The one-hour plan
- Ten minutes: clear surfaces and put away clutter, putting the overflow in a basket or a spare room
- Ten minutes: the kitchen. Clear the sink, wipe the worktops and hob, empty the bin
- Fifteen minutes: the bathroom. Wipe the sink, mirror and taps, clean the toilet, and put out fresh towels and hand soap
- Ten minutes: the living room. Plump the cushions, quickly dust the surfaces, and clear the coffee table
- Ten minutes: vacuum the floors that guests will walk on, and mop the entrance and kitchen floor
- Five minutes: open the windows for fresh air and light a candle or use a diffuser
What visitors notice most
- The toilet and bathroom sink
- A full bin or a sink full of dishes
- The smell of the home when they walk in
- The entrance and hallway
- Clutter on surfaces
Keep it that way
If an hour of rescue cleaning is happening too often, a regular clean on a fixed day means the home is already in good shape when guests call round.
Common questions
What is the fastest way to make a house smell fresh?
Take the rubbish out, open the windows, clean the bathroom and kitchen sink, and wash or remove anything damp. Scented candles and sprays only cover the cause.
Would you rather we did it for you?
Ample Cleaners offers house cleaning across Barking, Dagenham, Romford, Ilford and surrounding areas, with DBS-checked cleaners and a fixed price.