hide dirty dishes (dishwasher or oven)
• Wipe stovetop
• Take out trash if smelly

4. Entry and Living Area (5 minutes)

• Clear entry way
• Fluff couch pillows
• Wipe coffee table
• Quick vacuum or sweep visible floors

5. Smell Management (2 minutes)

• Take out any smelly trash
• Open windows briefly for fresh air
• Light a candle (if appropriate)
• Check for obvious odor sources

Overnight Guest Additions

If guests are staying over:

Guest Sleeping Area

• Fresh sheets and pillowcase
• Clear space for their belongings
• Empty a drawer or closet space if possible
• Provide extra blanket

Bathroom Extras

• Clean shower/tub
• Provide fresh bath towel
• Clear shelf space for their toiletries
• Extra toilet paper visible

Time-Based Priorities

You Have 60 Minutes

Full speed clean: clutter, bathroom, kitchen, living room, floors, bedroom (if guests will see), smell check.

You Have 30 Minutes

Focus on: clutter, bathroom, kitchen counters, living room surfaces, quick vacuum of main areas.

You Have 15 Minutes

Essentials only: clutter into a bag, bathroom sink/toilet/mirror, kitchen counters, straighten living room.

You Have 5 Minutes

Bare minimum: Hide visible clutter, wipe bathroom sink and toilet, make sure there's toilet paper.

The "Close the Door" Strategy

Rooms guests won't enter don't need to be clean:

• Close bedroom door
• Close home office door
• Use these rooms to hide clutter quickly
• Focus all effort on common areas and bathroom