HAVE TIME TO LEAN? THEN YOU HAVE TIME TO CLEAN (OR AT LEAST fake it)
MAY 2017
Those winter doldrums have officially given way to flights of fancy, but before you tiptoe through the tulips, you must shoo all of those dust bunnies away. Or at least make your visitors think you did.
Most of us enjoy having people over for some R & R, and we usually think we've gotten our act together just enough on the dust-front to pass for something a few notches down from a clean-freak, but you know what happens when the doorbell rings and you welcome in your first guest; you immediately notice every little speck of dirt and scuff mark! Relax, you are *most likely* noticing more than your guests are and hey, they would probably still be your friend even if you're a bit like one of the beloved, yet unkempt, characters on Peanuts, buuuuuut...
Want to head into the season ready to rock-n-roll (or just have some friends over for an impromptu cookout)? Here are some quick ways to turn a 😬 into a ☺️ when you open the front door and let them in.
Those winter doldrums have officially given way to flights of fancy, but before you tiptoe through the tulips, you must shoo all of those dust bunnies away. Or at least make your visitors think you did.
Most of us enjoy having people over for some R & R, and we usually think we've gotten our act together just enough on the dust-front to pass for something a few notches down from a clean-freak, but you know what happens when the doorbell rings and you welcome in your first guest; you immediately notice every little speck of dirt and scuff mark! Relax, you are *most likely* noticing more than your guests are and hey, they would probably still be your friend even if you're a bit like one of the beloved, yet unkempt, characters on Peanuts, buuuuuut...
Want to head into the season ready to rock-n-roll (or just have some friends over for an impromptu cookout)? Here are some quick ways to turn a 😬 into a ☺️ when you open the front door and let them in.
Most of us enjoy having people over for some R & R, and we usually think we've gotten our act together just enough on the dust-front to pass for something a few notches down from a clean-freak, but you know what happens when the doorbell rings and you welcome in your first guest; you immediately notice every little speck of dirt and scuff mark! Relax, you are *most likely* noticing more than your guests are and hey, they would probably still be your friend even if you're a bit like one of the beloved, yet unkempt, characters on Peanuts, buuuuuut...
Want to head into the season ready to rock-n-roll (or just have some friends over for an impromptu cookout)? Here are some quick ways to turn a 😬 into a ☺️ when you open the front door and let them in.
1. THE SWIFF!
Not an Olympic sport, although it should be. This is really the quickest way to get rid of the dust bunnies, sand (you don't even live near the beach?) and general detritus that somehow finds its way into your home. Really get up next to those baseboards too and if you have the chance, give that little ledge on top of the baseboards a good wipe-down. Dust gets everywhere!
Not an Olympic sport, although it should be. This is really the quickest way to get rid of the dust bunnies, sand (you don't even live near the beach?) and general detritus that somehow finds its way into your home. Really get up next to those baseboards too and if you have the chance, give that little ledge on top of the baseboards a good wipe-down. Dust gets everywhere!
2. BLEACH THE BOWLS
Pour a cup or two of bleach into the toilet bowl and let it chill for a bit. It'll save you from scrubbing and in the meantime, you can tackle some of the other items on this list.
Pour a cup or two of bleach into the toilet bowl and let it chill for a bit. It'll save you from scrubbing and in the meantime, you can tackle some of the other items on this list.
3. HALLOWEEN IS OVER
Clean-up around the doorways people will be using and sweep away spiderwebs and dirt. Not only will you help prevent guests from tracking-in more grime, you'll prevent the dreaded wind-milling and arm-flailing that results from walking into an invisible spider web and leading everyone to believe your home may very well be haunted. Give the front porch/walkway a few sweeps of the broom too.
Clean-up around the doorways people will be using and sweep away spiderwebs and dirt. Not only will you help prevent guests from tracking-in more grime, you'll prevent the dreaded wind-milling and arm-flailing that results from walking into an invisible spider web and leading everyone to believe your home may very well be haunted. Give the front porch/walkway a few sweeps of the broom too.
4. Find yourself a few good baskets
Grab a few cheap wicker baskets and use them to collect random items that belong in other rooms. Each room gets a basket, just place corresponding items that are out of place in their appropriate basket and it'll be easier to deliver them to where they truly belong. If you don't have time to put all items back where they go, they'll at least be in the basket and not under your guest's feet. Just don't forget to put them away eventually.
Grab a few cheap wicker baskets and use them to collect random items that belong in other rooms. Each room gets a basket, just place corresponding items that are out of place in their appropriate basket and it'll be easier to deliver them to where they truly belong. If you don't have time to put all items back where they go, they'll at least be in the basket and not under your guest's feet. Just don't forget to put them away eventually.
5. THE WINDOWS ARE THE EYES OF THE HOME
Pay special attention to the sliders. They're big and they show all the dirt, especially when they lead out to the party area and when the spring and summer sun shine through, you can see it all. Clean glass windows really go a long way into making guests think you are a very clean person.
Pay special attention to the sliders. They're big and they show all the dirt, especially when they lead out to the party area and when the spring and summer sun shine through, you can see it all. Clean glass windows really go a long way into making guests think you are a very clean person.
6. CLEAR THE COUNTERS
Clear the clutter on your kitchen counters or at least place things into groups with as much space in-between. The less clutter, the more feeling of cleanliness and flow. If you do manage to clear them off, use the opportunity to assess if you really need even little thing put back. Clear counters are kinda awesome.
3. EITHER DO ALL OF THE DISHES...OR FAKE IT
An empty sink feels really good doesn't it? It makes you feel so accomplished and not at all like a slob. Do your best to get those dirty dishes done, but if you can't, pile ALL OF THEM into the sink and then cover them up with a big cutting board. You will eventually have to contend with them, but if you got so caught up getting the rest of the place in tip-top shape and ran out of time, you're excused. But seriously, you do have to move that cutting board at some point.
An empty sink feels really good doesn't it? It makes you feel so accomplished and not at all like a slob. Do your best to get those dirty dishes done, but if you can't, pile ALL OF THEM into the sink and then cover them up with a big cutting board. You will eventually have to contend with them, but if you got so caught up getting the rest of the place in tip-top shape and ran out of time, you're excused. But seriously, you do have to move that cutting board at some point.
5. Spray something citrusy
Fresh orange and lemon aromas are a sure sign of clean and fresh surroundings. Don't use something cloying or overbearing as it can nauseate sensitive olfactory systems. Smelling clean is sometimes, almost as good as being clean.
6. GET OUT
The best way to see what still needs to be cleaned-up (other than to wait until someone shows up) is to walk outside and re-enter your home with the mindset of a visitor.
Or your mother-in-law.
We like Good Housekeeping as a source for quick tips. It's been around for ages and after-all, it's called Good Housekeeping!
The best way to see what still needs to be cleaned-up (other than to wait until someone shows up) is to walk outside and re-enter your home with the mindset of a visitor.
Or your mother-in-law.
We like Good Housekeeping as a source for quick tips. It's been around for ages and after-all, it's called Good Housekeeping!
Or your mother-in-law.
We like Good Housekeeping as a source for quick tips. It's been around for ages and after-all, it's called Good Housekeeping!
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