Ten Sure-Fire Steps to Cleanup on the Fly

It is inevitable; the dreaded phone call that announces you’ll have company in a few minutes. For reasons only the eternal Universe can explain, these phone calls always come after a particularly dreadful day and when you house is less than at its best. However, armed with this tried and true checklist you can be totally at ease when the doorbell rings.

1. Light scented candles in the living room, kitchen, and bathroom
2. Check out your cupboards and refrigerator to see what you can serve your guests
3. Pick up all the clutter and trash and take trash out to the garbage or recycle bins
4. Stack mail, magazines, and books in a neat pile
5. Plump pillows and cushions and fold up throws in the living room
6. Wipe down all surfaces in the bathroom and put out fresh towels and a new bar of soap
7. Rinse all dishes and put in dishwasher
8. Wipe down all surfaces in the kitchen
9. Close the doors to all rooms you don’t want folks to see
10. Run vacuum over all floor surfaces and return vacuum cleaner to its storage area

When you guests arrive your home will be neat and clean to the eye. All the areas that are prone to bacteria will gleam and even, more importantly, you will feel at ease in entertaining your unexpected guests. So whether you complete all ten steps yourself, or elicit help from your spouse and children, you and your home will glow.