There are few things that get me speed cleaning faster than hearing I’m just about to host some unexpected guests. I try to keep my home as tidy and sanitized as possible at all times. But when you have a young kid and a dog as unemployed housemates, living rent-free and competing for who can make the biggest mess, it’s not always easy. Even the most pedantic of people might forget a spot when they’re racing with a bucket and mop in hand, against the clock.
Someone recently asked netizens to list the seemingly unnoticeable things they should not forget to clean before guests come over. Some of the answers might seem like a no-brainer while others could surprise you. From "under the toilet lid" to "on top of the fridge," Bored Panda has picked our favorites. Feel free to save them so you don’t get caught off-guard, and embarrassed, the next time the doorbell rings.
#1
Yeah, sit on the toilet and gaze at the floor. People have nothing to look at while on the pot, so they’ll notice things like baseboard trim, dirty grout, etc.
29points
How much of your home you’re able to clean will depend on how much time you have before your guests arrive but you’ll most likely want to focus on the areas that they will be in or see.
Think entryways, bathrooms, patios, dining and living areas, the kitchen and if your visitors will be sleeping over, you’ll definitely not want the guest bedroom looking like a junk room.
Make sure the entrance of your house is welcoming and tidy. Sweep any leaves, dust or dirt and give the welcome mat a shake. Check that the handle of your front door is clean. Wipe it down and sanitize it. Clear any clutter in the entryway.
#6
Dusting ceiling fans. Some people never clean them off and have a inch of dust on them.
20points
#7
The space between the seat cover and back of the toilet! And the top of the toilet. I get the ick when it’s dusty
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20points
#8
First thing is not even a sight issue… how does your house SMELL??? If your garbage is overflowing, it’s quick and easy swap over. Gather from other areas like bathroom too while you’re at it. Next is the bathroom. A quick wipe of the toilet and sink (not a full detail scrub, just a wipe) goes a long way. And last is change over the hand towels in your kitchen and bath for fresh ones. Chances are your guest will use the bathroom and these are the smallest things you can do that go the longest ways to make your space feel fresh. And this should only take you maximum 10 minutes, then if you have more time you can tackle other things around that you feel put your space in a more welcoming state.
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19points
#12
Those covers that go on light switches and electrical outlets! They're usually white and glossy, and they get touched a lot so they yuck up fast.
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16points
#13
Mirrors, glass doors and the overall smell of the place.
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15points
#15
Please wipe down your dining chairs. Seats AND rings, especially if you have children. There are almost ALWAYS crusty bits of food stuck on them and gross handprints that you don’t notice. Saying this as a mom AND a guest… but other than that, I wouldn’t worry. They are coming to see YOU and if they sit in judgement, well… that says more about them than you, love… I only mentioned the chair thing because that is good practice in general and people almost always forget it when they are cleaning from my experience.
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14points
#16
Inside your microwave. I know it seems like nobody would be getting in there, but next think you know, they're asking to heat up their cup of coffee you offered them...
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14points
#19
Take a good look at your outside front door area. Make sure the doorbell isn’t smudged with dirt.
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13points
