Struggling to keep on top of the chaos that rule your house on a day-to-day basis, mamas?
The thing is, while you may have come to terms with the apocalyptic levels of mess (c'mon, you have kids!), you are probably a little less keen to let surprise summer visitors in on your dirty little secrets. Fear not, we have the super-fast cheat-your-way-to-a-clean-looking-house technique that every parent needs. All you need is 15 minutes. Ready, set, go:
1. Clean the Three T's: Toilets, Tabletops, the Television. What? The television? Yup! Most living rooms are centered around your TV and the amount of dust that hangs on it will quickly let it be revealed that all is not as it seems...
2. Do the basket-walk: Instead of just throwing things into the hot-press and under the sofa (yep, that happens), take a large basket and do a round through all the rooms your guests will see. Pick up anything that doesn't belong in there, toys, plates, laundry, and then stash it away (until your visitors leave and you can start putting the stuff back where it actually belongs).
3. Focus on your hallway: First impressions and all that...make room so your guests can hang their jackets and bags up and do a swift tidy up.
4. Hide your dirty dishes: Please don't judge me for this tip, but in an absolute emergency, hiding your dishes in the oven is a genius move to make your sink look clean. Unless the oven is still full of turkey of course.
5. De-clutter: Newspaper, old magazines and bills; bin or hide.
6. Empty the bin: And while you are at it, take out the rubbish.
7. Restock: Put out fresh hand towels, extra rolls of toilet paper, and soap.
8. Fluff your pillows: It will make your sofa look less messy and more inviting.
9. Dim the lights: Everything looks clean in the dark, you know. Also, candle lights being your lighting of choice basically makes everything look prettier.
10. Light a scented candle: In fact, light a few, one in the hallways will make your guests think the house smells lovely and clean the minute they step foot inside.
Now get out of your dressing gown and put your game face on. People are at the door!
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(Feature image via Pinterest)
