Getting your home guest-ready can feel like a daunting task, especially if you’ve let the cleaning slide for a while. Having company over often motivates us to get our living spaces cleaner than usual. You want your guests to feel comfortable and at home in your space, not distracted by clutter and messiness.
The good news is that with some advanced preparation and a thorough cleaning checklist, you can get every room guest-ready without feeling overwhelmed. We’ve created the ultimate cleaning guide to help you tackle cleaning and organizing room-by-room before guests arrive. With our detailed checklist broken down by area, you’ll know exactly what tasks to prioritize so your home looks its best.
Kitchen Cleaning
The kitchen is often the gathering place when you have guests over. Make sure yours is spotless so you can comfortably host and converse without embarrassment over messy counters or appliances.
Counters & Appliances
- Clear all countertops of clutter and personal items.
- Give all counters a thorough wipe down, sanitizing high touch areas like around the sink and stove.
- Clean the tops and fronts of all appliances: the stove, oven, refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker.
- Make sure appliances are fingerprint and smudge-free. Pay extra attention to stainless steel.
- Remove all items off the top of the refrigerator and wipe down.
- Sweep and mop kitchen floors.
- Clean cabinets and drawers if needed.
Dishes
- Empty or load any dirty dishes from the sink and dishwasher.
- Handwash any dishes, glasses or utensils sitting out.
- Dry and put all handwashed items away.
- Run the dishwasher if needed to clean all glassware and dishes.
- After clean dishes are unloaded, put away anything out on counters.
Food & Supplies
- Check expiration dates and toss anything expired or stale.
- Organize food cabinets and pantry.
- Wipe down any sticky or messy cabinets.
- Restock napkins, paper towels, soap dispensers if low.
- Make sure you have backup basics like coffee, tea, seasonings.
Garbage & Recycling
- Take out all trash bags and replace with new liners.
- Empty recycling bin and wipe it down if needed.
- Hide trash and recycling bins in cabinets or pantry.
Sink
- Clean the kitchen sink by scrubbing surfaces and faucet fixtures.
- Use a non-abrasive cleaner or DIY baking soda paste.
- Rinse and dry with a paper towel or cloth.
- Make sink look spotless and streak free.
Oven
- Use oven cleaner to thoroughly clean inside of oven. Let sit before wiping down.
- Clean stovetop surface of baked on food and stains.
- Remove racks and clean by hand or use self-cleaning function.
- Wipe down exterior oven surfaces getting rid of any grime or splatters.
Microwave
- Remove any glass turntables or racks and wash by hand.
- Mix warm water and vinegar in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave 2-3 minutes to loosen food and grease.
- Carefully remove bowl using a hot pad. Wipe down interior surfaces with a cloth.
- Wash interior glass plate from inside the microwave if needed.
Small Appliances
- Unplug any small appliances and wipe down all surfaces.
- This includes the coffee maker, toaster, blender and more.
- For coffee maker, dump old coffee grounds and make a fresh batch.
Kitchen Table & Chairs
- Completely clear off dining table and wipe down.
- Dust and wash chairs if needed, especially underneath seats and legs.
- Optional: add a tablecloth, placemats or table centerpiece.
Lighting & Windows
- Clean light fixture coverings using duster or vacuum crevice tool.
- Wash window sills and glass if smudged or dirty.
- Add sunshine by opening drapes and blinds.
Bathroom Cleaning
The bathroom should be the most spotlessly cleaned room when expecting guests. Make sure yours is pristine with extra attention to sinks, showers and toilets.
Toilet
- Scrub interior toilet bowl using a toilet brush and bathroom cleaner.
- Make sure exterior of toilet base and lid are also cleaned.
- Wipe down any surfaces around the toilet that need it.
- Freshen by flushing 1/4 cup of bleach or using a toilet tablet.
Sink & Countertops
- Clear off counters completely of toiletries and personal items.
- Use a disinfecting bathroom spray or solution for countertops.
- Scrub and disinfect sink basin, faucet and handles. Let sit before rinsing.
- Polish mirror and faucet fixtures until streak free.
Shower & Tub
- Give shower walls a thorough scrubbing using an abrasive sponge or brush.
- Clean soap scum and mildew off of tile and grout. Use bleach, vinegar or scrubbing bubbles.
- Spray down shower door tracks and scrub away grime buildup.
- Thoroughly clean inside tub surface with a heavy duty cleaner.
- Rinse and wipe down shower head and hose removing mineral deposits.
Flooring
- Sweep and mop bathroom floors, getting into corners and around toilets.
- Clean inside of toilet base getting off dust and dirt.
- Use disinfectant to really sanitize flooring.
Cabinets & Storage
- Wipe down outside of cabinets and storage shelves.
- Organize and tidy up cabinets, under sink and medicine cabinets.
- Stock bath tissue, soap dispensers, towels and cleaning supplies.
Extras
- Clean out hair from drains and use a drain snake if clogged.
- Polish chrome or metal accents with glass cleaner.
- Fluff bath mats and hang up fresh hand towels.
