7 Hacks Pros Always Use to Fake a Clean Home
Erin Williamson Design
If you’re looking to fake a clean home in a short amount of time because you have guests coming over soon—look no further.
“The goal is to make the home comfortable, not perfect,” Logan Taylor, owner of The Dazzle Company, a home cleaning service, says. Taylor recommends prioritizing cleaning the bathroom and kitchen since those will be the main spaces guests will be in.
Another approach is to cater your cleanup strategy to the crowd you’re hosting.
“Think about who is coming, what they may comment on, and where they may go in your home,” Katie Lambert, the founder of Clean Queen Cleaning Services, says. “Tidy up those areas first.”
Ready to kick things off? Below, cleaning pros weigh in with exactly what you’ll need to tackle to ensure your home shines in just an hour or so.
Meet the Experts
Address the Bathroom
Your guest(s) will more than likely need to visit the bathroom at some point or another, so you’ll want to ensure that one of your home’s loos is presentable and ready for use.
Taylor recommends prioritizing the sink and toilet and advises giving each a wipe down. Then, he says, ensure you have fresh towels hanging and that you have ample toiletries (soap, toilet paper, etc.) available for your guest to use. Save that major shower or tub scrub for another day when you have more time.
To give your bathroom a burst of freshness, light your favorite candle or bring in a nice diffuser to create a lovely scent for guests to enjoy.
Desiree Burns Interiors
Pick Up the Kitchen
Again, now isn’t the time for a full-on clean out, but you will want to get your kitchen into its most presentable state on the fly.
“Make sure there are no dirty dishes in the sink, put out all trash and compost, and wipe down areas,” Taylor says. After all, nobody wants to be greeted by an overflowing trash can or sticky countertops.
Erin Williamson Design
Quickly Declutter the Entryway
The entryway really does make a strong first impression, so take some time to pick up and corral backpacks, shoes, and other items that may be sitting right by the front door, Logan suggests.
Another step is to clear mail off of your console table and place a vase or candle there instead so that guests will have something pretty to admire from the moment they set foot inside your space.
Be Strategic About Your Lighting
Nicole Davies, the co-owner of the cleaning company Tranquil Home, says that the right lighting can work wonders to make a space appear cleaner. She recommends turning on both overhead lights and lamps to ensure your home looks as tidy as possible.
Alvin Wayne Interiors
Focus on Scent
A house that smells good always has a clean feeling to it, and this is an easy fix to make.
“Freshen up the air by opening a window or two, lighting a scented candle, or using a room freshener spray to mask any odors,” Davies says.
Other smells, like the scent of freshly baked cookies or simmering pot, will also automatically make guests feel welcome and at ease in your home if you prefer to go that route.
Tuck Away Clutter
When it comes to small items, Davies recommends tossing them inside baskets to clear off surfaces like the coffee table and countertops. In the bedroom, go ahead and shut your closet doors to hide larger messes which will save you the hassle of extensive organizing, Davies says.
Perhaps this exercise will inspire you to block off a weekend morning in the near future to finally address your overflowing wardrobe.
Maintain a Positive Attitude
Even if you’re disappointed that you didn’t have more time to get your home ready for guests, do your best to suppress such feelings while hosting.
“Increase the chatter, be exuberant, and always be the center of attention with your guests,” Lambert says.
Read the original article on The Spruce.