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There are few things that get me speed cleaning faster than hearing I’m just about to host some unexpected guests. I try to keep my home as tidy and sanitized as possible at all times. But when you have a young kid and a dog as unemployed housemates, living rent-free and competing for who can make the biggest mess, it’s not always easy. Even the most pedantic of people might forget a spot when they’re racing with a bucket and mop in hand, against the clock.
Someone recently asked netizens to list the seemingly unnoticeable things they should not forget to clean before guests come over. Some of the answers might seem like a no-brainer while others could surprise you. From "under the toilet lid" to "on top of the fridge," Bored Panda has picked our favorites. Feel free to save them so you don’t get caught off-guard, and embarrassed, the next time the doorbell rings.
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#1
Yeah, sit on the toilet and gaze at the floor. People have nothing to look at while on the pot, so they’ll notice things like baseboard trim, dirty grout, etc.
lovemy suffolk 8 months ago
Always remember air freshener in the bathroom. Or some p*o - pourri.
Scarlett O'Hara's Ghost 8 months ago
I have a maximalist decorating style. Both my bathrooms have a theme. The guest bath is the cowboy bathroom and is covered in old West stuff just for my guests to look at! Lol
RamiRudolph 8 months ago
Mine is filled with ocean stuff... shells, a fishing net, plastic fish etc. I thought it was an obvious choice.
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Brenda 8 months ago
Place a few magazines, paperback books, etc in a basket in the bathroom. Guests will appreciate it (make sure you're finished with them in case they disappear).
Vee Lyons 8 months ago
Why on earth would you have reading material in a lavatory? If people are so constipated that they have time to read, they should see a doctor urgently. Also the germs on paper kept there, ewwww.
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#2
Inside of kitchen trash can lid.
Lady Eowyn 8 months ago
Don't get one with a textured surface, you'll never get the dirt out.
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I am the rat in your walls 8 months ago
i just use an empty bucket that was used to store yogurt before (4L type)
How much of your home you’re able to clean will depend on how much time you have before your guests arrive but you’ll most likely want to focus on the areas that they will be in or see.
Think entryways, bathrooms, patios, dining and living areas, the kitchen and if your visitors will be sleeping over, you’ll definitely not want the guest bedroom looking like a junk room.
Make sure the entrance of your house is welcoming and tidy. Sweep any leaves, dust or dirt and give the welcome mat a shake. Check that the handle of your front door is clean. Wipe it down and sanitize it. Clear any clutter in the entryway.
#4
Under the toilet lid!
Sue Denham 8 months ago
This one should be an every day thing - not just when you're expecting guests.
AsylumWalker 8 months ago
Weekly really. Nothing really needs to be cleaned every day except dishes and the kitchen after cooking
Load More Replies... Maples Dad 8 months ago
I clean it every day. If you do that then it literally takes just a couple minutes to spray, scrub and wipe. Never allow build-up, that's just gross.
Load More Replies... #5
Door handles, cabinet doors and fridge especially.
Lame Llama 8 months ago
I wipe down the handles of my kitchen cabinets quickly as part of my after dinner cleaning up everyday.
Anyone-for-tea? 8 months ago
I wipe these when the guests leave! I don’t want their germs everywhere!
#6
Dusting ceiling fans. Some people never clean them off and have a inch of dust on them.
#7
The space between the seat cover and back of the toilet! And the top of the toilet. I get the ick when it’s dusty
#8
First thing is not even a sight issue… how does your house SMELL??? If your garbage is overflowing, it’s quick and easy swap over. Gather from other areas like bathroom too while you’re at it. Next is the bathroom. A quick wipe of the toilet and sink (not a full detail scrub, just a wipe) goes a long way. And last is change over the hand towels in your kitchen and bath for fresh ones. Chances are your guest will use the bathroom and these are the smallest things you can do that go the longest ways to make your space feel fresh. And this should only take you maximum 10 minutes, then if you have more time you can tackle other things around that you feel put your space in a more welcoming state.
Raymond Core 8 months ago
Buy a negative-ion generator, they're cheap, and you will have the air so clean that even odor molecules are knocked to the floor. Of course you will need to clean the floor around the ion generator a little more often. My condo has no odor of any kind.
