Lazy Girl's Guide: 15 Minutes to a Clean House

Design: Sonya Kinkade Design
https://www.wayfair.ca/Shop-The-Look/Designer/Sonya-Kinkade-Design-D45636

We've all gotten that text from a family member or friend—the one that says they’re dropping by in mere minutes. Unexpected company and 15 minutes to clean the entire house; a sink full of dishes, unmade beds, pet hair on the furniture, laundry virtually everywhere. Where to begin?!

First, don’t panic (you don’t have time!)—no one's home is immaculate 365 days a year. Then, get to work following these foolproof steps.

Design: Chango & Co.

1. Prioritize

This is not a deep-clean by any means. Make a list of what absolutely must get done: tidy up, wipe down counters and tables, sweep and vacuum floors, light a candle. This might be the entire list if you’re down to the wire.

Tip! Candles hide odours (if you have pets, take note) and add a warm welcome!

2. Gather Cleaning Supplies

Bring all supplies into one central location—maybe even toss what you can into a bucket to be easily carted from room to room. You don’t need a lot to make the place sparkle; here are our must-haves:* Vacuum

• Broom
• Mop
• Disinfectants
• Cleaners
• Paper towels
• Dust wipes
• Trash bags
• Air fresheners

Design: Cory Connor Designs

Design: Clean Design Partners

3. Focus on Main Spaces

Don’t pay too much attention to the office or bedrooms that guests won’t use during this visit. The living room, kitchen, entryway, and a bathroom are more important to clean. If you don’t have time to vacuum or sweep, pick up clutter off the floor. Close the doors to the rooms you haven’t cleaned—only your nosiest friend will peek behind a closed door.    

4. Grab and Go

Use an empty laundry basket or tote bag to quickly pick up anything that isn't in its proper home. Homework, paper work, laundry, and everything else can be stashed out of sight (perhaps in the laundry room or a closet) while guests are visiting.

Design: colorTHEORY Boston

Design: Clean Design Partners

5. Divide and Conquer

No cleaner is an island. To get everything done and have some time to clean up yourself, enlist everyone: kids, significant others, or roommates. Ask them to put away their own things: toys, books, clean (and dirty) clothes, shoes, etc. If it helps get the process started, you can assign a room or chore to each person, or ask for them to choose from the list. 

Room-by-Room Breakdown

Each room has different needs and focus areas. Here are our tips to make each room look like it has been deep-cleaned, even when it hasn't:

Kitchen:

• Wipe counters and put everything in the pantry, fridge, or cabinets
• Load the dishwasher
• Lemon slice, ice cubes, baking soda in the garbage disposal
• Sweep the floor
• Take out the trash
  Bathroom:  * Wipe the mirror and sink 
• Clean the shower drain and close the shower curtain 
• Scrub the toilet and wipe the seat 
• Replace hand towels, make sure you are stocked on toilet paper and hand soap 
• Sweep the floor 
  Dining Room:  * Clear and wipe off table 
• Sweep or vacuum the floor 
• Add a table cloth, place mats, or a centerpiece to add pizzazz 
• Straighten chairs 
  Living Room:  * Stash clutter 
• Vacuum or sweep the floor 
• Fluff pillows and sofa cushions, fold throw blankets 
• Tidy and dust coffee table and shelves 
• Light a candle or spray air freshener 
  Entryway: 
• Clear away clutter; shoes, bags, mail, etc.
• Sweep the floor 
• Shake out the door mat (outside!) 

Tip! Don't forget to take a few minutes to freshen yourself up before guests arrive! Lastly, enjoy your time with family and friends.