Focus on the important areas

You won’t be entertaining in the master bedroom , so there’s no need to clean there. Shut the doors to any rooms that aren’t company worthy, then get everything else ready to sparkle: living room, dining room, kitchen, and bathroom.

Clean up clutter

Grab a basket and a trash bag and make a sweep of your house. Collect everything in the basket that doesn’t belong where it currently is, and bag up any trash.

Make a second sweep and put everything in its rightful place. But if you’re really short on time, you can skip the second sweep—and simply stash the full basket in a closet, your bedroom, or some other out-of-the-way spot until after your company is gone.

Wipe the smears

Toothpaste splatter on the bathroom mirror or in the sink may be small, but it can definitely give the impression of a not-so-clean house. People will always look in the bathroom mirror — so a once-over with a paper towel and some window cleaner will make your bathroom seem clean. Use the same paper towel to wipe down the chrome on the faucet and knobs. The extra shine definitely helps create an impression of clean. Wipe out the inside of the sink, give it a rinse, and you’re on to the next room. Make a quick run through the house with microfiber cloth to buff away any smudgy spots.

Vacuum

No need to give the whole rug the once-over, if you don’t have time to spare. Just run a handheld vacuum over those high traffic areas, where dirt tends to build up fast, and any place there’s visible crud.

Sweep or vacuum the stairs. Dust bunnies and dog fur tend to accumulate in the corners, so a quick sweep will make a clean impression.

Fluff

Straighten the cushions on your sofa—that’ll go a long way toward making your house look more tidy.

Straighten items on tabletops, put the remotes away neatly, and push all the dining chairs under the table.

Do the dishes

Load any dirty dishes into your dishwasher, hand wash anything that isn’t dishwasher safe, and put it away. Wipe out the inside of the sink with a cloth so it’s dry. It’s amazing how that little trick will make your whole kitchen look cleaner.

Replace any dishtowels you’ve been using with clean, freshly-laundered ones. Hang them neatly.

Wipe off the kitchen counter

Give the counter tops a quick run-down with a sponge.

Use a damp mop or rag to get any obvious stains or spills off of the floor. Sponge off the stove-top and wipe the front and handles of the fridge.

Do a quick dusting

Grab a microfiber cloth to swab your surfaces for any obvious dust.

Dust the screen on the TV and the arms of the chairs.

Don’t sweat it

It’s okay if everything isn’t perfect they are here to see you. So relax and enjoy your company.