Quick Christmas Cleaning: 15 Minutes to a Cleaner House

During the holiday season, it is not unusual for guests to drop by on short notice, often to the chagrin of homeowners who are less than enthusiastic about cleaning up to entertain guests. These quick tips, however, can help turn a messy home into a neat, clean abode perfect for last-minute entertaining. Even better, these ten tasks only add up to fifteen minutes of housework, which can easily be squeezed between wrapping a last minute gift and a quick trip to the post office to mail holiday cards.

1. Christmas Tree Cleanup

The Christmas tree is the showpiece of any home's holiday decorations, and a quick cleanup can make it worthy of that attention at any time during the holidays. Smooth out the tree skirt, pick up loose needles, and rearrange tinsel to cover gaps or bare patches to keep the tree looking its best.

Time: 1.5 minutes.

2. Holiday Snacks

It is courteous and welcoming to have a few holiday snacks on hand. Before guests drop by, refill candy dishes and cookie plates, and consider putting out a fresh plate of fudge or other decadent treats.

Time: 1 minute.

3. Hand Vacuuming

If guests are dropping by on short notice, there may not be time to drag out the vacuum even for a few quick swipes. Instead, use a small hand vacuum - or your fingers! - to pick up the most obvious debris such as cookie crumbs, loose bits of tinsel, scattered pet food, pine needles, odd scraps of wrapping paper, or other dirty specks. To save even more time, recruit the kids for this task with a reward for the biggest handful of picked up bits.

Time: 3 minutes.

4. Scented Candles

Warm, delicious scents such as vanilla, cinnamon, coffee, or chocolate help set a very homey atmosphere for the holidays. Light a scented candle or oil infuser several minutes before guests arrive to take advantage of the easy air freshener as well as the warmth of the flickering candlelight.

Time: 30 seconds.

5. Close Doors

Undoubtedly there will not be time to thoroughly clean every room when guests are on their way, but simply closing doors to untidy rooms can make the house seem neater as well as keep guests from venturing into less than perfect areas. Children's rooms, bathrooms, laundry rooms, pantries, and closet doors should all be tightly closed.

Time: 30 seconds.

6. Dishes

If possible, store all dirty dishes in the dishwasher during the holidays and be sure to close the door tightly before company arrives. Alternatively, store dirty dishes in a sink strainer that can quickly be moved beneath the sink to hide the mess. Don't forget to rinse out the sink quickly to remove loose crumbs and stains.

Time: 1.5 minutes.

7. Kitchen Cleanup

While you're in the kitchen, run a damp sponge or dishcloth over the counters, faucets, and stove to keep them sparkling. Don't forget the front of the refrigerator, especially the handles, and clean up any obvious spots on the kitchen floor as well.

Time: 2.5 minutes.

8. Bathroom Cleanup

Should a guest ask to use the restroom, you don't want to be embarrassed by unsightly rings, dirt, and stains. Use a shower pouf with a bit of body wash to quickly scrub the bathtub and sink, as well wipe down the toilet seat. Straighten towels, check that the toilet tissue is adequate, and put away any loose makeup, toothbrushes, or other items for a quick bathroom cleanup.

Time: 3 minutes.

9. Trash Patrol

It only takes a few seconds to empty trash containers, but a clean, empty can looks much more appealing than a pile of debris. Focus first on visible trash cans in offices, bedrooms, or other places guests may see to ensure your home looks its best.

Time: 1 minute.

10. Welcoming Touches

Adding some heartfelt welcoming touches can let a guest know you are happy to see them and to share the spirit of the holidays in your home. Quick tasks such as turning on holiday carols, lighting the Christmas tree, and flicking the switch on a gas fireplace can spruce up your home, improve your holiday mood, and make any guest feel welcome.

Time: 30 seconds.

TOTAL TIME: 15 minutes

Many people feel harried during the holiday season as they rush from one pressing task to another, but with a few quick cleaning chores housework does not need to become another seasonal burden.