With the holidays fast approaching, there will no doubt be lots of people coming and going from your home. Hopefully, most of your guests will be planned, giving you time to give your home a proper cleaning in Jacksonville. But what do you do when last minute guests arrive and your home is not ready?
By keeping a few simple tips in mind, you can give your home the appearance of clean, should you find yourself with those unexpected guests. These quick and easy tips are designed to give you enough time to do a quick once over of your home without your guest suspecting anything. In fact, they just might be amazed by how you are able to keep your home looking so clean.
Quick Dusting and Spot Cleaning Tips
No time to run to the store for cleaning supplies, break out the hair dryer, lint roller and microfiber or dust cloths.
- Remove dust from plants or intricate surfaces with your hair dryer. Turn the hair dryer onto the lowest heat setting and highest air setting for quick results.
- Fabric covered with pet hair or dust? Give it a roll with your lint roller and watch as crumbs and dirt disappear in no time at all.
- Microfiber or dust cloths are the ideal cleaning tools for giving your hard surfaces a quick dust. These clothes pick up dust easily and don't require dusting or cleaning spray, so you don't have to worry about leaving surfaces wet.
- Baby wipes are great for cleaning more than just your baby. You can also use them for spot cleaning on hard surfaces or floors. Keeping them on hand during the holiday season is always a great idea.
Shut the Door
Just because your guests decided to show up last minute, doesn't mean they need the full house tour. It is alright to shut doors to rooms that aren't being used or require a little more cleaning attention. If you need to keep a cluttered room open, then pick up the clutter and place it under the bed, in a drawer, or in a closet. It's not likely your guests will go opening up drawers or closets just to get a peek at your stuff.
The Art of the Hide
Some rooms, like the kitchen or living room may not have a door you can shut to hide the mess. Nothing makes a room look dirty like a lot of toys, magazines or other items just laying around. Instead, grab a laundry basket, box or garbage can and pick up all the mess before putting it away in a closet or laundry room. Once the guests are gone, you'll have plenty of time to go through all the items you hid away.
If your guests happen to show up before you had a chance to clean your dishes out of the sink, you can either quickly put them in the dishwasher or pick them up and place them in the oven or microwave until you have time to clean them.
Air Out Your Home
Nothing makes a home feel fresh and clean like the fragrance of a candle or a spray of air freshener. Candles are perfect accessories for setting the holiday mood and can distract your guests from the fact that you might not have had time to clean every room in your home. Don't have candles handy? Then give your home a few sprays of an air freshener, especially in heavily-trafficked rooms.
Another great option for airing out your home is to open up the blinds or curtains and the windows. This lets in natural light and fresh air, which always makes your home feel airy and clean.
By keeping these tips in mind, the next time unexpected, last minute guests come by, you won't have to feel so unprepared. Happy Holidays from First Coast Home Pros!