We’ve all been there—you get the text: “We’re stopping by in 15 minutes!” Suddenly, you’re looking around thinking, How am I going to make this place look decent?
Don’t panic. With a few quick clean tips, you can pull off a last-minute cleaning routine that will have your home looking fresh and guest-ready before the doorbell rings.
And here’s the best part: if Maid For You is your cleaning company, those deeper tasks—like dusting baseboards, wiping cabinet doors, and scrubbing bathrooms—are already taken care of. That means all you really need is a quick surface-level clean.
Your 15-Minute Guest-Ready Home Game Plan
1. Clear the Clutter (3 minutes)
Grab a basket, laundry bin, or even a tote bag and scoop up anything lying around—shoes, toys, magazines, random water bottles. Don’t overthink it. Stash the basket in a closet or bedroom and deal with it later.
(Pro tip: everyone does this. You’re not fooling anyone, but your house will look instantly better!)
2. Handle the Kitchen (4 minutes)
- Load dirty dishes straight into the dishwasher.
- No dishwasher? Stack them neatly in the sink, or if you’re really in a pinch—hide them in the oven or microwave. (Just don’t forget about them tomorrow morning when you go to preheat the oven for pizza! 🍕)
- Wipe down the counters quickly with a microfiber cloth or multipurpose spray.
This simple step makes the kitchen look like it had a proper cleaning, even though it was just a quick tidy.
3. Quick Bathroom Clean (3 minutes)
This is where guests will definitely go, so give it some love:
- Wipe the sink and mirror with a paper towel or cloth.
- Replace the hand towel with a fresh one.
- Close the shower curtain or door if things are less than tidy back there.
Even with just a few minutes, your bathroom will feel like it had a full cleaning service.
- Speed Sweep or Vacuum (3 minutes)
Hit the high-traffic areas guests will actually see—like the entryway, living room, and kitchen. Don’t waste time on bedrooms or hallways. You’re going for first impression clean, not deep clean.
5. Set the Mood (2 minutes)
This step is the “wow” factor:
- Light a candle or use a room spray.
- Turn off harsh overhead lights and switch on a lamp for a cozy glow.
- If you’ve got time, throw on some background music. Guests will instantly feel welcomed.
Why Regular Cleaning Makes This Easy
Here’s the truth: a 15-minute tidy only works if the big jobs are already handled. That’s where Maid For You cleaning service comes in. Our team takes care of the deep cleaning—baseboards, bathrooms, dusting, floors—so all you have to do is fluff some pillows and hide the clutter when unexpected guests show up. Ready for more end of summer cleaning tips? Check out this blog post where we dive deep into cleaning and organizing your home for back-to-school and fall.
👉 Ready to make sure your home is always a guest-ready home? Call 215-370-7993, email info@themaidforyou.com, or visit www.themaidforyou.com to schedule your recurring cleaning today.