15 Overlooked Places You Should Always Clean Before Guests Arrive
Hosting guests can be exciting, but let’s be honest; it can also be stressful. You vacuum, straighten the pillows, and maybe even light a candle to make everything seem fresh.
While you’re focused on the obvious spots, there are a few hidden areas guests are likely to notice that might have slipped your mind. These sneaky dirt traps can make a clean home feel less polished, but don’t worry, you’re covered!
Light Switches and Doorknobs
You touch them every day, but when’s the last time you actually cleaned them? These high-touch spots collect fingerprints, smudges, and bacteria without you even realizing it. A quick wipe with a disinfectant cloth makes a big difference in keeping things fresh. Plus, it helps prevent the spread of germs, which is always a bonus.
Bathroom Trash Can
Sure, you probably remembered to empty it, but did you actually wipe it down? Trash cans collect grime, drips, and odors over time, especially in a humid bathroom. A quick scrub with disinfectant spray or soap and water will keep it from smelling bad. Guests won’t think about it unless it’s dirty; so make sure it’s spotless.
The Shower Curtain and Liner
A dingy or mildewed shower curtain can make an otherwise clean bathroom look neglected. Fabric curtains can go in the washing machine, and plastic liners are easy to replace for just a few dollars. If there’s mold or soap scum, guests will notice it right away. Keeping it fresh makes your bathroom feel cleaner and more inviting.
Ceiling Fans
Dusty fan blades are easy to forget about; until you turn the fan on and dust starts flying everywhere. A microfiber cloth or a pillowcase works wonders for trapping dust instead of spreading it. Cleaning them only takes a few minutes but makes a big difference. Guests will appreciate not getting showered in dust when they look up.
Under Couch Cushions
Crumbs, lost change, and mystery objects love to hide under couch cushions. If guests sit down and feel something lumpy, it’s not a great impression. A quick vacuum under the cushions removes any surprise messes. Plus, you might even find some spare cash hiding in there.
Fridge Door Handles
Even if your guests don’t peek inside your fridge, they’ll likely grab the handle. Smudges, sticky spots, and fingerprints are easy to miss but stand out to visitors. A quick wipe with a damp cloth or disinfectant spray keeps it looking fresh. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference.
Baseboards
Baseboards collect dust, pet hair, and scuff marks, even though they’re easy to overlook. A swipe with a damp microfiber cloth can make a room look cleaner. Clean baseboards brighten up your space and give the impression of a well-maintained home. It only takes a few minutes, but it’s worth it.
Remote Controls
Everyone in your house has handled your TV remote, but how often do you actually clean it? Guests reaching for it don’t want to see crumbs or sticky fingerprints. A quick disinfectant wipe removes germs and makes it look spotless. It’s a small task that makes your home feel extra fresh.
Sink Faucets
Water spots and soap scum can make your sink area look dirty, even if the rest of the bathroom is spotless. A little polish with a cloth or vinegar-based cleaner brings back the shine. Clean faucets give off a fresh and well-kept vibe. Your guests will notice the sparkle.
Dining Chair Legs
Guests might not see dust on shelves, but they will notice scuffs and grime on chair legs. When they pull out a chair, dirty marks are hard to ignore. A quick wipe with a damp cloth removes dust and stains. It’s an easy fix that makes your dining space look cleaner.
Toothbrush Holder
A toothbrush holder can get surprisingly gross with toothpaste drips and water stains. Guests will likely see it up close since it’s right next to the sink. Running it through the dishwasher or giving it a quick scrub with soap and water keeps it fresh. No one wants to see (or touch) built-up grime.
Microwave Interior
If guests heat something up and see food splatters inside, it’s not the best look. To make cleaning easy, microwave a bowl of water with lemon slices for a few minutes, then wipe it down. This trick loosens grime and leaves a fresh scent. A clean microwave makes the whole kitchen feel fresher.
Trash Cans
The lid can hold onto sticky spills and lingering odors even if the trash is empty. A quick wipe with disinfectant spray keeps it from smelling bad. Nobody wants to be greeted by an unpleasant smell when tossing something away. This small step makes a big impact.
Window Sills
Dusty or dirty window sills can make even clean windows look unkempt. A damp cloth clears away dust and makes the space look brighter. It’s an easy way to freshen up your home before guests arrive. Clean sills let the natural light shine through without distractions.
Pet Areas
Their bed, toys, or feeding station might have lingering odors if you have pets. A quick clean-up and a refresh of food and water bowls go a long way. Guests will appreciate a home that smells fresh and fur-free, and your pets will enjoy the clean space, too.
Related: 15 Clever Hacks To Reduce That Never-Ending Grocery Bill
Managing grocery expenses can be challenging for many households, especially with rising food costs and fluctuating budgets.
However, with some creativity and resourcefulness, you can implement numerous clever hacks to reduce your never-ending grocery bill without sacrificing the quality or variety of your meals.