Featherytoad 8 months ago
I had a new duct system put in, and they ran one of these for about an hour when they were close to being done. My SIL said it smelled like nothing in the house.
Load More Replies... Featherytoad 8 months ago (edited)
I don't have kids, but I buy baby wipes for cleaning the bathroom. They are fantastic for quickly wiping down the counter and the sink. My bathroom is smaller than a jail cell, and I get a lot of lint build up from toilet paper. It's only me in the house, and it doesn't take long at all to do that for a quick clean. I'll sometimes use them for handles on appliances.
Auntriarch 8 months ago
I know I'm almost always wrong, but air fresheners make me think you're covering up something instead of cleaning it (feel free to blame my mother for this attitude).
Maples Dad 8 months ago
I always have a 3 wick Bath & Bodyworks candle burning in each room so we're good on scent. We live in a block of flats and the candles scent is so strong you can smell my home when you're on the floor underneath!
#9
Front of kitchen cabinets.
Gossameringue 8 months ago
So true. These collect dust and drips. Dust and drips also describes my teenage dating life.
#11
Hand soap and clean towels to dry your hands in the bathroom.
StrangeOne 8 months ago (edited)
Make sure the decorative towels you don't want anyone to use are put away, and a clean hand towel is hung near the sink, and put away that bath towel. I don't know how many times I've been to someone's house and all they have are these frilly towels I'm afraid to smear my hands on and get in trouble, and a questionable bath towel I don't know may have been smeared by someone's butt.
MonsterMum 8 months ago
Decorative towels? What a weird idea, all towels should be functional imo
Load More Replies... #12
Those covers that go on light switches and electrical outlets! They're usually white and glossy, and they get touched a lot so they yuck up fast.
#13
Mirrors, glass doors and the overall smell of the place.
Lame Llama 8 months ago (edited)
No. Upholstery and curtains are usually what absorb the smell.
Load More Replies... #14
Sink faucets and mirrors. Also dust random places.
#15
Please wipe down your dining chairs. Seats AND rings, especially if you have children. There are almost ALWAYS crusty bits of food stuck on them and gross handprints that you don’t notice. Saying this as a mom AND a guest… but other than that, I wouldn’t worry. They are coming to see YOU and if they sit in judgement, well… that says more about them than you, love… I only mentioned the chair thing because that is good practice in general and people almost always forget it when they are cleaning from my experience.
#16
Inside your microwave. I know it seems like nobody would be getting in there, but next think you know, they're asking to heat up their cup of coffee you offered them...
Brian Droste 8 months ago
I just get a paper towel damp and put it in the microwave for about 10 secs. The moisture from the paper towel will soften everything up and can wipe it down with a clean cloth or clean paper towel.
camomooey 8 months ago
I just boil a cup of water if I need to loosen spills. But I rarely do anymore, because I have small casserole dishes with lids that I use to reheat stuff. I also found some dollar store covers that go over a plate. Keeping things from splattering around is the best way to keep the microwave clean.
Load More Replies... Maples Dad 8 months ago (edited)
I am so a**l that I have a spray bottle of 'microwave cleaner' right next to the microwave! The rule is if you use the microwave then you must use the cleaner straight away (microwave has a mirror finish so it's very important.) Edit- the word is anål!
Weltschmerz 8 months ago (edited)
I don't get how people have such disgusting microwaves?? Every time its used I just give it a quick wipe clean and I cover most things, especially those that can spit everywhere. My microwave is 9 years old and spotless. Weird flex I know!!!
Load More Replies... #17
The answer is baseboards. Especially in the bathroom.
Judy Reynolds 8 months ago
Except the one where your dog would lie, after she has crossed the rainbow bridge.
Load More Replies... #18
My mom always says silverware drawer!
Ace 8 months ago
You wouldn't ever ask guests to help out while you're preparing food or getting ready to serve?
Load More Replies... SweetCheesySpaghetti 8 months ago
I was a guest in someone's house and opened the silverware drawer to grab a spoon. Crumbs, dust, and lord knows what other kind of tiny debris was just all up in it. Grossed me out so bad.
ILoveMySon 7 months ago
I encountered this exact scenario and, too, was grossed out. I mean, while coffee is brewing, it is so simple to clean a drawer.
