15 Tricks to Speed Clean the House

Hide your dirty dishes in a deep sink, in the dishwasher, or even in the oven. A quick sweep of the kitchen will make it look spectacular.

Stash clothes and coats in closets. Don't fret if its not the item's proper place, you can go back and straighten later.

This goes for shoes too. If you notice one after company arrives, just kick it under the table.

Style and straighten your sofa cushions and fluff your pillows.

Neatly fold any and all visible throws. This will give your space a polished look.

This applies for all visible towels too—hand towels, bath towels, and dish towels.

Empty the garbage cans and waste baskets—particularly the ones in powder rooms.

Roll up the ends of the toilet paper—a long trail of that will defeat every cleaning effort that you've made thus far.

Organize and neaten your bookshelves. Make sure that all the spines are pointing in the same direction and objects are pulled close to the end of the shelf.

Hide as much technology as you can: cords, tvs, remotes—none of these convey welcoming feelings.

Clear away all dog toys and leashes to their designated hooks, nooks, or basket. You never know where Beau or Butter have left their bone.

Dust tabletops and any other spot where a highly visible dust bunny could be lurking—like a corner, shelf ledge, or the tops of picture frames.

Sweep off your front porch, front steps, or front foyer where leaves and dirt collect. Shake out your front mat too.

Wipe down countertops with a clean smelling product like Windex, Chlorox, 409, or Mrs. Meyers.

Light a candle. Relax and have fun!