We always think of house cleaning as a never ending task. We clean all day and it’s dirty again within twenty-four hours. No one gives us thanks when the house is clean but neighbors and in-laws will show up when it’s dirty, it’s just a given. Let me help you with a few organizing ideas to make your home company ready within sixty minutes, so you can enjoy your guest.

Planning:

[1] Take time to organize your thoughts on what rooms need to be cleaned. Make a list in the order of what your guest will see first.

You know the rooms you will use most for their visit, so go from there.

[2] Gather your cleaning supplies to a central location. It can be a kitchen cabinet, a hall closet or as I prefer, a carry all with compartments. While you are doing this, have others in your household going from room to room, picking up and putting away things. Clutter will slow down your cleaning process.

[3] Turn off the phone, television or any other distraction that might stop your cleaning pace. You can accomplish more and go faster if you focus on the task before you.

Remember this is not the time for deep cleaning, you are just removing the surface dust, clutter and vacuuming the floor. Make sure your vacuum is empty, as a half full bag or bagless container will only slow down the vacuum’s cleaning ability.[ 8 minutes]

Cleaning:

[1] Entry Way
Shake or sweep off your welcome mat. Use your broom covered in a pillow case to get down any cobwebs in the corners or ceiling. Use the same pillow case wipe the entry way table and window ledges. Take a damp cloth to the door nob and the light switch, including their surrounding areas.

They get dingy really fast but are easy to clean up. Vacuum or damp mop the floor. Place a pleasant scented candle on the table, even if you do not light it. Your guest will have a nice calming aroma to welcome them. [10 minutes]

[2], soap supplies, Living or Family Room
If you have a pet, try removing all signs of their hair by going over the furniture with a lint brush or roller. If one isn’t handy, lightly dampen a cloth and run it over the furniture and tables. Don’t forget the lamp shades as they collect dust, hair and dander also.

Once that is done, fold all blankets or throws. Fluff up your pillows and cushions arranging them on the sofa and chairs. Vacuum the floor, backing out of the room as you go. DO NOT move the furniture, only vacuum down the middle and around the furniture as your guest will not be looking under your sofa. [15 minutes]

[3] The Kitchen
Sooner or later everyone wants to go to the kitchen so it is a must to do. Start by putting away all appliances that do not belong on the counters. The rule is, if you aren’t going to use it, put it away.

If need be hide dirty dishes in the dish washer or under the sink. Using your window cleaner and a few coffee filters wipe down the refrigerator, stove and counter tops. Spray a couple of squirts of window cleaner on your dish cloth and wipe out the sink. Window cleaner is a great quick cleaner and it doesn’t leave streaks. If you have something citrus [orange, lemon, lime] cut one up and run it through your garbage disposal with four or five ice cubes. It will freshen the whole room, thus making it smell cleaner too.

Run a damp mop over your floor allowing it to dry before placing a couple bright colored work area rugs down. [15 minutes]

[4] The Bathroom
Using the nozzle attachment of your vacuum, clean around the toilet base, the shower, and the edges of the cabinets. We all leave behind hair and debris as we are getting dressed. It will come up better while it’s dry, so do this first. Your sink will look cleaner if you first wipe it with a dry or slightly dampen towel. Wipe the facet and soap dish too. If the soap dish still needs cleaning add a little water and let it set for a few minutes, to soften the soap remains.

Then run the towel over it again, when you get it clean, add a fresh bar of soap and you are set. Take the window cleaner out again, spraying it over the counter, window ledge and mirror. Wipe the mirror with two or three coffee filters, then the counter and finally the window ledge. If you have a denture user in the house, drop a couple denture cleaners in the commode. When they are done fizzling, scrub the bowl with your brush, then flush. If you do not have a ready supply of denture cleaners, one quarter cup of your window cleaner will work, also.

Pull the shower curtain to hide the tub, put out your best guest towels and a couple wash cloths.
[12 minutes]

Put your cleaning supplies away and go get dressed to meet your company. Don’t forget to smile and say thank you when they tell you what a beautiful home you have.

Faylee