Waiting for guests: what you should and shouldn’t clean before guests arrive

We know how much effort you put into cleaning your home before guests arrive! Experts are there to help you and tell you what to focus on and what to leave for next time.

As much as you love hosting, it can be very stressful when you know there are still hours left and you haven't finished cleaning yet! Of course, with the winter holidays approaching, stress levels increase even more, so we are coming to your aid with good news!

Experts have found out what objects in your home guests see, and what surfaces, places or things they don’t even notice. Yes, you read that right! There are places where guests do not notice each other.

Please note: dust

You may not need to dust every corner of your home, but you should do it on visible items. Reader's Digest experts say dusting should be a priority, especially if guests decide to stay overnight.

Don't notice: what's in the refrigerator

It may be tempting to clean out the fridge before guests arrive, but experts say you can skip this step: "As long as they have access to juice and cookies, you can forget about this task," says cleanliness expert Alicia Sokolowski. Of course, it is important that your refrigerator is cleaned beforehand.

Note: Stains in the bathroom

Whether your guests will be staying with you for hours or days, it is important to keep the bathroom as clean as possible. Make sure that the bathroom is free of dirt and mold, and that the toilet, shower stall and sink are clean!

Don't notice: clothes in the closet

Of course, it is very important to keep your clothes in order, but why should guests care what’s in the closet? “As long as guests have a place to leave their suitcases, they will rarely look in the closets,” says the specialist. You should also ensure that overnight guests have a locker for personal items.

Note: Animal hair and odor

If you have pets, it is important to vacuum the sofas and floors in your home before guests arrive. For animal hair, a special roller is no less useful, which will allow you to quickly get rid of unwanted hair.

I don't notice: Dishes in the washing machine

Most guests will stay in the common areas of the house, not helping you cook. This means they will not open the devices at home. Alicia Sokolowski says not to worry about what's inside the microwave, dishwasher or laundry in the washing machine.

Don't forget the smell of home!

Your guests will also notice how the house smells. To make a good impression, make sure you ventilate the rooms well and use the right air freshener. Experts recommend cutting up a lemon and adding it to the fire in a pan of water along with fresh rosemary. Boil water for an hour without a lid and your home will smell fresh!