The Comprehensive Guide to Hosting Successfully: Your Pre-Company Cleaning Checklist
Hooray, company is coming over! Whether it’s a planned gathering or a surprise visit, it’s always important to make your home look and feel welcoming. But fear not, even if you’re short on time, you can still whip your space into shape with our ultimate cleaning checklist that’ll have your home looking spick and span in no time.
Here are a few tips to help you clean efficiently and effectively before your guests arrive:
Sweep and Clean the Entrance
The first impression of your home starts at the entrance, so take a few minutes to make it shine. Sweep away debris, shake out the welcome mat, and wipe down any glass doors to remove fingerprints and smudges. Don’t forget to declutter the area just inside the door by organizing shoes, stashing mail, and making space in the coat closet for your guests’ belongings.
Tip: Pay extra attention to decluttering the entryway console table and consider lighting a candle or using an aroma diffuser to create a welcoming sensory experience.
Declutter and Straighten Living Areas
After the entrance, focus on the living areas where your friends typically gather. Grab a box or laundry basket and move around the room clockwise, picking up clutter as you go. Straighten pillows, fold throws, and dust tables and shelves with a microfiber duster to quickly spruce up the space.
Make the Guest Bathroom Shine
A clean bathroom is a must-have for any guest. Sweep personal items into drawers, wipe down counters and sinks with disinfecting wipes, clean mirrors, and ensure the toilet sparkles. Don’t forget to restock toilet paper, provide fresh hand towels and soap, and consider a quick sweep and mop of the bathroom floor if time allows.
Declutter and Clean the Kitchen
The kitchen is a popular gathering spot, so make sure it’s tidy. Get dirty dishes into the dishwasher, wipe down countertops with disinfectant wipes, clean the sink, and remove fingerprints from appliances. Consider storing clutter out of sight and giving the floor a quick sweep or vacuum.
Prepare Rooms
If time allows, straighten bedrooms by making beds, hiding clutter, and vacuuming floors. Ensure fresh linen and bath towels are available for overnight guests and make space for their belongings. If time is limited, simply close the bedroom door.
Vacuum or Damp Mop Floors
While most people focus on eye-level cleanliness, don’t neglect the floors. Vacuum, sweep, or damp mop floors to give rooms a polished look. For carpets, sprinkle baking soda to absorb odors before vacuuming to freshen them up. Don’t forget to dust and remove spiderwebs as you clean.
Freshen the Air
Make sure your home smells inviting by freshening the air. Open windows, use air fresheners or candles, and consider baking cookies for a welcoming aroma. Keeping your home smelling fresh will leave a lasting impression on your guests.
Add Some Final Touches
Once the cleaning is done, set the mood by lighting a candle, playing music, and offering your guests a drink in clean glasses or cups. Remember to relax and enjoy the company of your guests—they’re here to spend time with you and your family, not to inspect your home’s cleanliness.
Hosting guests can be a joyous occasion, and with our comprehensive cleaning checklist, you can ensure your home is welcoming and comfortable for any visitor. So, kick back, relax, and enjoy the time spent with your loved ones in a clean and inviting space!
