How Do You Speed-Clean a Room When Guests Are On the Way?

You just got home from work, picked up the kids, grabbed a few groceries—and then your phone rings. Surprise: the in-laws are popping by tonight.

It’s Friday, your house hasn’t seen a mop since Sunday, and you still need to make dinner. But don’t panic. With a little strategy (and maybe a pizza delivery), you can get your space looking guest-ready in under an hour.

Here are eight tried-and-true tips to help you speed-clean like a pro—without losing your mind.

1. Enlist backup

This is not a solo mission. Call in the kids, your partner, even the Roomba. Everyone gets a task—because when the clock is ticking, teamwork is everything.

2. Grab your supplies

Skip the hunt for missing products and keep everything in one place. A utility apron is ideal, but a small caddy or bucket works too. Stock it with your go-to cleaners, cloths, and tools. Bigger items like the mop or vacuum can hang nearby.

3. Work smart, not scattered

Keep tools in the same spot every time you use them, and carry your caddy with you. This cuts down on backtracking and saves precious minutes you don’t have.

4. Prioritize the spaces guests will actually see

Now is not the time to deep-clean the garage. Focus on common areas: entryways, bathrooms, kitchen, and the living room. Have clutter that doesn’t belong? Toss it in a laundry basket and stash it in a bedroom or closet. We won’t tell.

5. Don’t clean what isn’t dirty

Ignore the urge to scrub every surface. If it doesn’t look dusty, skip it. You’re aiming for clean-ish—not a showroom shine.

6. Make one clean sweep

Start at one side of each room and work your way around. No zigzagging, no jumping between corners. A clear circuit saves time and ensures you don’t miss a thing.

7. Clean from top to bottom

Dust falls—so wipe high shelves and countertops before vacuuming or mopping. Always finish with the floors.

8. Stay focused

Multitasking is not your friend here. Keep your brain on the task at hand. The more present you are, the quicker you’ll finish—and the better the results.

Bonus Tip: Order takeout

No one expects you to whip up a three-course meal under pressure. Order your guests’ favorite pizza, light a candle, and enjoy the fact that your home looks freshly cleaned—even if it was chaos just an hour ago.

Need help keeping your space guest-ready without the last-minute scramble?

At Green Home Cleaning, we make clean living easy with non-toxic products, eco-friendly tools, and a local Asheville team you can trust. Book a green cleaning session today.