Top 10 Quick Cleaning Tips
Oh no, you have company coming and not a lot of time to clean. Don't panic! Making your apartment look clean is super easy and can be done quickly. Here are some Quick Cleaning Tips
1. Room Check
The first step to a quick cleaning is to do an inventory of each room noting areas of concern and areas that are good to go. Examine each room looking for dusty surfaces, misc clutter and things that don't belong there. Once you have done a walkthrough, you should have a pretty good idea of what you need to do.
2. Guest Rooms First
If time is of the essence, start with the rooms your guest will most likely visit, including the entryway, living room, kitchen, and the guest bathroom. There is no reason to clean a bedroom if you don't envision your guest walking in there.
3. Wipe It Down
Over time everything becomes dusty and dirty, so look to wipe down any visible surface that your guest might encounter. Dusty areas might include coffee tables, kitchen counters and tables, bathroom sinks and toilet bowls. When in doubt, using an all-purpose cleaner should tackle most cleaning jobs. Pay close attention to your guest bathroom's sink, mirror, and toilet bowl. The rule of thumb is if it has a surface, clean it. Also, work your way from the top to the bottom. Gravity will make sure any crumbs fall to the floor, which can be picked up when you vacuum or sweep.
4. Hide The Mess - Pack A Basket
Sometimes it is unavoidable, and you don't have time to do a thorough cleaning. If you find you have a lot of junk laying around and you are not sure where to put it, place it in a basket while you declutter. You're not looking to organize a room, and you are looking to clean a room, so don't confuse the two. Once done you can hide the basket in a closet or in a place that will not be seen.
5. Vacuum The Main Areas
For those that have furry pets, it's important to vacuum areas where your guest will be. Having hairy couches, floors and dust bunnies laying around is not appealing and certainly will not make for a clean looking apartment.
6. Don't Forget The Pillows
People love using pillows to decorate couches and rooms. Make sure to fluff them up and put them in their proper places.
7. Smell So Good
Burning a scented candle and opening windows can make an apartment smell inviting.
8. Revisit The Kitchen
The kitchen is often a prime gathering place for guests. Make sure pots and pans are out of sight. Place dirty dishes and silverware in the dishwasher. If you have spices, oils and other misc kitchen items that are out, put them into a cabinet.
Tip: The oven is a great place to store pots and pans.
9. Tidy Up Your Surfaces
Now that you have tackled most of the apartment cleaning make sure to straighten up visible surfaces. Look for out-of-place items on your coffee tables, nightstands, and countertops.
10. Take The Trash Out
Make sure to empty the trash, especially if it is chock-full of leftover food.
11. Final Walk Through
Now that your apartment is looking great do a final walk-through looking for anything that can improve the apartment's overall appearance. Do you have shoes at the entryway that could be moved to a closet? Do you have plants with dead leaves? Do you have a comforter or blanket that isn't folded? Do you have jackets or coats on wall hangers or a chair? Put them in a bedroom closet.
