One Week to Go
It’s strategic cleaning time. Here’s what to tackle now — things your family won’t easily undo before your guests arrive.
- Declutter again.
- Vacuum and dust guest rooms. If they’re low-traffic, the cleanliness should hold with just a quick wipe-down right before they arrive.
- Wipe down walls.
- Wipe down kitchen and dining room chairs and tables, including the legs. You’d be surprised at how grimy they get.
- Deep clean the entryway — and make room for your guests’ stuff.
72 Hours to Go
The final cleaning stretch is on the horizon.
- Do another declutter.
- In the kitchen, toss stove burners, drip pans, and knobs into the dishwasher for an easy deep clean.
- Wash kitchen cabinet fronts.
- Scrub the kitchen floor.
- Clean and shine appliances.
48 Hours to Go
Now it’s time to get serious.
- Clean and sanitize garbage cans to banish mystery smells.
- Wipe down doorknobs, faceplates, and light switches. They’re germ magnets.
- Clean the front door.
- Deep clean the bathroom your guests will use and close it off if possible.
- Wash guest towels and linens.
24 Hours to Go
Your guests’ bags are packed. Time for final touches.
- Do a final declutter. By now it shouldn’t take more than five minutes.
- Give one final wipe-down to toilets, tubs, and bathroom sinks.
- And another final wipe-down in the kitchen.
- Do all the floors: mop, vacuum, sweep, etc.
- Make guest beds and set out clean towels.
- Plug in nightlights in guest baths.
- Put out guest toiletries so they’re easy to find.
- Add a coffee or tea station in the guest room or kitchen.
- Get your favorite smell going, whether it’s a scented candle, spices in water on the stove, or essential oils.
- Use rubber gloves to wipe off pet hair and dust from furniture. It works.
- Do the full red carpet: Sweep or shovel porch, steps, and outdoor walkways.
