Unexpected guests on the way? Tips to fake a clean house

Updated June 25, 2025, 4:30 p.m. | By Lifestyle Reporter

Here's how to clean your house quickly when you're expecting visitors on short notice.

Cleaning supplies in a kitchen — File photo: iStock

Ding-dong. It's a sound that will either excite you or fill you with instant doom.

The latter is usually associated with the arrival of unexpected guests.

While most people call ahead days or weeks before visiting friends and family, some announce they are on their way with little notice.

Pop-in guests are a pleasant but stressful surprise, especially when you haven't cleaned your house.

But fear not, because you can do a few things to make your home appear tidier than it is on short notice.

Here's how to clean your house quickly for unexpected guests.

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Step 1: Open the windows and curtains

If you haven't done so, draw your curtains to let in as much light as possible. Light will make your space brighter and cleaner. Also, open the windows for some fresh air. The last thing you want your guests to do is walk into a stuffy house.

Spray some room mist to make your home smell fresh. You can also light a candle.

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Step 2: Hide the clutter

Next on the list is tidying up clutter, especially in your living room. You can dump things like toys, socks, shoes, books, chargers or anything that you can't immediately pack away but need to remove to make the area look clean.

You can then hide the basket in a cupboard or a room your guest is unlikely to enter. Once you have cleared the clutter, wipe down or dust your TV stand and coffee table.

Step 3: Spotless bathroom

One of the rooms where your guest is likely to visit is the bathroom. This is the one room you want to spend most of your time cleaning before an unexpected guest arrives.

Make sure the sink and toilet bowls are spotless. You will also need to:

Change the hand towel
Make sure there is enough toilet paper
Wipe down the mirrors
Change the bathroom mat if it needs a wash

You can also spray some air freshener and light a candle to make it smell fresh and clean.

Step 4: Tackle all senses

What your guests hear and smell is equally important as what they see. If you have frozen cookies, pop them in the oven to fill your home with a delicious aroma.

Put on some music to set the tone. Music is an integral part of creating a calm and relaxing space. Your visitors will remember the ambience of your home more than a little clutter here and there.

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