Not everybody has the time to make sure their home is constantly clean. This becomes a bit of a problem when you find out that you’re going to be having company over in a half an hour! What do you do? Here are a few tips from our friends at Enviro Maids, on how to tidy up your home in a hurry.

Home Speed-Cleaning Guide

Juggling jam-packed schedules is the norm these days. Managing home life and work life and everything in between, can be sometimes overwhelming. As you’re busy trying to keep up with your hectic schedule, cleaning your house sometimes takes a back seat to more pressing matters. You put-off dusting, vacuuming and polishing as long as you can until unexpected guests announce they will be dropping by. Suddenly, cleaning your house jumps to the top of your priority list. Don’t panic! Follow our home speed-cleaning guide to get your house looking presentable before your guests ring the doorbell.

First impressions count – clear your entryway

The foyer is the first area of your house guests will see when they arrive so clearing this area of clutter — shoes, coats, bags, etc., is a must. Besides looking messy, you don’t want your guests tripping over anything. Grab a laundry basket or a storage bin, plus a plastic grocery bag and microfiber cloth. Load up your bin with all the unnecessary items that litter the foyer. Temporarily store hall-table clutter that could get lost (mail and keys) in the plastic bag; put the bag into the bin. While you’re near the door, shake doormats outside. Turn on the light to check for cobwebs. Use your microfiber cloth to clear them away. Light a fresh-smelling candle and place it in the area.

Living room

Pay extra attention to the room your guests will hang out in the most. Using the same bin you used for the entryway, continue to remove toys, piles of magazines, or any other unnecessary items that clutter the room. Run your microfiber cloth over the coffee table and other dusty surfaces, like the TV screen, bookshelves and fireplace mantel. Gather all of the stray remotes in one place, preferably off the coffee table since you’ll need this area for food and drinks. Plump up throw pillows and chair cushions. Use a sticky lint roller to remove any pet hair or dust stuck to the upholstery (in a pinch you can use mailing tape). Never got around to removing that stain from your couch? Hide the stain temporarily by draping a pretty throw over the dingy area.

Bathroom

Don’t cringe when your guest asks to use the powder room — get it presentable before they arrive by doing the following: Clear the products off your vanity and tuck them into the cabinet or drawers. (Remember, even the nicest guests might be tempted to snoop so remove any personal items such as prescriptions you’d rather they not see). Wipe down the mirror, faucet, sink, and countertop. Use a disinfecting wipe to go over the toilet’s seat and rim. Clean up spots and hair from the floor with a damp paper towel. Close the shower door or stretch out the curtain. Finally, put out fresh hand towels and don’t forget to empty the wastebasket.

Now you can take a deep breath, smile and greet your guests.