When it comes to cleaning my house, sometimes I wish I had a fairy godmother, especially when someone calls and says they are going to be in the neighborhood and would love to stop by, in thirty minutes. I love my friends and family but this call always makes me sick to my stomach. I try to keep the house clean but it seems like I’m always in the middle of some project that is spread all over the place and the housekeeping has been neglected.
So I’ve developed some speed cleaning tips for emergencies. These things are not going to keep your home clean, but they will make it presentable when someone drops by with very little notice.
* First things first, light a candle, or throw some cinnamon and nutmeg in a pot of water on the stove; at least the house will smell good.
* Don’t think whole house, think of what they will actually see. You don’t have to make your bed if no one will be going in your room, the same goes for the kid’s rooms.
* Go to the kitchen, if there are dishes in the sink, throw them in the oven, I know, I know, but it works in a pinch.
* Grab a laundry basket and two socks- put the socks on your hands to dust the obvious things, television screen, coffee table and the like.
* Into the laundry basket goes everything that doesn’t belong in the room it’s in, toys, books, clothes, everything but dishes, those go in the oven.
* Flush the toilet, hang clean towels, if the trash is full empty it or stick it under the sink. Pull the shower curtain closed.
* Make sure all cabinet, closet and bedroom doors are closed.
It’s not perfect but it will do. Your friends and family don’t expect your house to be spotless so this is really more for you than them. Just don’t forget the dishes are in the oven after they leave.