The key to being a good host isn't necessarily having a picture-perfect space. It's the ability to make people feel comfortable. And one way to ensure everyone feels comfortable is to clean these spots before your guests arrive. While your friends and family probably don't care too much about how clean your home is, part of hosting is making things easy for your guests. People don't want to worry about knocking something off your cluttered countertop when they go to set their drink down or sheepishly ask you for more toilet paper. And while everyone is human and deals with the same messes, your guests probably don't want to look at your toothpaste smudges in the bathroom or food splatters on the stove.
Cleaning before you have guests doesn't have to be an all-day affair. In most cases, putting away clutter, wiping everything down, and restocking the space with anything a guest might go looking for (think hand towels or hand soap) is all you really need to do. If you've got time, vacuuming or sweeping the floors and fluffing the couch pillows can also go a long way in making your space feel clean.
The cleaning pros at the Home Care & Cleaning Lab recommend focusing on the following spaces before your guests arrive.
Entryway or Mudroom
Your entryway sets the tone the moment guests walk in. Clear clutter like shoes, backpacks and stray packages. Quickly sweep or vacuum the area to get rid of any tracked-in dirt. And don't forget to make sure there’s a designated spot where guests can hang their coats or place their bags.
It also helps to step outside and walk in the way a guest would. Do you notice any cobwebs around the porch light? Or maybe there are leaves around the door and a layer of pollen coating the mailbox? You may also want to quickly shake out the doormat.
Bathrooms
A clean bathroom is one of the easiest ways to make guests feel comfortable. Start by wiping down the toilet — both inside and out. (A good toilet brush can help with any stubborn spots.) Then, use a multi-purpose cleaner on the sink and faucet handles before moving on to the mirror with a solid glass cleaner to wipe away any toothpaste splatters, handprints or streaks.
Don’t forget to empty the trash can and replace the liner, plus make sure there are clean hand towels and plenty of soap and toilet paper. Bonus points for adding an air freshener to the mix.
Kitchen
Even if you’re not hosting a meal, guests often gather in the kitchen. Make sure the countertops are cleared and wiped down, the sink is empty and rinsed, the stovetop is free from any splatters and spills and any garbage is taken out.
If you have time, wipe any fingerprints or smudges off appliance handles like the fridge or microwave with a stainless steel cleaner. You can also light a scented candle or set some fresh fruit on the counter to make the space feel even more inviting.
Living Room
The living room is another one of the main gathering spots, so it’s worth spending a few extra minutes here. Start by clearing visual clutter like remote controls, magazines and stray toys. Then, give coffee tables and end tables a quick wipe down before vacuuming the floors and any pet hair from furniture and upholstery.
When you're done, fluff pillows and straighten throw blankets to make the space look more inviting. Then, do one final pass, turning on lamps and overhead lighting to scan for any dust or cobwebs in the fixtures.
Floors
You don't necessarily have to mop, but giving the floors a quick once-over can make a big difference. Run the vacuum over hardwood floors and rugs to suck up dirt, pet hair and stray crumbs. To save time, focus on the main walkways and gathering areas where guests will spend the most time.
Light Switches and Doorknobs
Light switches and doorknobs are high-touch areas that are often overlooked. Start by using a damp microfiber cloth to wipe away any dust and grime (just be sure not to let any liquid seep behind the switch!) For a deeper clean, use a disinfecting wipe or a cotton ball dampened with 70% isopropyl alcohol to gently swab all sides of the switch and the backplate, then let air dry.
Guest Room
If guests are staying the night, take a few minutes to freshen up the bedding with clean sheets and pillowcases, clear off surfaces like nightstands and make sure the closet or dresser has some empty space for your guests to stash their belongings.
If your visitors don’t have access to an en-suite bathroom, you should also place freshly-laundered towels at the foot of the bed or on an empty chair. (The general rule of thumb: two bath towels, one hand towel, and one washcloth per guest.) For an extra touch of hospitality, put together a basket or tray of travel-sized toiletries (toothpaste, toothbrush, shampoo and conditioner, for example) and leave it on the dresser or nightstand. A bottle of water and a phone charger are nice touches, too.
Brigitt is a writer, editor and craft stylist with nearly 15 years of experience. She specializes in lifestyle topics, including home, health, parenting, beauty, style, food, entertaining, travel and weddings. She has written for Glamour, People, Good Housekeeping, Women's Health, Real Simple, Martha Stewart, Apartment Therapy, The Spruce, and more.
Jamie Ballard (she/her) is a freelance writer and editor who covers news, lifestyle, and entertainment topics, including sex and relationships, TV, movies, books, health, pets, food and drinks, pop culture, shopping, and personal finance. She regularly contributes to Cosmopolitan, Woman’s Day, Good Housekeeping, and YouGov, among other publications. When she’s not working, you can find her running, traveling, or scrolling TikTok. Follow her on Twitter.
