Yikes: You weren’t ready for this. But it’s totally okay! You’re hosting guests in just a few hours, and your home is a mess. Don’t panic. With a smart plan and focused effort, you can get your house guest-ready in under two hours. Whether it’s unexpected company or a planned dinner party, this quick routine is your go-to for a clean and welcoming home.
This routine is designed especially for busy Santa Clarita households where the pace is fast and the expectations are high. Let’s get your home sparkling without losing your cool.
Hour 1: The Essentials
0:00–20:00 – Tidy and Declutter
Grab a laundry basket and move room to room, picking up stray items.
Put items that don’t belong in a room into the basket (you can sort them later).
Fluff pillows, straighten chairs, fold blankets.
20:00–40:00 – Kitchen Refresh
Load dishwasher or wash any dishes in the sink.
Wipe down countertops and cabinet faces with an all-purpose cleaner.
Take out the trash and replace the liner.
Quickly sweep or vacuum the kitchen floor.
40:00–60:00 – Bathroom Touch-Up
Clean the mirror and countertop.
Wipe down the toilet seat and rim.
Change out hand towels.
Empty trash.
Do a quick mop or floor wipe.
Hour 2: Fine-Tune and Focus
60:00–80:00 – Living and Common Areas
Dust surfaces (start high and go low).
Use a lint roller for furniture if pets are in the home.
Vacuum rugs or sweep hard floors.
Light a candle or turn on an essential oil diffuser.
80:00–100:00 – Guest Bedroom or Space
Smooth the bedspread and fluff pillows.
Wipe down nightstands or tables.
Add a bottle of water, a lamp, or a magazine for a thoughtful touch.
100:00–120:00 – Final Walkthrough
Do a smell check in each room and adjust with fresh air, spray, or candles.
Put away the laundry basket used for clutter.
Dim the lighting or adjust blinds for a cozy ambiance.
Make sure entryway is swept and clutter-free.
The Santa Clarita Standard
Santa Clarita house cleaning for homeowners that often juggle a fast-paced lifestyle with active family schedules, which makes last-minute hosting a common reality. This 2-hour plan is perfect for those moments when you want your home to look polished without calling in backup.
But if you ever do need help? Marching Maids can match you with a vetted, background-checked cleaning professional for same-day or regularly scheduled cleanings. Whether you need a deep cleaning or an occasional spruce-up, we’ve got you covered.