We are here to help you find the best way to make your home neat, clean, and welcoming. With the right step and equipment, you can deep clean your house before guests arrive.
We who have a decade of experience with cleaning all type of house for guest or for festival session. This guide will help you through the step by step, with expert tips to clean your home. As we know, appearance matters. Some guests come for the first time. So, let’s start! Turn on your favourite Bollywood playlist and make your home sparkle.
Quick Preparation: What to Do First
Before you start anything, planning can save you time as well as effort. Professional home cleaners always prep first on how to deep clean your house before guests arrive. This helps to cut down on wasted effort, keeps you focused, and helps avoid doing the same task twice. Think of it as setting the stage for a smoother and faster clean.
Turn on the geyser or water heater – especially in winter, so you are not left with cold hands mid-scrub.
Gather all your cleaning supplies in one spot — think broom, mop, microfiber cloths, surface cleaners, and garbage bags. No more running back and forth for forgotten items.
Pretend you’re a guest – Take a walk through your home like a guest would. This helps you spot clutter, smells, or dusty corners you might normally overlook.
Close doors to messy rooms that won’t be used — but only if you are truly short on time. You can lock the door, but it works in a hurry.
Focus Areas to Tackle (In Order)
Entryway
First impressions start at the entryway. Studies show guests judge cleanliness within the first 10 seconds of entering your home, so the entryway matters more than you think. This is the first space your guests will see, so let’s make it count.
- Pick up any clutter or scattered shoes lying around. A clear floor instantly feels cleaner.
- Dust surfaces and wipe down the door glass, as this helps improve your first impression.
- You can add a welcoming touch like a fresh doormat, a hint of fragrance or some lighting.
- Step outside and re-enter like a guest. Is the entry neat, bright, and inviting? If not, tweak as needed.
Living Room/Common Areas
We all know guests spend a lot of time in the living room or guest room, chatting, lounging, or waiting for that cup of chai. So why not make it cleaner and more beautiful?
- Declutter and straighten things up. Toss magazines in a stack, remote controls in one spot, and random items out of sight. You can use a laundry basket to quickly collect clutter and store it out of sight.
- Dust common surfaces like coffee tables, shelves, and TV units—especially if sunlight hits them.
- Fluff up your sofa cushions and throws to make the space feel lived-in, not lived-on.
- Light an oil diffuser with a calming essential oil like lavender or lemongrass — bonus points for a subtle scent that says “clean home” without trying too hard.
Kitchen
Guests may not be cooking in your kitchen, but they’ll still look around. If it’s messy, it won’t go unnoticed. That’s why it’s important to know how to clean the kitchen properly. According to the Busy Bucket, the kitchen and bathroom are two rooms your guests always notice.
- Clear and wipe the countertops. Put away anything that does not belong.
- Wipe down surfaces and appliances. Focus on the stove, fridge handles, and microwave.
- Remove any food smells. Open a window or simmer and for a fresh scent you can put a little cinnamon and lemon in water.
- Organize your serving ware. Make sure trays, glasses, and cutlery are clean and easy to find.
- Take out the trash. A clean kitchen means nothing if it smells bad.
Bathroom/Guest Bath
Bathrooms say a lot about your home — even during a short visit, guests will notice how clean it is. A clean bathroom communicates care and hospitality.
- Pour cleaner into the toilet bowl early. Let it soak while you do the rest.
- Wipe down the sink, mirror, fixtures, and toilet. Shine makes a difference.
- Wash the floor mat and put out fresh towels. It instantly feels more welcoming.
Guest Room (If Applicable)
If someone is staying over, a cozy and tidy guest room can make them feel right at home.
- Change the bed linen. Fresh sheets always make a great impression.
- Clear some space in the closet or on a table for their personal items.
- Tidy up the decor. Straighten cushions, dust surfaces, and adjust lighting if needed.
- Add a small touch — maybe a flower vase, a scented candle, or a magazine they might enjoy.
(Extra Tip: Pretend you’re staying over — what would make you feel welcome?)
Floors & High-Touch Surfaces
Once the main areas are clean, don’t forget what’s underfoot and what we touch the most. Clean and polished floors and germ-free surfaces make your home feel truly fresh, cared for, and safe for everyone.
Finally, don’t skip the little things guests notice: wipe down light switches, doorknobs, and remotes. These small touches go a long way in creating a fresh and thoughtful environment. We recommend disinfecting high-touch surfaces regularly, especially during flu season.
Bonus: Fast Cleaning Plan (Under 2 Hours)
Short on time but want your space to feel spotless? This fast-track plan helps you deep clean your home in under 2 hours before guests arrive. Follow this priority-based checklist and use quick hacks to stay efficient without cutting corners.
Here’s how to power through it:
- Declutter & tidy up – Start by picking up anything out of place. Use a laundry basket to quickly gather clutter and stash it away.
- Tackle high-traffic areas – Focus your energy on spaces your guests will actually see, like the entryway, living room, and bathroom.
- Clean the bathroom – Let the toilet soak while you wipe down surfaces and swap in fresh towels.
- Tidy the kitchen – Clear countertops, take out the trash, and eliminate any food smells with a quick wipe and air freshener.
- Sweep or vacuum – A fast floor cleanup makes a huge difference, especially in common areas.
- Touch up the details – Fluff pillows, light a diffuser, and straighten anything that looks out of place.
- Final walk-through – Do one last sweep like you’re the guest. Fix anything you missed and take a breath — you’re ready.
Expert Tips to Make Your Home Guest-Ready
Here are a few expert-backed tips to make your home feel polished without spending all day scrubbing. You can use a multi-surface cleaner. It saves time by using a single cleaner that works on most surfaces like counters, glass, and appliances.
The next point to remember is to store essentials like microfiber cloths, an all-purpose spray, and a duster in a small caddy. When everything’s handy, you’re more likely to clean quickly and consistently.
If your schedule is packed or you want a truly thorough deep clean, don’t hesitate to call in the experts. Local cleaning services like Busy Bucket which provide home cleaning services in Mohali and specialize in fast, reliable, and detailed home cleaning. Perfect for those last-minute guest preparations or regular upkeep.
We bring the tools, experience, and elbow grease to make your home sparkle without stress. Sometimes, handing over the mop is the best way to get your home guest-ready while you focus on other party preparations.
FAQs How to Deep Clean Your House Before Guests
In what order should you deep clean a house?
First step is to start with quick prep, then tackle the entryway, living areas, kitchen, bathroom, and guest rooms, finishing with floors and high-touch surfaces.
What is the first thing to clean in the house?
Begin by gathering your cleaning supplies and prepping your space—turn on water heaters if needed and mentally walk through your home as a guest. This sets you up for a smoother cleaning session. You can find more prep tips in the blog’s first section
What is the hardest room to clean?
Many find the kitchen or bathroom the toughest due to stubborn grime and odors. These rooms often need extra attention but are key to making a good impression.
How do you clean the dirtiest room?
Start by decluttering, then deep clean surfaces, fixtures, and floors. Let things like the toilet soak while you tackle other tasks to save time. For a full walkthrough on deep cleaning any room, the blog has you covered.
