What to clean before guests arrive according to professional housekeepers

You don’t have to scrub your house from top to bottom before company comes. Pros say the trick is focusing on the areas guests actually see and touch, and letting the rest go.

Here’s where cleaning experts say to put your energy when time is limited.

1. The entryway and front door

This is your first impression. Housekeepers recommend sweeping the porch, shaking out the doormat, and wiping fingerprints off the door and glass. Inside, corral shoes, mail, and random piles into a basket or closet. A quick vacuum and a lit candle or diffuser at the entry makes the whole house feel cleaner.

2. The guest bathroom

If you only deep clean one room, make it this one. Pros focus on disinfecting the toilet, sink, faucets, and light switches, plus cleaning the mirror. Swap in fresh hand towels, check toilet paper, and empty the trash. Guests notice a clean bathroom more than they notice a dusty bookshelf.

3. Kitchen counters and sink

Everyone ends up in the kitchen. Quickly clear dishes (into the dishwasher or even the oven in an emergency), wipe counters, and clean the sink. Hit appliance fronts for fingerprints and give the trash can a look—if it smells or looks grimy, empty it and wipe the lid.

4. Living room surfaces and clutter

Housekeepers start by grabbing a basket and doing a fast lap: toys, cups, random papers all go in. Then they dust obvious flat surfaces, fold throws, and fluff pillows. You don’t have to style it like a magazine—just remove piles and wipe what people will put their drinks on.

5. Floors in high-traffic areas

No one inspects your baseboards, but people notice crumbs and pet hair. Cleaners suggest a quick vacuum or sweep in the entry, living room, and kitchen and a fast mop for sticky spots. Bedrooms and kids’ rooms can wait; close those doors if you’re short on time.

6. Guest bedroom basics (if someone’s staying over)

Make the bed with fresh sheets, clear surfaces for a suitcase, and set out towels. You don’t have to deep clean the closet, but give them a couple of empty hangers and clear a nightstand for their phone and water. Little touches here matter more than perfectly organized drawers.

7. High-touch spots guests notice

Pros often finish with a quick pass on doorknobs, light switches, fridge handles, and TV remotes. These take seconds to wipe but make the house feel freshly cleaned. If you’re truly down to the wire, pick: bathroom, kitchen sink area, and entry—those three zones carry most of the impression.