Load More Replies... #19
Take a good look at your outside front door area. Make sure the doorbell isn’t smudged with dirt.
quentariel 8 months ago
Now this is one thing that never even came to my mind to check. I live alone and obviously use keys to get in.
#20
Floors in visiting areas are truly clean, not just look clean. If the host requests shoes off at the door (my personal preference), sock soles shouldn’t be dirty after visiting for an hour or two.
quentariel 8 months ago
Socks off is the norm where I live and floors are easy to keep clean. Although as I often paint, my wooden floors have random specks of acrylic paint in random places. It's easy to get them off, but takes a quite some time. So if I'm in the middle of a project, I don't bother getting them all the time. My mom always taught me that you should be able to walk with white socks without them getting dirty, so I've always kept that - just with an added paintdrops (that don't stain).
Maples Dad 8 months ago
Shoes off at my door always. Same goes for most people I visit (I live in Scotland where ghats pretty common.)
Boo 8 months ago
Not always....my hubs, Scottish, never takes his shoes off in the house - even after working in the garden 🤢😡 whereas I'm American and I take my shoes off once I get in the house. This has been an ongoing battle for all 28 years of our marriage.
Load More Replies... #21
People with dogs: if your dog has a favorite place to lounge on the sofa, please sit there yourself and have your guest sit on your favorite spot, instead of vice versa.
I can't tell you how many times my friends' homes will be pretty clean but when I visit and am invited to sit down on the sofa, and it is just gross with pet oils (even if the pet hair is swept up). Gives me huge icks and makes me want to shower/wash all my clothes. (And yep I like dogs). So give your guest your favorite spot, and you sit in your pet's grimy spot.
lovemy suffolk 8 months ago
I agree. This is good hospitality. And the dog probably prefers you in their space over stranger also.
#22
Wash the rug in the guest bathroom. Idk how many times I’ve stayed at people’s houses and I put socks on the second I get out of the shower because the rug is filthy with dirt and crumbs and god knows what that stick to your feet. I swear some people have never washed them since laying them down. .
Ace 8 months ago
Carpets in bathrooms are a really bad idea. Hard floor and washable bath mat every time.
Savannah greenleaf 7 months ago
No carpet belongs in a bathroom or kitchen. Just too much work.
Load More Replies... Featherytoad 8 months ago
I don't leave the bath mat on the floor all the time. After I dry off I hang it back up. I'm guessing people are leaving them on the floor all the time and people are coming and going with shoes on for them to be that gross.
kissmychakram 8 months ago
Any sort of bathroom floor carpeting/rug gives me the heaves. Bathmat that gets washed/swapped out the same time as or more frequently than the towels.
Royal Stray 8 months ago
I would never stand on a bathmat that wasn't one of those hard flat ones in someone else's home, and I wouldn't want guests to be on the one I have that's softer.
sbj 8 months ago
Some people assume that as you stand on them as you get out of the shower that the mat would always be clean
Auntriarch 8 months ago
Not sure why there are crumbs in the guest bathroom though
Load More Replies... #23
Under the toilet.
#24
The glass covers on light fixtures like a dining room chandelier. Especially if the dining room is usually not used. They get dusty and greasy if they’re near the kitchen. Even light bulbs on wall sconces get dirty if not dusted every once in a while.
#25
The top of the fridge.
I am short and my husband is tall. My husband does not care if there is dust on top of the fridge and I cannot see it so I forget. Every two weeks I stand on a stool that makes me as tall as my husband and I clean all the areas tall people see that I (a short person) do not.
I am a stay at home wife and my husband works a lot so I don’t mind that he does not clean and I do.
Mari 8 months ago
I lay newspaper on top of my kitchen cabinets and fridge.
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Auntriarch 8 months ago
Every time I clean the top of the fridge, Mr Snarkriarch says "is (tall best friend) coming over"
Barbara Turner 8 months ago
I put a small tablecloth on top of the fridge and replace it after a couple of months.
Maples Dad 8 months ago
We have a fruit bowl, vegetable bowl and butter dish atop our fridge so we have no choice but to clean it every day.
#26
When the light’s string pull is white …. Except for the bottom few inches above the plastic oohjah at the bottom.