- Open windows or lightly spray air freshener.
Bedroom Cleaning
You likely won’t have guests spending much time in your bedroom, but it should still be freshened up before they arrive. A tidy room feels peaceful and relaxing if a guest does peek in.
Furniture
- Make bed with fresh, wrinkle-free linens.
- Fluff and arrange pillows neatly.
- Dust wood furniture using polishing spray and cloth.
- For upholstered headboards, use handheld vacuum.
Flooring
- Vacuum carpet and area rugs to get up dirt and hair.
- Sweep and mop hard floors, moving beds to get edges.
- Clean under bed by removing dust and debris with hand vac.
Closets & Drawers
- Organize and tidy up closets, folding or hanging clothes.
- Clear out clutter on top of dressers and wipe surfaces clean.
- Shut closet doors and drawer so interiors are hidden from view.
Surfaces
- Dust ceiling fans and light fixtures using a duster.
- Wipe down ceiling corners and walls if spiderwebs or dirt.
- Clean bedroom mirrors, windows and window sills.
Laundry
- Place dirty clothes in hampers or bins and hide laundry baskets.
- Do a load of laundry if needed so clothes aren’t piled on furniture.
Aromatherapy
- Light a scented candle or essential oil diffuser.
- Spray linen spray or room deodorizer for fresh bedroom scent.
Bathroom Cleaning
The bathroom should be the most spotlessly cleaned room when expecting guests. Make sure yours is pristine with extra attention to sinks, showers and toilets.
Toilet
- Scrub interior toilet bowl using a toilet brush and bathroom cleaner.
- Make sure exterior of toilet base and lid are also cleaned.
- Wipe down any surfaces around the toilet that need it.
- Freshen by flushing 1/4 cup of bleach or using a toilet tablet.
Sink & Countertops
- Clear off counters completely of toiletries and personal items.
- Use a disinfecting bathroom spray or solution for countertops.
- Scrub and disinfect sink basin, faucet and handles. Let sit before rinsing.
- Polish mirror and faucet fixtures until streak free.
Shower & Tub
- Give shower walls a thorough scrubbing using an abrasive sponge or brush.
- Clean soap scum and mildew off of tile and grout. Use bleach, vinegar or scrubbing bubbles.
- Spray down shower door tracks and scrub away grime buildup.
- Thoroughly clean inside tub surface with a heavy duty cleaner.
- Rinse and wipe down shower head and hose removing mineral deposits.
Flooring
- Sweep and mop bathroom floors, getting into corners and around toilets.
- Clean inside of toilet base getting off dust and dirt.
- Use disinfectant to really sanitize flooring.
Cabinets & Storage
- Wipe down outside of cabinets and storage shelves.
- Organize and tidy up cabinets, under sink and medicine cabinets.
- Stock bath tissue, soap dispensers, towels and cleaning supplies.
Extras
- Clean out hair from drains and use a drain snake if clogged.
- Polish chrome or metal accents with glass cleaner.
- Fluff bath mats and hang up fresh hand towels.
- Open windows or lightly spray air freshener.
Living Room Cleaning
The living room is often another popular hangout for guests in your home. Make it warm and inviting by doing a thorough tidying and cleaning.
Furniture
- Fluff and arrange pillows on sofas and chairs.
- Use handheld vacuum on upholstered furniture, crevices and corners.
- Dust wood furniture with polish and cloth, cleaning under any decor.
- Use vacuum crevice tool to clean between cushion cracks.
Electronics
- Dust TV screens, stands, gaming consoles, stereos and remotes.
- Organize wiring and hide cords out of sight if possible.
- Clean glass on picture frames using glass cleaner and microfiber cloth.
Surfaces
- Clear off clutter from coffee tables, side tables and console tables.
- Give all surfaces a thorough wipe down and disinfect high touch areas.
- Dust and wash baseboards if dirty.
- Clean walls, switch plates and outlets of dirt, smudges and fingerprints.
Flooring
- Thoroughly vacuum carpets and area rugs, moving furniture to access edges.
- Sweep then mop hard flooring like wood, tile or linoleum.
- Clean under furniture like couches to remove dust and debris.
Windows & Doors
- Wipe down insides of windows and sills if dirty or smudged.
- Clean windows on inside and out if easily accessible.
- Dust blinds, curtains and drapes.
- Clean inside of sliding glass doors and tracks.
Air Quality
- Vacuum air vents and radiators to remove excess dust buildup.
- Clean ceiling fans and fan blades.
- Consider using an air purifier or diffusing essential oils.
- Open windows if nice out to air out room before guests arrive.
Aromatherapy
- Light candles or essential oil diffusers to make room smell welcoming.
- Arrange fresh flowers like lilies, roses or eucalyptus.
Entryway Cleaning
A clean, inviting entryway sets the tone when guests first arrive at your home. Make sure it’s orderly and sanitized.
Floors
- Sweep then thoroughly mop entry floors.
- Clean entry mats inside and out.
- Use a disinfecting cleaner or vinegar solution.
Walls & Doors
- Spot clean walls, especially around doorknobs and light switches.
