10-minute clean-up tips for unexpected guests: Fake a tidy home like a pro
We’ve all been there. You’re lounging in your messy house, fully embracing the chaos, when suddenly – ping! A text: “Hey! We’re in the area. Mind if we pop over?”
Cue panic mode. Your place looks like a tornado just finished its shift, and you’ve got 10 minutes to make it look presentable. Don’t worry – we’ve got you, check out Henry’s quick clean-up tips on how to fake a clean home and fast (and maybe even convince your guests you’re an effortlessly tidy person).
Minute 1-2: hide the evidence
First things first – grab a laundry basket, tote bag, or even a bin and start scooping up the clutter. Remote controls, rogue socks, random papers, snack wrappers – if it doesn’t belong, it goes in the basket.
Quick fix: Shove the basket into a cupboard, under the bed, or anywhere guests won’t look.
Minute 3-4: prioritise surfaces
Guests don’t look up, they look at surfaces – tables, counters, and the floor. So, focus on those.
Kitchen counters: Clear off dishes and wipe down quickly.
Coffee table: Remove clutter and do a speedy dust wipe.
Dining table: A stack of random papers? Shove them in a drawer.
Speed trick: If you only have time for one thing, wipe down kitchen counters and the bathroom sink. It gives the illusion of cleanliness.
Minute 5-6: deal with dishes (or hide them like a pro)
No time to wash? No problem.
Best option: Stack them in the dishwasher (even if they’re not rinsed – future you can deal with that).
No dishwasher? Hide them in the oven (just don’t forget about them later!).
Absolute emergency? At least rinse them and neatly stack them in the sink, then it looks intentional rather than chaotic.
Bonus tip: Run hot water and a drop of dish soap in the sink – it makes the kitchen smell fresh and distracts from any mess.
Minute 7: fix the stink!
Nothing says “clean” like a fresh-smelling home. But if you’ve got lingering food smells, pet odours, or just stale air, you need to act fast.
Quickest fixes:
Open windows – even if just for a minute, fresh air works wonders.
Spray fabric refresher on sofa, curtains, and rugs.
Light a candle – bonus points if it smells like vanilla or citrus.
Speed trick: No time for anything fancy? Just waft a dryer sheet around like a magic wand – it works amazingly well.
Minute 8: bathroom blitz
Your guests will need to pee at some point. Make sure your bathroom doesn’t look like a crime scene.
Sink: Quick wipe with a damp towel or antibac wipe.
Toilet: Swish the brush around and bleach – no one needs to know you didn’t deep clean.
Mirror: A quick wipe to remove toothpaste splatters.
Towels: Swap damp ones for fresh, neatly folded ones.
Speed trick: Close the shower curtain – it instantly makes the bathroom look neater.
Minute 9: fluff, fold, fake it
Your living space should look inviting, even if it’s all an illusion.
Fluff the sofa cushions – instant freshness.
Fold throw blankets neatly instead of letting them look abandoned.
Stack magazines or books in a tidy pile (instead of scattered across the floor).
Speed trick: Sit on your sofa for just a second – what’s in your immediate view? That’s where your guests will focus, so that’s what needs tidying first.
Minute 10: act casual & own it
Your home might not be spotless, but you control the vibe. Dim the lights (mess is less noticeable), play some background music, and greet your guests like you totally weren’t just frantically speed-cleaning.
If all else fails? Pour them a cuppa or a glass of wine and keep them talking – maybe even tell them about the clean-up tips you’ve learned today!
You did it!
In just 10 minutes, you’ve turned a disaster zone into something that almost looks effortlessly clean. Next time, when that “We’re stopping by!” text arrives, you’ll be ready.