#27
Behind the bathroom door. You don’t see that spot until the bathroom door is closed. And it can collect a lot of dust and ick.
#28
I like to have the front door and back door of my apartment open when I sweep. If it’s not too cold, I’ll even have the fan on. I think it refreshes the room and helps diffuse any smells to which I might have become oblivious.
sbj 8 months ago
Any chance I get, depending on the weather, I've got my windows open to give my home a good airing
quentariel 8 months ago
Me too. I was so happy when I moved into my current apartment and had windows on both sides of the house so I could finally get a cross-draugh.
Load More Replies... Maples Dad 8 months ago
Lucky you for being able to do that and for having a back door. If I had a back door I'd fall to my death!
#29
Exhaustive list, which may or may not be relevant depending on what you are going to do together:
Door handles, doors, thresholds and trim for doors, and walls, especially in areas with a lot of spatter, like bathroom and kitchen.
Light switches and electrical outlets.
Toilet seat, above and under. Toilet brims. Sinks and taps (hate coming home to peoples homes and there are residues of beard all over the bathroom sink). Toilet paper holders.
Table sides.
Below carpets and behind curtains.
Radiators.
Remotes for TV and other equipment, game controllers, keyboards and mouse.
Glassware.
Microwaves, stove tops and ovens. Fridge.
StrangeOne 8 months ago
This is why I rarely invite people over. I do all of this spaced out. I do not like doing a deep clean all in one, tight timeframe.
Maples Dad 8 months ago
It makes sense to just do it over time and staying on top of it, that way no deep clean is needed unless like me your Jewish mother is visiting and with the radar eyes will no doubt spot some dust. My home is spotless but my mother is visiting Friday so I'm doing a deep clean of an already clean house tomorrow 😂
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#30
Cobwebs on the ceilings.
Rose the Cook 8 months ago
Nasty ex sister in law 's husband's quote; " Look up never down or eye level if you want something to criticize."
Unkeptwoman 8 months ago
I let a couple of spiders have webs in the corners. Keeps bugs to a minimum and way better than Raid.
#31
Top of the toilet cistern unless it's one of those near the ceiling ones.
Rachel Pelz 8 months ago
Actually the common meaning of cistern is a tank for rainwater.
Load More Replies... #32
The black garbage disposals guard thingy in your kitchen sink.
SouthernGal 8 months ago
The top side of it is bad enough, but the underneath that you can’t see gets very nasty if not cleaned often.
#33
Stainless steel anything seems to be way more dirty than we notice day to day. Grill hoods, fridge handles, microwaves, ovens, trash cans, visible small appliances, dishwashers all show hard water, smudges and dust. I give these a once over.
Susan 8 months ago
I think there is some kind of finish/sealer coating spray you can put on these to cause less smudges. I don't have stainless so I don't know for sure but I'm pretty sure I remember seeing it advertised somewhere.
ILoveMySon 7 months ago
Sounds crazy but WD40 creates a nice shine after cleaning with spray of choice. It is cheaper and works SO MUCH BETTER.
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#34
The walls. Especially if you put your hand in one spot a lot.
SirWriteALot 8 months ago
Real men sit down. It's more comfortable and you can close your eyes. Also cleaner.
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DrBronxx 8 months ago
We don't touch our walls. There's like a layer of powder or something on them. If you lean against them, your clothes will come away white. It's an absolute pain in the a*s that our realtor said would disappear in a couple of weeks after the house was built, but it never did. On the plus side, our walls are sparkling as a result.
#36
If you are short... apparently tall people can see the dust on your shelves and picture frames. lol.
seriously though, take a bucket and some cloths and wash all the doors, esp around the doorknobs and also the light switches and the walls around those. Look closely at the wall next to the toilet in all kinds of light/positions.
#37
Light switches. People seem to forget to clean them, even self-described ‘neat freaks.’.
SouthernGal 8 months ago
Light switches, door knobs and remote controls are often overlooked. I can’t imagine how nasty remote controls in hotels are.
Savannah greenleaf 7 months ago
If I could get my puppies to stop eating my remotes I think you have a very good point.
Load More Replies... #38
Doors where people grab them to push or pull them
open. Area around and above the doorknob. Also, light switch covers.
