Speed Cleaning: Your Go-To Guide for Last-Minute Guests
It’s a lazy Saturday afternoon, and just as you settle in, the phone rings. It’s your in-laws, casually mentioning they’re ‘in the neighborhood’ and will be stopping by in about 30 minutes. You put on your best cheerful voice, say ‘ok, see you in 30,’ and then hang up, immediately slipping into a state of panic. Your house? It’s a bit messier than you’d like, and the thought of your mother-in-law seeing it like this is enough to send you into a frenzy.
Take a deep breath. You can handle this. Below is a 30-minute quick clean routine designed to make your home presentable and give you a precious few minutes to freshen up before you greet your guests. If you need more cleaning tips, feel free to check out my cleaning page.
What is Speed Cleaning?
Speed cleaning involves a focused approach to tidying up, which includes removing obvious clutter, organizing, and wiping down visible surfaces to eliminate dust and dirt. This isn’t about deep cleaning—there simply isn’t enough time for that. The goal here is to refresh the areas that your guests will actually see.
How to Speed Clean for Company
The following speed cleaning steps are crafted to maximize efficiency, ensuring you achieve the most significant improvements in the limited time you have. This routine is designed to be completed in 30 minutes. If you find yourself with less time, prioritize by eliminating the least crucial tasks.
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1. Gather Your Supplies – 3 Minutes
You won’t need your full arsenal of cleaning supplies for this quick clean, so grab just a few essentials from your cleaning kit. For my speed cleaning routine, I rely on Hope’s multi-surface cleaner, which can tackle various surfaces, allowing me to use just one product. Here’s a quick checklist of what you’ll need:
- Candles or Air Freshener
- A Large Basket
- Cleaning Gloves
- Hope’s Multi-Surface Cleaner
- Microfiber Cloths
- Toilet Cleaner and Scrubber
- Vacuum Cleaner (a stick vacuum is ideal)
2. Freshen the Air – 2 Minutes
Creating an inviting atmosphere starts with pleasant scents. The aroma of your home can significantly impact your guests’ perception. I usually light a couple of my favorite candles to let their fragrances fill the air. If candles aren’t available, consider using air freshener spray or simmering a pot of water with cinnamon sticks and cloves on the stove.
3. Declutter Walkthrough – 5 Minutes
This step focuses only on the areas where your guests will be spending time. If there are rooms they won’t need to enter, simply close the door. Take your basket, laundry hamper, or a garbage bag, and walk through your home, picking up visible clutter. Don’t worry about putting things back in their proper places right now—just collect everything and stash it in the garage or a closet for the time being.
4. Speed Clean the Bathrooms – 5 Minutes
Your guests are likely to need the bathroom at some point, making it a priority. Start by applying toilet cleaner inside the bowl and letting it sit. While you wait, spray multi-surface cleaner on the mirror, faucet, countertop, and sink. Wipe everything down with a microfiber cloth, then use the toilet brush before flushing. Don’t forget to clean the exterior of the toilet as well, and make sure there’s fresh toilet paper and hand towels available.
5. Tidy Up the Kitchen – 5 Minutes
Depending on your home layout, your kitchen may be in plain view when entertaining. Start by clearing away any dirty dishes and decluttering your countertops as much as possible, even if it means temporarily stashing items in the pantry or garage. Spray multi-surface cleaner on the stovetop, countertops, faucets, sink, and appliance fronts, then wipe them down with your microfiber cloth.
6. Speed Clean Your Floors – 5 Minutes
Now is not the time for mopping—just grab your vacuum and give the floors a quick once-over in the kitchen, bathroom, living room, entryway, and any other areas your visitors might access. This is a rapid clean to pick up larger debris; there’s no need to move furniture or focus on corners at this point.
7. Freshen Yourself Up – 5 Minutes
With the house looking more presentable, it’s your turn to get ready. Brush your hair, straighten your clothes, and consider brushing your teeth. A touch of mascara and a swipe of lipstick can do wonders to ensure you don’t look like you’ve been lounging around all day—after all, what they don’t know won’t hurt them!
Final Thoughts on Speed Cleaning for Company
Ultimately, cleaning for guests is a personal choice. Your home should be as clean as you feel comfortable with, regardless of others’ opinions. I find that I feel less stressed when I tidy up before company arrives, so I make it a point to speed clean anytime I know guests are coming over. Focus on the rooms your guests will actually be in and prioritize visible surfaces. There’s no need to clean under couch cushions or in corners. If a room is unnecessary for guests, simply shut the door. Spot clean, freshen up, and enjoy your time with friends and family!