- Dust doors, clean door handles and wipe down frames.
- Clean windows around entrance doors.
Furniture
- Clear entryway furniture like benches and shelves of clutter.
- Vacuum and dust surfaces, furniture and decor.
Storage Spaces
- Organize and tidy up front hall closets.
- Store away spare coats, shoes and accessories.
- Fluff stored blankets or linens to look neat.
Additional Spots
- Dust ceiling corners, fans and light fixtures.
- Disinfect doorknobs and handles which are high touch areas.
- Shine metal fixtures like door plates and knockers.
Deck & Patio
Make your outdoor living spaces spotless and inviting if hosting guests outside.
Furniture
- Wipe down outdoor furniture removing grime, dirt and debris.
- Use a mild soap and water solution and rinse completely.
- Fluff up cushions after cleaning.
Surfaces
- Sweep debris off of deck and patio flooring using an outdoor broom.
- Use a hose sprayer to give deck or patio a strong rinse cleaning dirt from cracks.
- Clean railings, ledges and siding if needed.
Yard
- Pick up any litter or toys scattered throughout yard.
- Mow lawn and trim if overgrown.
- Weed and tidy up garden beds and landscaping if needed.
Hardscaping
- Use a hose sprayer to clean siding, retaining walls or fencing.
- Sweep off paths, play structures or hardscaping.
- Clean outdoor kitchens and grilling areas.
Pools & Hot Tubs
- Skim surface debris and vacuum pool floors if you have one.
- Test and adjust chemicals.
- Hot tubs should be scrubbed, cleaned, refilled and reheated before use.
Extras
- Wash outdoor rugs if needed.
- Clear out cobwebs using a broom.
- Light citronella candles to deter mosquitos.
Garage & Driveway
If guests park in your driveway or you pass through the garage to enter, make sure it’s orderly.
Declutter
- Organize tools, sports equipment and other accessories.
- Properly store away hazardous chemicals.
- Get rid of trash bags.
Clean
- Sweep garage flooring removing debris, dust and cobwebs.
- Use a leaf blower to clear driveway and walkways.
- Hose down siding or exterior garage surfaces if dirty.
Vehicles
- Clear out interior clutter from cars and vacuum if needed.
- Spray down and wipe exteriors removing stuck on dirt or grime.
- Organize vehicles parked in driveway or garage.
Outdoor Areas
Any spaces guests will traverse outdoors should get some tidying up before the event.
Landscaping
- Mow lawn and trim bushes if overgrown.
- Weed garden beds and pluck out any dead plants or flowers.
- Sweep debris off walkways, driveways and sidewalks.
Exterior Areas
- Use a hose sprayer to give home siding a rinse if dirty or dusty.
- Clean outdoor furniture cushions and wipe down surfaces.
- Pick up any clutter like yard toys, branches or litter.
Hardscaping
- Pressure wash exterior surfaces like driveways, decks or patios if needed.
- Repair any outdoor structures in disrepair before guests come.
- Paint or stain fixtures with chipped or fading paint.
Whole Home Areas
Do a final run through of the entire home to check off these last tasks from your list.
Air Quality
- Clean return air vents and change air filters if needed.
- Consider using air purifiers and diffusing essential oils.
- Open windows on nice days to air out home before guests come over.
Lamps & Lighting
- Replace any burned out lightbulbs noticed throughout home.
- Dust lamp bases, shades and light fixtures thoroughly.
Electronics
- Charge devices you’ll use while hosting like speakers or tablets.
- Hide cords or cables that are out in main living spaces.
Pillows & Throws
- Fluff and arrange pillows in organized groupings on sofas or beds.
- Fold any throws draped on furniture neatly.
Plants
- Water indoor plants and prune any dead leaves or flowers.
- Consider placing new plants where needed as fresh decor.
Final Touches
- Give all floors a final vacuum or mopping.
- Take out trash bags and recycling before guests come.
- Do any last minute laundry if needed.
- Light candles or use essential oil diffusers.
FAQs About Cleaning for Houseguests
How far in advance should you clean before having guests over?
Ideally 2-3 days before guests arrive. This allows you enough time to tackle the entire home without feeling rushed. For a quicker clean, 1-2 days in advance works too.
What are the most important rooms to clean when company is coming over?
The main living spaces guests will frequent like the kitchen, living room, guest bathroom and entryway. Also any outdoor areas they may use like the patio. Bedrooms can just get a light tidy.
What cleaning supplies do you need when preparing for company?
All purpose cleaner, glass cleaner, dusting spray, disinfectant wipes or spray, toilet bowl cleaner, baking soda and vacuum. Microfiber cloths, duster, mop, bucket, broom & scrub brushes.
What areas should you sanitize before visitors come over?
High touch areas like doorknobs, light switches, handles and sink fixtures. Also toilet bowls, countertops, tables, kitchen surfaces. Anywhere susceptible to germs.
How do you make your home smell fresh for guests?
Light scented candles in main rooms, diffuse essential oils, bake something delicious, spray linen spray on soft surfaces and open windows for fresh air.