Tricks that make your house look cleaner than it is
Sometimes you don’t have time to deep clean before people show up. The good news is, there are shortcuts that make your home look cleaner in minutes. By focusing on the areas guests actually notice, you can pull off a polished look without hours of scrubbing. Here are tricks that always work.
Clear the Entryway
The first thing people see sets the tone. Shoes, mail, or clutter in the entryway instantly make a house feel messy.
Even a quick tidy—dropping shoes into a basket and clearing surfaces—makes the whole house feel cleaner.
Wipe Down Surfaces
Dust and fingerprints show up fast on counters and tables. Using a microfiber cloth and a spray cleaner instantly refreshes them.
Shiny surfaces make everything look cleaner, even if you didn’t tackle every room.
Empty the Trash
Overflowing bins stand out quickly. Emptying trash cans in the kitchen and bathroom before company arrives makes a big difference.
It removes both odors and visual clutter.
Straighten Pillows and Throws
A messy couch makes the whole living room look unkempt. Fluffing pillows and folding throws takes less than a minute.
This trick instantly makes a space look more cared for.
Hide Clutter in Baskets
Loose items like toys, remotes, or mail can be scooped into baskets. Walmart and Target both sell affordable woven storage baskets that double as décor.
It’s an easy way to make clutter disappear without sorting it right away.
Focus on the Bathroom
Guests almost always use the bathroom. Wiping the sink, mirror, and counter instantly makes it look cleaner.
Fresh towels and a lit candle add polish without much work.
Run the Vacuum Quickly
Vacuuming high-traffic areas, even for five minutes, refreshes the entire house. Crumbs and lint on the floor stand out more than you realize.
You don’t need to hit every room—just the main spaces guests will see.
Wash Dishes or Load Dishwasher
A sink full of dirty dishes makes the kitchen look messy no matter what. Loading them out of sight quickly improves the entire space.
Even if you don’t wash everything, clearing the sink is a game-changer.
Light a Candle
Scents play a big role in how clean a house feels. Lighting a candle or using a diffuser masks lingering smells.
Guests will always notice the fresh scent before they notice what you didn’t get to clean.
*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.
