Have you ever had one of those moments—an hour before guests arrive—where you’re running around with a spray bottle in one hand and a candle in the other, praying no one opens the wrong closet? Yep, same here.
Summer visits can bring happiness as well as some stress. You’d like your home to be refreshing, spotless and welcoming to guests, but the idea of a deep clean is not appealing. Overwhelming.
I’m going to explain how I get my house ready for summer guests. No perfectionism. A good rhythm, a few lessons from mistakes and a few tricks to keep things interesting—all without making yourself tired.
1. Start with a Plan, Not a Sponge
I didn’t expect this: deep cleaning is not really about cleaning. It’s about making decisions. If you don’t have a strategy, you’ll end up with tasks that are only partly done and less motivation.
What worked for me was mapping the “guest path.” Where are the areas for walking, sitting, eating and using the restroom? Those are the priority zones. I created a list of four areas: Entryway, Bathroom, Living Room, Kitchen.
Whenever I am getting ready for guests, I follow this checklist. It keeps me focused, fast, and way less frazzled. Imagine it as your own guide to a clean living space.
Why it works:
- You’re not wasting time on deep closet organizing when you should be fluffing pillows.
- You don’t forget the one thing guests will notice (looking at you, dusty toilet paper holder).
Remember this tip if you often clean without a plan and get tired.
2. The Three Zones I Always Clean First
This is where everything shifted. I used to start with the kitchen because it felt like the most “important.” Once I finished writing, I didn’t have any energy left for anything else.
So I flipped the order.
3 steps that helped me stop cleaning in circles:
- Entryway: First impressions matter. Shoes neatly arranged, mirrors wiped, a soft scent. Easy win.
- Bathroom: Even a clean-looking bathroom needs a disinfecting wipe-down and a fresh towel. I always change the soap, too.
- Living Room: A quick vacuum, declutter, and fresh throw blanket do wonders.
Once the zones are finished, everything else will seem like an extra reward.
3. How to Make It Look Clean (Even If You Missed a Spot)
You don’t have to make your home perfect; just make it look polished.
These three things instantly make a home feel elevated:
- Shiny Surfaces: Wipe glass and mirrors. It adds light and gives the impression of order.
- Fresh Textiles: Swap out old pillow covers, throw a linen over the sofa arm.
- Subtle Scents: Use essential oil diffusers or bake something simple (yes, cookies count).
Guests aren’t judging your baseboards. They’re noticing how they feel in your space.
For example, once I didn’t have time to vacuum, so I lit a eucalyptus candle, cleared the coffee table and fluffed the cushions. My guest actually said, “It feels so calm in here.”
Magic? No. Just micro-adjustments that set the mood.
4. Choosing Cleaning Products That Actually Work
I began by switching from store-brand sprays to making my own which I thought I wouldn’t like. However, I had too many headaches from synthetic fragrances, so I decided to switch.
Here’s what I look for now:
What matters to me in cleaning products:
- No harsh chemical smell
- Safe around pets (and nieces)
- Multi-surface use (less clutter under the sink)
- Eco-conscious when possible
These days, I usually mix white vinegar, lemon and water in a glass bottle. Works on counters, mirrors, and even the fridge.
Would you ever try this trick?
5. Kitchen Deep Clean: Small Details, Big Impact
This is the time when guests notice and judge your home the most. Even if they don’t realize it—the kitchen’s smells, sights and flavors can be very powerful.
What I focus on (even if time is tight):
1. Handles and Touch Points
Think: fridge handles, light switches, drawer pulls. A quick wipe goes a long way.
2. Sink & Faucet
Sprinkle baking soda, scrub, rinse with vinegar. Finish with a soft cloth for shine.
3. Fridge Front & Countertop Corners
Remove clutter, align items, wipe edges. It creates that “Pinterest clean” look.
You don’t have to scrub every cupboard. Just hit the places your guests’ eyes (and hands) naturally go.
6. What Matters vs. What Can Wait
Let’s be honest—you can’t clean everything. And you don’t have to.
Use this simple chart to focus your energy:
| Area | Do This | Can Wait |
|---|---|---|
| Entryway | Clean mirror, remove shoes | Organize coat closet |
| Bathroom | Disinfect, fresh towel | Scrub grout lines |
| Kitchen | Wipe counters & sink | Deep-clean oven |
| Living Room | Vacuum, fluff pillows | Wash windows |
| Guest Bedroom | Change sheets, light scent | Reorganize drawers |
Pin this if you’re getting ready for guests and want a reminder.
7. Finishing Touches That Change Everything
Here’s the fun part. Once the place is clean enough, these little details make it seem like a boutique hotel.
I like to:
- Put a vase of fresh herbs or flowers by the door
- Lay out a light blanket on the guest chair
- Put out lemon water or mint tea on the kitchen counter
Last summer, I even put a postcard with “Welcome, glad you’re here” on the guest bed. It took 30 seconds and sparked a smile.
It’s not really about being perfect—it’s about being considerate.
Conclusion
You don’t have to clean until late at night to get your home ready for summer guests. When you have a plan, a few main points to work on and some personal touches, your home will be clean, calm and cared for.
What’s one thing you always do before guests arrive?
If you have a busy social summer and want to add some fun to your schedule, save this post.
