NEWS & INSIGHTS

Last Minute Cleaning Checklist Before Guests Arrive

February 27, 2025

Picture of Claire Hebert

Claire Hebert

You’ve got guests on the way, and your home isn’t quite ready. Sounds familiar? Whether it’s a planned get-together or a last-minute visit, scrambling to clean before guests arrive can be stressful. If now is too late to book professional residential maid services in Broussard, don’t fret! You don’t need to deep clean every inch of your house to make a great impression.

Instead of focusing on perfection, aim for a tidy, inviting space with a few strategic cleaning tricks. Prioritize the areas your guests will actually see, tackle the biggest messes first, and use quick fixes to freshen up your home in record time. This last-minute cleaning checklist will help you get everything done efficiently so you can greet your guests with confidence instead of sweat and panic. Let’s get started!

How to quickly clean your house for guests?

Hosting guests doesn’t have to be stressful, even when you’re short on time. At the end of the day, your guests aren’t there to inspect every corner. They just want to enjoy good company, so take a deep breath, tidy up fast, and enjoy the gathering!

How to quickly clean your house for guests

1. Declutter & tidy up first

Before you start scrubbing, remove visual clutter to instantly make your home feel cleaner.

  • Clear countertops and tables – Put away stray mail, keys, and random items cluttering your space.
  • Tidy the entryway – First impressions matter! Hang coats, straighten shoes, and give this area a quick wipe-down.
  • Fluff pillows and fold blankets – It’s an easy way to refresh your living room without much effort.
  • Stash the mess (strategically!) – If you’re really short on time, grab a laundry basket and temporarily store clutter in a bedroom or closet. Just don’t forget to put things back later!

2. Focus on high-traffic areas

Your guests aren’t likely to inspect your laundry room, but they will notice the living room, bathroom, and kitchen. Prioritize these spaces:

  • Living room: Dust surfaces, straighten cushions, and vacuum or sweep quickly.
  • Bathroom: More on this below, but make sure the sink, toilet, and mirror are spotless.
  • Kitchen: Wipe down counters, load dishes into the dishwasher, and take out the trash.

If time is tight, don’t sweat with in-depth cleaning, just focus on making these spaces presentable.

3. Give the bathroom a quick refresh

A dirty bathroom is a no-go when hosting guests, but a few quick steps can make yours look sparkling clean in minutes.

  • Wipe down the sink and faucet – Toothpaste spots and water stains? Gone in seconds.
  • Clean the toilet – A quick scrub and wipe-down will do the trick.
  • Replace hand towels – Fresh, neatly folded towels make a big difference.
  • Check soap and toilet paper – Running out of either? Not a good look. Restock before guests arrive.
  • Freshen up the air – A scented candle or a spritz of air freshener works wonders.

4. Sweep, vacuum, or spot mop floors

Your guests might not notice if your floors are spotless, but they will notice visible dirt, crumbs, or pet hair.

  • Spot vacuum or sweep high-traffic areas – Focus on entryways, the living room, and anywhere guests will walk.
  • Quick mop for sticky spots – If you have hardwood or tile, a quick once-over with a damp mop will freshen things up.
  • Shake out rugs – A simple shake can remove dust and debris quickly.

If you have pets, do a final check for stray pet hair, especially on furniture!

5. Make the kitchen presentable

Even if you’re not serving food, guests tend to gravitate toward the kitchen. A messy one can feel unwelcoming, so do a quick cleanup:

  • Wipe down countertops and appliances – A clean surface makes a huge difference.
  • Load (or hide) dirty dishes – If you don’t have time to wash them, at least get them out of sight.
  • Take out the trash – Eliminates odors and makes the space feel fresher.
  • Freshen up the sink – Run the garbage disposal with a lemon slice or baking soda to neutralize smells.

6. Touch up the details

You’ve tackled the major areas, now finish up with a few small details that will leave a polished impression:

  • Wipe down light switches and door handles – Quick and easy, but makes a home feel extra clean.
  • Check mirrors for smudges – A streak-free mirror instantly brightens a space.
  • Adjust the lighting – Soft, warm lighting makes everything feel cozier and cleaner.
  • Put on some background music – Sets a relaxed, welcoming mood for guests.

7. Do a final walk-through

Before your guests arrive, take a quick lap through your home. Look at everything from their perspective.

  • Are there any obvious messes you missed?
  • Does anything feel out of place?
  • Is the bathroom stocked and ready?
  • Do the main rooms smell fresh?
  • Fix any last-minute issues and then—relax and welcome your guests!
residential maid services in Broussard, LA

How can I find the leading residential maid services in Broussard, LA?

If you want to put your best face forward and dazzle guests when they walk through your door, Geaux Maids is the cleaning provider you need to call. With carefully selected cleaning tools and products, highly skilled and hard-working professionals, and a willingness to adapt to your specific needs and busy schedule, we’re the premium cleaning company near you.

From top-to-bottom cleanups of every nook and cranny that are ideal for busy families and pet owners who want to maintain a neat home to smart cleaning hacks that will make your life easier, our attentive crew is always here to assist you in any way we can.

All you have to do is pick up a phone or book us online and we’ll take it from there. You’re free to spend quality time with your loved ones at Ida Benoit Crouchet Memorial Park while we deliver a spotless clean that will surely put a smile on your guests’ faces. Reach out to us today!

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