Well, imagine my surprise when I hear a "ping!" from my phone this past Saturday around 11 a.m. while I'm sitting on the couch watching TV with my dog. It was a text from "D": "On my way!" I called her immediately and told her that we were supposed to get together next weekend and she said she was already packed up and ready to leave. I said no worries, I didn't have plans anyway. And then I regretted calling her instead of just going with it.
Thankfully, the house was already pretty clean and presentable. I was also already dressed, and I have about an hour till her arrival.
But what if my place wasn't already ready? How do you prepare for last-minute visitors? This is how I do a typical "company clean."
1. Add some water and a few drops of fragrance oil to my oil diffuser, and turn it on. My favorite fragrance oil right now is Darsee & David's Italian Bergamot & Sandalwood from Hobby Lobby - perfect for spring.
2. Pick up anything that's out of place and put it away, and toss any trash or junk mail. To save time, grab a basket as I walk around so I can get everything at once. If I'm really short on time, I throw it in a closet or somewhere else till the guests leave and I can actually put everything in its place.
3. Spray down the kitchen counters and sink with APC (all-purpose cleaner made of 2/3 water, 1/3 alcohol, and a few drops of dish soap). This is also fabulous on glass!
4. Vacuum or "rake" the sofa to remove dog hair, and straighten the cushions.
5. Wipe down the bathroom mirrored medicine cabinet, counter, fixtures, sink, and toilet with APC. If the inside of the bowl has stains, use the Clorox wand and scrub it. Make sure there is enough toilet paper on the roller and a fresh hand towel. Empty the bathroom trash bin.
6. Run the vacuum or carpet sweeper around (depending on how much time I have - carpet sweeper if I'm in a hurry)
7. Take out the kitchen trash and put in a fresh bag.
8. Spray the sofa, rugs, and curtains lightly with Febreze fabric refresher for pets to eliminate any doggy odors.
Lastly, what I like to do but it's not really cleaning, is have my Echo play some nice background music and put on my TV to a pretty wallpaper video on YouTube - next best thing to a frame TV. If it's fall or winter, I also put on my electric fireplace, flame only, usually.
Even though it's eight or nine steps, I can be done in under 30 minutes. It might take other people a bit longer... I'll tell you that if you stay on top of your housework, it will never get too bad and will take less time -- good habits help. The goal is for guests to feel like they're entering a pleasant and welcoming house.
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