What’s your first reaction when someone rings or texts to ask if they can pop in? Calm pleasure as you stroll to put the kettle on and fetch a batch of freshly made biscuits from the cupboard? Or blind panic because the house isn’t quite up to a public appearance?
We’ve all been there! In fact, more than half of Brits have admited to being embarrassed about the state of their home, a study has revealed. Dated décor, unfinished DIY and mess are the biggest reasons.
If you get a sudden call - or just want to shave some time off your cleaning - here are our top 5-minute cleaning hacks to help you give your home a speedy facelift!
Open a few windows
Letting in some fresh air is probably the quickest and easiest way to make your home more inviting. Light a few candles while you're at it to cover any stale smells!
Pop on your rubber gloves
Not to do the washing up though... If you’ve got pets, you'll know that pet hair gets everywhere and it's not particularly inviting for guests to sit on a sofa covered in Fido's fur. Run your rubber-gloved hands over the upholstery and it should pick it all up.
Focus!
Decide where your guests will be spending time once they’re through the front door and focus on these areas. It will most likely be the living room or kitchen so concentrate on those. Grab a basket and fill it with any clutter. The basket can then be shut in a cupboard until the guests are gone!
Do floors first
Get the vacuum out if you’ve got time for a quick whiz round. But don’t leave this until the last minute – you may not hear the door bell, and then your guests will definitely know you’ve been having a panicked clean-round!
Wipe away
Grab a damp ecloth and run over surfaces - use one to wipe around the kitchen and any dusty corners.
Don't forget the loo!
Quickly bleach and wipe around the toilet, and check there’s a hand towel and some soap at the basin.
If all else fails...
Too much to achieve in five minutes? Suggest you go out for a coffee instead.
