Your phone rings…..”Hey, is it all right if I stop over in 20 minutes?”
“Um sure, that’s fine.”
It is definitely NOT fine.
Your house is NOT clean. Panic hits!
We all have experienced those times. A friend or unexpected guest will be stopping over, and our home is far from presentable.
If the guest is a friend, you really shouldn’t worry as much about what they think. If it’s someone who isn’t a friend, it can sometimes be easier to not care as much. Either way, it is nice to feel like your house isn’t a disaster when anyone comes over.
This post is all about the ultimate list for quick last-minute guest cleaning.
Ultimate Unexpected Guest Cleaning List Uses
- This is super helpful when you only have 20 minutes to clean before someone comes over. It will help you tackle the most important areas efficiently. You won’t be running around the house like a chicken with your head cut off.
- This list can also be used during busy times in life. You just want to take 20 minutes to clean your house to feel like your home is less chaotic.
- Remember, these are just quick cleaning tips. You are focusing on MIA-the Most Important Areas. Stay calm and work quickly.
Gather Supplies
Keeping these supplies with you from room to room is helpful. This way, you have a plan and avoid walking around aimlessly, which prevents time from being wasted.
- Laundry basket or tote
- Smaller tote for dishes
- Vacuum/broom and dustpan
- One wet cloth for counters, and one for floors
- One microfiber cloth
- Grocery bag/trash bag
Entryway
- First impressions always make a difference!
- Use the tote to put in any clutter that doesn’t belong.
- Quick sweep/vacuum
- If it is a rug with stains and can be flipped over, flip it over.
- Wipe glass around doors with a wet cloth and microfiber cloth if needed.
Kitchen
- Put any clutter that doesn’t belong in the tote.
- Load the dishwasher.
- If you don’t have time to load the dishwasher, set as many dishes in the smaller tote as possible. Just set the entire tote in the dishwasher. You can always load it properly later.
- Wipe counters and appliances.
- Quick vacuum/sweep and use a wet rag to wipe ONLY noticeable dirty spots on the floor.
Living room
- Put any clutter that doesn’t belong in the tote.
- Straighten up pillows/blankets on couches.
- Use microfiber cloths for a quick dusting in noticeable areas.
- Quick vacuum
Bathroom
- Only clean the bathroom the guest would be using.
- Put any clutter that doesn’t belong in the tote.
- Wipe the counter and mirror with wet and then microfiber cloth.
- Quick vacuum/sweep floors
- Quick toilet clean
- I like to keep supplies under the sink in the main bathroom for toilet cleaning. This way, it’s easy to grab and touch up before a guest comes.
- Quick scrub on the inside. Then I keep a spray bottle of peroxide under the sink and some paper towels as well.
- If you are really in a pinch, you can take some squares of toilet paper. Wipe the dust off the top and work your way down. Throw the toilet paper in the toilet and flush.
Prep snack/drink
- Prep Glass/small plate or napkin if needed.
- Tea, coffee, juice. Or ice water is always a good idea.
- Fruit, nuts, baked goods.
Branch Out If Time
- Check less important areas for clutter
- Make beds
- Dust
- Quick vacuum
Print the cleaning list below to help you focus on the most important areas for last-minute cleaning.
If you have more time, you can feel less stressed preparing for guests. Check out this post for peaceful party prep.
Conclusion
Use these tips in a quick unexpected guest cleaning pinch. Or if you want to quickly clean your home and get it done in no time!
Remember to stay calm, work quickly, and focus on MIA-the Most Important Areas.
You and your guest can enjoy a tidier home in 20 minutes or less!
