Fall is undeniably the season that welcomes gathering with family and friends in our homes. For us, it’s the season we often have the most guests over for dinner parties, overnight weekend visits and of course, holiday gatherings as we head into winter. That act of gathering is what gets me truly excited for the cooler and cozy seasons, but along with hosting comes the need for a clean and tidy house. I usually like to deep clean my house a couple of days before guests arrive, but let’s face it, we all know that doesn’t always happen. So, we’ve partnered with The Laundress (in celebration of their 15th anniversary!), to share our go-to routine for getting your home guest-ready in 15 minutes flat. And yes, it’s really possible! Take a peek at our how-to video below for the minute-by-minute routine and make sure to scroll to the bottom of this post for a 25% off discount code to use when you’re stocking up.
Step 1: Declutter & Clean Surfaces
(4 Minutes)
First up, you’ll want to declutter and clean all the surfaces in the spaces that you’ll be spending time in. This usually includes the kitchen, living room and the dining room (if you’ll be hosting dinner). The Laundress Surface Cleaner is my absolute favorite because it’s a one-stop-shop and I can use it on all the surfaces that I’m cleaning, from countertops to wood and even stainless steel. The nontoxic formula is food, family, and pet safe so it’s a kitchen staple. It also smells incredible without being too overpowering! I swear I go through a bottle of this every month or so between daily messes with my two-year-old and regular clean-ups.
For areas that I just don’t have time to clear off, I’ll hit those with The Laundress Duster for Small Spaces to make sure they’re clear of dust or dirt. I never thought I would say I love a duster, but this one is so great for those styled vignettes and small spaces that you want to tackle quickly.
Step 2: Load Up the Dishwasher
(4 Minutes)
Next, I’ll pop any dirty dishes into the dishwasher and throw it on, that way when my company leaves, all I have to do is take out the clean dishes and toss anything that we’ve used in there. The Laundress Dish Detergent is the best, because not only can you use it to hand-wash but you can also use it in your dishwasher, which means one less bottle to keep under the sink! Like all products by The Laundress, their Dish Detergent is biodegradable which is so important with products that end up in your drain.
I also use the Scented Vinegar as a rinse aid which keeps everything super sparkly and streak-free. This Scented Vinegar is a natural deodorizer so if you notice an unsavory scent in your kitchen or in your refrigerator or garbage can, place a bowl of Scented Vinegar in the affected area and let it sit. It absorbs the unwanted smell without adding a vinegar smell in its place.
Step 3: Prep the Bathroom
(4 Minutes)
After that, I head to the bathroom. I don’t get too involved here but the areas I like to quickly tackle are the toilet, the vanity, and the sink. I keep an extra bottle of The Laundress Surface Cleaner in my bathrooms too because like I said, this stuff is my go-to for all surfaces. I also quickly touch up the mirror with the Glass and Mirror Cleaner and these Lint-Free Cleaning Cloths so there’s no residue or lint left behind.
Step 4: Set the Mood
(3 Minutes)
The last few minutes is crunch time and it’s all about setting the mood. Two things most guests notice when they walk into your home are scent and sound. Even if you haven’t had a chance to deep clean, you can still create that illusion with scent. This is my favorite part of the routine! As I’m going around and putting on final touches, I’ll spritz a little bit of The Laundress Home Spray in every room. Then, I’ll light a candle (this one is so good!), put on a playlist and pour myself a well-deserved glass of wine.
We hope this quick routine helps you as you’re prepping to host guests this season! If you’d like to try The Laundress’ eco-friendly laundry or home cleaning products, head to their site. Use code HAVEN25 to get 25% off sitewide through 10/29.
