It happens to the best of us. A text comes through: “We’re in the area—mind if we pop in?” Suddenly, you’re looking around wondering how to prepare your home for unexpected guests without losing your mind.
Whether it’s your in-laws, a neighbour, or a friend who’s “just dropping by,” this guide will help you prepare your home for unexpected guests quickly, calmly, and without the panic. And while these tips can save the day, nothing beats the peace of mind that comes from having a home that’s regularly maintained.
Here’s how to fake a flawless home in under 30 minutes—and how a consistent cleaning routine can make these moments stress-free.
1. Start With the Entryway (2 minutes)
First impressions matter. Clear shoes, bags, or clutter from the front door. Give the entry floor a quick sweep or vacuum. If there’s a mirror, give it a fast wipe with a microfiber cloth—smudges make a space feel messier than it is.
Place a scented candle or diffuser nearby to make the space feel instantly more inviting.
2. Focus on the Bathroom (5 minutes)
If guests use anything in your home, it’ll be the bathroom. That’s why it’s the next priority.
- Wipe down the sink and vanity.
- Give the mirror a quick clean.
- Close the toilet lid and wipe down the seat and flush button.
- Hang fresh hand towels and restock toilet paper.
If you’re really short on time, use disinfectant wipes to go over all high-touch surfaces. It’s quick, and it works.
3. Tidy the Living Area (7 minutes)
This is where your guests will likely spend most of their visit. Start by fluffing the couch cushions and folding throw blankets.
Use a laundry basket trick: Grab anything lying around that doesn’t belong—mail, toys, random shoes—and pop them in a basket. Hide it in a bedroom and deal with it later.
Give the coffee table and any flat surfaces a quick wipe to remove dust or smudges. If you’ve got time, do a light vacuum or run a stick vac across visible areas.
4. Speed-Clean the Kitchen (10 minutes)
Even if you’re not serving food, a messy kitchen is hard to hide. Focus on the basics:
- Wipe down benches and the stovetop
- Stack dishes in the dishwasher (or out of sight if needed!)
- Empty the bin if it’s full or smells
- Quickly sweep or vacuum the floor
Want to fake a fresh clean? Run a slice of lemon through the sink disposal or drop one in boiling water on the stove for a quick scent lift.
5. Lighting & Scent Finishers (2–3 minutes)
Good lighting hides a multitude of sins. Open blinds to bring in natural light or turn on warm lamps instead of harsh overheads.
Light a candle, spray a room mist, or use an oil diffuser—smell is powerful, and fresh scents go a long way in making your space feel clean even if it isn’t spotless.
Why “Maintenance-Level” Cleaning Makes All the Difference
Here’s the thing: If you’re scrambling every time someone visits, the stress adds up. Regular, light-touch cleaning—like wiping surfaces a few times a week, decluttering daily, and keeping bathrooms in check—makes these last-minute prep sessions way easier.
When your base level of cleanliness is already solid, preparing for guests becomes less of a crisis and more of a quick touch-up.
The Amaze Clean Advantage
You can only do so much in 30 minutes. A professional cleaning service ensures the maintenance-level cleaning is already handled—so when guests arrive unexpectedly, your home is already halfway there.
At Amaze Clean, we help busy Perth families keep their homes spotless with high-end domestic cleaning services that feel like a fresh start every week. We cover the deep clean, the corners, the little things—so you can focus on living, not stressing.
Need a home that’s always guest-ready? Book your domestic clean with Amaze Clean today.