#39
Wall behind the garage can if it’s not inside a cupboard. I dated a guy who never cleaned the wall and it was covered in splatter. Yes I spoke up about it no it didn’t last. He was a gross guy.
#40
The bathroom medicine cabinet. People are gonna look. Hide that stuff under your bed till they’re gone. Toothbrushes too.
Gossameringue 8 months ago
Or put really weird s**t in there like jars of preserves, Polly Pocket dolls, and googly eyes
LillieMean 8 months ago
Now I want to buy googly eyes. Maybe I could make a jar for the front row with the label saying "unsee pills." I'll put candy inside.
Load More Replies... Maples Dad 8 months ago (edited)
We just have 2 perspex IKEA shelves with our stuff on it, looks like a shop tbh. But a friend used the toilet and when she came out she promptly informed me she was going to IKEA as soon as she left ours as she loved how it looks, which was a great compliment!
quentariel 8 months ago
Most medicines don't like being kept in the bathroom, so I don't get why most people automatically keep them there. And I would never invite over anyone who I would need to hide my toothbrush from.
What do you think ?
Sarah Suelzle 8 months ago
Ok so literally every inch of your entire house. Got it. I have to say...if my house has to be THAT clean for someone to visit...I'll just meet them at their hotel.
Hippopotamuses 8 months ago (edited)
I don't want to seem judgemental, but just keeping your house clean, to an acceptable level, would solve all of these problems. People should be coming to see you, not your house!
StrangeOne 8 months ago
To the average person, yes. But if you have particularly judgmental people in your circle, probably best to limit their visits or not have them over at all.
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Daria 8 months ago
i've always lived by the rule that if it's acceptably clean for my family and me, all the others will manage. if not, we can always meet at their place instead :D
Savannah greenleaf 7 months ago
Agreed, otherwise they walked in the door they should know where to exit.
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MonsterMum 8 months ago
I think a house should be a home, not some sterile showpiece. If your friends are nosing through your bathroom cabinet and looking for dust, they shouldn't be. A home should be hygienic and functional. A bit of dust is not unhygienic.
T'Mar of Vulcan 8 months ago
Went to visit some friends in the UK and I have never seen such a cluttered house in my life. I mean, every surface was covered with *stuff*. Even at the dining table - I had to balance my plate between a pile of books and papers and the edge. The back yard, small as it was, had grass growing at waist-height. I was flabbergasted and found it hard not to judge. I mean, the visit/dinner was planned months in advance, and they couldn't even clean off the couch for visitors to sit on? They couldn't be bothered to move stuff off the table that people were going to eat at? I feel sorry for their kids, living in that mess.
Sarah Suelzle 8 months ago
Ok so literally every inch of your entire house. Got it. I have to say...if my house has to be THAT clean for someone to visit...I'll just meet them at their hotel.
Hippopotamuses 8 months ago (edited)
I don't want to seem judgemental, but just keeping your house clean, to an acceptable level, would solve all of these problems. People should be coming to see you, not your house!
StrangeOne 8 months ago
To the average person, yes. But if you have particularly judgmental people in your circle, probably best to limit their visits or not have them over at all.
Load More Replies... Daria 8 months ago
i've always lived by the rule that if it's acceptably clean for my family and me, all the others will manage. if not, we can always meet at their place instead :D
Savannah greenleaf 7 months ago
Agreed, otherwise they walked in the door they should know where to exit.
Load More Replies... MonsterMum 8 months ago
I think a house should be a home, not some sterile showpiece. If your friends are nosing through your bathroom cabinet and looking for dust, they shouldn't be. A home should be hygienic and functional. A bit of dust is not unhygienic.
T'Mar of Vulcan 8 months ago
Went to visit some friends in the UK and I have never seen such a cluttered house in my life. I mean, every surface was covered with *stuff*. Even at the dining table - I had to balance my plate between a pile of books and papers and the edge. The back yard, small as it was, had grass growing at waist-height. I was flabbergasted and found it hard not to judge. I mean, the visit/dinner was planned months in advance, and they couldn't even clean off the couch for visitors to sit on? They couldn't be bothered to move stuff off the table that people were going to eat at? I feel sorry for their kids, living in that mess.
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