Photo by Antonis Achilleos
Do you have company coming over? No time to whip your house into tip top shape? No problem! Check out these quick and simple tips to get a clean home in 30 minutes.
Declutter (4 minutes)
Pass through key rooms, picking up the following:
Catalogs, bills, and newspapers
Pets’ toys
Handbags and shoes
Sports equipment
Stray DVDs
Wipe Down (10 minutes)
Spray an all-purpose cleaner on your kitchen countertop and wipe away grime.
Remove fingerprints from stainless steel surfaces using a glass cleaner.
Wipe down the dining table (if you have hardwood, just remove dust with a damp rag or microfiber cloth).
Spray the bathroom sink, vanity, and counters with an all-purpose disinfectant.
Wipe down the outer edge of the tub (it’s something all guests will see) and pull the curtain or shower door closed.
Clean the mirror with vinegar and wipe with newsprint (it works).
Spritz all outside surfaces of the toilet with disinfectant before moving inside.
Lift the toilet seat lid and spray cleaner on the top and bottom, then squeeze bowl cleaner under the rim. Scrub under the rim and inside the bowl. Flush.
Swiff (5 minutes)
Swiff your coffee table after spraying it with an all-purpose cleaner. Next, swiff the TV (including screen), entertainment center, frames and collectibles. Then swiff the floors in the kitchen, living room, and bathroom.
Empty (2 minutes)
Clear out the sink and put dishes into the dishwasher.
Empty the wastepaper basket.
Take out the trash.
Restock (4 minutes)
Put out fresh hand towels, a box of tissues, extra TP, air freshener, and soap.
Do a chair count and haul out the extras.
Replenish your table with fresh placemats if there are stains on the current set.
Fill the napkin holder.
Display (4 minutes)
Take out serving dishes and wine glasses (check for smudge spots).
Fluff and arrange throw pillows and couch cushions.
Make an instant centerpiece by throwing fruit into a decorative bowl.
Dim the lights and light candles. Nothing hides cleaning imperfections better.
Put on your game face. People are at the door!
Get more cleaning and organizing tips at TheNest.com.
-- Alonna Friedman
Aug 04, 2010
See More: Cleaning & Organizing