When friends or family are heading to your home for dinner, celebrations, or even just a cozy night in, it's likely that you reach for your cleaning supplies and give your space a quick spruce up.
While this prepares your home for hosting, according to the pros there are probably overlooked areas you're forgetting to clean – which could be affecting the overall ambiance and welcoming atmosphere that you're striving to achieve.
I spoke to a professional cleaner for her cleaning tips on which neglected spots to make sparkle before your guests arrive, and there are seven key areas on her list.
7 overlooked areas to clean before hosting
As Karina Toner, operations manager at Spekless, explains, 'Many hosts focus on the bigger cleaning tasks, but forget the small, high-traffic areas that guests are likely to notice. Cleaning these spots will elevate the overall appearance of your home and ensure a more welcoming and hygienic atmosphere.'
1. Light switches
All light switches and dimmer types should be cleaned before guests arrive, advises Toner. Although they're frequently touched, these are often overlooked in an achievable cleaning routine, and are therefore often dusty, grimy, and covered in fingerprints.
'Light switches are visible every time guests enter a room, and they leave a lasting impression,' she says. 'Dirty switches can detract from an otherwise spotless room, so cleaning them before a gathering ensures that your home looks polished.'
To do so, take a damp cloth, such as the HOMEXCEL Microfiber Cleaning Cloth available at Amazon, with a mild cleaner, or use a disinfectant wipe to clean the switches. Importantly, be sure not to use too much moisture, to avoid any electrical damage.
'A cotton swab dipped in cleaning solution is helpful for reaching the crevices around the switch,' adds Toner. 'For extra shine, buff them with a dry microfiber cloth.'
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2. Behind the toilet
When it comes to cleaning a bathroom, we all tackle areas like the mirrors, tiles and taps. But, when was the last time you cleaned behind the toilet?
It's easy to overlook, but this spot can accumulate dust, pet hair and grime, and often become dirty before you've even noticed, and you probably don't want guests seeing that.
As Toner says, 'When hosting, guests may venture into the bathroom, and a quick glance behind the toilet can reveal neglect. Cleaning this area ensures a pristine bathroom that will leave a lasting impression.'
So, use a long-handled duster, such as the Swiffer Dusters Heavy Duty Super Extendable Handle Dusting Kit available at Walmart, to capture dust and actually remove it, rather than spreading it. Then, clean the base of the toilet with a disinfectant wipe or cloth dampened with bathroom cleaner, such as the Lysol Power Foaming Cleaning Spray for Bathrooms, available at Amazon.
'Don't forget the floor around the toilet, either,' adds Toner, and, if you prefer an eco-friendly approach, there are plenty of ways to clean bathroom floors without harsh chemicals, such as cleaning floors efficiently with a steam mop.
Then, utilize tricks to prevent dust to stop it building up, and make sure you add this task to your pre-guest cleaning checklist.
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3. The trash can
According to cleaning expert Toner, knowing how to clean a trash can, particularly in high-traffic areas, is vital to creating an inviting ambiance. Although guests are, of course, unlikely to inspect your trash cans, if they're smelly or dirty your home will feel neglected – and so will your guests.
She says, 'Trash cans are often hidden away, so they're easy to forget in the cleaning process. However, a dirty trash can, especially in a kitchen or bathroom, can affect the room's overall freshness.'
So, to promote and maintain a fresh environment, begin by emptying the trash can, before scrubbing the inside and outside with warm soapy water, or disinfectant, such as the LYSOL Power Clean Multi-Surface Cleaner available at Amazon.
Then, let the trash can air dry, and for extra freshness, sprinkle baking soda (such as the ARM & HAMMER Pure Baking Soda available at Walmart) inside the bottom before replacing the liner. 'This will help neutralize odors,' explains Toner. If necessary, you can also mask trash can smells, by cleaning with vinegar, for example.
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4. Door handles and knobs
Like light switches, door knobs and handles are another commonly overlooked area when it comes to cleaning a house fast, and not just when cleaning a front door.
Importantly, though, these areas can harbor dirt, germs and oils from hands, and are one of the first things guests will touch when entering your home and room. Cleaning expert Toner advises, 'Cleaning them ensures they don't stand out as dirty or grimy, contributing to a more hygienic and appealing environment.'
To clean them, simply wipe them down with a disinfectant wipe, or an all-purpose cleaner. We love the Method All-Purpose Cleaner available at Amazon, which is vegan, cruelty-free and plant-based.
'For metal handles, use a gentle cleaning solution that's safe for the material to avoid corrosion,' adds Toner, as, though it is possible to restore brass, this will save you the trouble. 'A microfiber cloth is ideal for buffing and polishing them afterward.'
And, don't forget about the handles on your fridge and freezer, either, to help prevent the spread of germs and ensure your kitchen looks clean and polished. Again, use an all-purpose cleaner with a soft cloth, and, for stainless steel handles, use a specifically designed cleaner to maintain their finish. 'Be sure to buff them dry with a clean cloth to avoid streaks,' warns Toner.
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5. TV remotes
While it's unlikely that guests popping round for dinner or a catch-up will be using your television, if they're staying overnight, or if you have one as part of your guest bedroom ideas, they might be needing the remote.
Cleaning expert Toner warns, 'These items are passed from one person to another, making them a hotspot for germs and fingerprints, and are often forgotten during cleaning.'
Luckily, all you need to clean them is a quick wipe with a microfiber cloth. For a deeper clean, use an electronic-safe cleaner or disinfectant wipe, such as the Windex Electronic Cleaning Wipes available at Amazon, which come pre-moistened. 'Be sure to clean the buttons and crevices with a cotton swab sipped in alcohol to remove grime from hard-to-reach places,' adds Toner. We recommend the Equate 91% Isopropyl Alcohol Antiseptic Liquid available at Walmart for this.
These wipes can be used on your television, phones, monitors and more, helping to lift away fingerprints and dirt, leaving them streak-free and spotless.
6. Picture frames
When it comes to cleaning a living room, kitchen or bedroom, how often do you remember to clean and dust your gallery wall ideas?
While often overlooked, this is important because, as cleaning expert Toner points out, 'When guests admire the artwork or family photos on your walls, they'll notice the dust or smudges on the frames.'
Once again, use a microfiber cloth or soft brush to gently dust the picture frames, and then, for frames with glass, follow up with a glass cleaner, such as the Method Mint Glass Cleaner Spray available at Target. You can also use a homemade vinegar glass cleaner, which uses only vinegar, distilled water, and essential oil.
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7. Chandeliers and light fixtures
They're the focal point of a room, but often light fixtures and chandeliers become the ones of the dirtiest places in a living room, as they're among the hardest home decor to clean.
To combat this, and clean away dust, cobwebs and fingerprints, turn off the lights and use a microfiber cloth to dust the fixture, recommends Toner. To dust and clean chandeliers, 'Use a specialized cleaning solution (such as the Crystal Chandelier Cleaner available at Amazon) designed for delicate features,' she adds, and, if you can, wipe down any glass components with a glass cleaner.
Next, learn how to get a kitchen ready for hosting.
