
There’s a lot you can do in an hour. Take a solid nap. Binge-watch an episode of your favorite show (or two, let’s be honest). But clean your whole house before guests arrive?
No way… or is there?
The secret is all about prioritizing—focusing on the spaces your guests will actually see (because, let’s be real, no one’s inspecting your closet). With this speed-cleaning game plan, your home will look guest-ready in just an hour—without breaking a sweat.
The 60-Minute Guest-Ready Plan

🔹 Start outside – Sweep the front steps and clean the front door glass. First impressions count!
🔹 Declutter in a flash – Grab a laundry basket and do a quick sweep, tossing stray items in. Stash it somewhere out of sight (yes, the bedroom works).
🔹 Trash duty – Empty the bins and replace with fresh liners. No one likes an overflowing garbage can.
🔹 Speed-clean the bathrooms – Wipe down the sink, counters, and toilet. Quick scrub the toilet bowl. Swap in fresh hand towels and set out a new soap.
🔹 Close unnecessary doors – If guests don’t need to be in a room, shut the door. Instant clean!
🔹 Floors matter – Run the vacuum over high-traffic areas. Dust mop wood floors for extra polish.
🔹 Kitchen glow-up – Wipe down counters, toss out expired fridge items, and make space for any food or drinks your guests might bring.
🔹 Living room touch-ups – Fluff pillows, straighten up books and magazines, and clear off surfaces.
🔹 Coat closet check – Make space for guests’ jackets (aka, hide your own clutter).
🔹 Set the vibe – Light a scented candle, dim the lights, and voilà—your home feels fresh and inviting.
And just like that, you’re done! The rest can wait for another day (or, you know, when no one's looking).
Deep Cleaning Like a Pro (Because Sometimes, It’s Necessary)

Let’s be honest—there’s a big difference between quick clean-ups and deep cleans. When it’s time to tackle the whole house, you need a system to keep things efficient (and to avoid getting stuck reorganizing your entire bookshelf instead...guilty).
Follow these six steps to make deep cleaning as painless as possible:
1️⃣ Dust First (Because Gravity)
Start at the top—shelves, ceiling fans, curtain rods, the top of the fridge—so dust falls down where you can clean it up later. Pro tip: A DIY dusting spray can help keep dust away longer!
2️⃣ Wash Those Windows
Windows and sills collect more grime than you think. Wipe them down inside and out (if possible). Skip the newspaper trick—microfiber is your best friend here.
3️⃣ Don’t Forget Walls & Doors
Handprints, scuffs, and mystery smudges? Time to wipe them away. Check corners for cobwebs while you're at it. If you’ve got kids or pets, brace yourself for some serious scrubbing.
4️⃣ Move the Furniture (Yes, Really)
There’s no telling what’s lurking under the couch. Pull out furniture, vacuum behind and underneath, and say goodbye to that long-lost sock.
5️⃣ Tackle the Floors
By now, everything you dusted has settled on the floor. Vacuum, sweep, and mop your way to fresh, clean floors. Got carpets? Consider a professional cleaning or renting a steam cleaner for a deep refresh.
6️⃣ Show Your Upholstery Some Love
Your couch, chairs, curtains, and even your mattress could use a good clean. Look up the best methods for your specific fabrics—sometimes a quick vacuum and fabric spray is all you need.
And there you have it! Whether you’re pulling off a one-hour clean-up or a full deep clean, having a plan makes all the difference. So light that candle, pour yourself a drink, and enjoy your fresh, guest-ready space! 🎉

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