It feels impossible to keep your home tidy sometimes, especially when you're balancing work, cooking, maybe parenting and even the slightest bit of a social life. You could spend all your time cleaning and still have more work to do. And even if the house appears clean enough, even the smallest of dust particles or slightest of odors are magnified when guests are coming over.
But help is on the way! As a senior home writer, I test a lot of cleaning gadgets and formulas for a living, so I know which ones can help save the day. I've rounded up seven manageable tasks and no-fail products — including recommendations from cleaning and hospitality experts — that can make a big difference when it comes to wrangling messes and quickly readying your home for company.
Your tidy home checklist
1. Do some quick de-cluttering
Stylish storage can help you get clutter in check, either on a regular basis or quickly before guests arrive, while pinch-hitting as decor. Opt for foldable, nestable options so you can easily stash 'em when they're not in use.
These 12-by-12-inch baskets are made of durable hyacinth, adding a touch of nature wherever you place them. I keep several on a bathroom shelf to organize toiletries and conceal extra products when my shower is cluttered and I have company. And yes, they fold for easy storage!
This top-rated container is another affordable, stylish option for stashing rogue toys, throws, magazines, books and more. I especially like this smaller version (it's 13 by 10 by 9 inches) for narrower shelves and spaces, though it comes in two larger sizes plus a wide range of color combos for covertly stowing all kinds of items.
2. Wipe down surfaces
With clutter under control, a microfiber towel can help you trap smaller dust particles from ceiling fans, shelves, consoles — you name it! Wipe from top to bottom, as experts advise , and consider integrating a multi-purpose cleaner to tackle any stubborn smudges or stains (it will also leave a nice scent and sheen).
The Home Depot
I'm not kidding when I say I use these for everything, from drying dishes to dusting consoles to detailing my car. I recently used them to (carefully) trap dust that had collected on a ceiling fan, and they kept it from getting all over my floor. The Home Depot also offers a tear-away roll as an eco-friendly alternative to paper towels.
Related: 12 wasteful things to stop buying — and what to get instead
This formula is another of my go-tos for cleaning counters, mirrors and appliances. I pair it with the microfiber towels and it doesn't leave any streaks, and the lemon verbena fragrance smells nice and clean without being overbearing.
3. Give common areas a zap
Dirt, hair and crumbs pop up in the darndest places and revel in the spotlight when there's company. A quick scan with a powerful hand-vac can help you target steps, furniture, corners and even floors without having to break out the bigger, bulkier vacuum (though we have some good recommendations for those too).
This handy helper is popular for its lightweight, strong suction and practical price tag. It has a clear bin that makes it easy to tell when it's full, plus a washable filter. It also comes with a crevice tool for getting into hard-to-reach areas.
"Super useful for small spaces and countertops," confirmed one of its 3,000-plus five-star fans . "Helps with deep cleans, shelves, drawers, couch-cleaning … I love the ability to make it longer and subsequently more powerful. Necessary for any household in my opinion."
Wanna splurge a bit? This model features a rotating nozzle to tackle dirt and crumbs from every angle. You also get the washable filter, complete with a pre-filter, and two tools: a standard crevice tool and a flip-up brush for detailing windows and upholstered furniture. It also comes with its very own dock for easier charging.
4. De-fuzz fabric and upholstery
For especially stubborn hair, lint and fuzzies, a quality lint roller really comes in handy — particularly for couches and chairs where pets like to hang out. Opt for a reusable option, and you won't need to worry about running out of sticky paper right before you're expecting company.
Amazon
More than 3,000 reviewers say this is a five-star buy that leaves fabrics looking like new with just one pass. "A husky owner's dream," gushed a pet parent. "No more vacuuming the couch twice a day! I was very worried it wouldn't work on her hair, but I was wrong. Seriously, buy it."
This budget-friendly gadget features three shaving heights, two speeds and three shaving hole sizes for different types of jobs and weaves. Use it to renew fabrics that shed or pill, or even to clean up minor snags from dog and cat claws.
"[It] has completely changed the way I care for my clothes and home fabrics," wrote one of its 10,000-plus devotees . "I'm genuinely shocked at how much fabric it saved me from throwing away — it pays for itself quickly!"
Related: Tired of tossing clothes? These 10 products help your wardrobe go the distance
5. 'Clean' your kitchen and bathroom
Self-cleaning, deodorizing pods for sinks, toilets, fridges and other major appliances can take care of the dirty work for you. Pop one in before guests come over, and regularly as instructed, to eliminate gunk and keep high-traffic areas smelling fresh.
These slow-release pods are formulated with concentrated cleaners to keep toilet bowls and tanks sparkling. Just drop one in and you're good to go for around 30 days, according to the brand. Active also offers self-cleaning tablets for sink disposals , dishwashers and washing machines for more ways to put your cleaning on autopilot.
Professional cleaners recommend baking soda for lifting dirt, grease and grime — and when it comes to the refrigerator, for neutralizing unpleasant food odors. These convenient pods can be mounted to any fridge surface, and each one works for a month.
6. Take out the trash
Cleaning experts often cite trash — and for those with cats, kitty litter — as a major source of stink. Take out the garbage and clean litter boxes regularly, and consider scooping up some scented bags or anti-odor boosters to keep smells under control in the meantime.
Smell that? Probably not, thanks to these Febreze-scented bags designed to keep odors from food and other garbage under wraps. Bonus: They're double-layered, so you shouldn't have to worry about them tearing when you're lugging them out the door come trash day.
"Consider scented cat litter and self-cleaning litter systems, and always dispose of the dirty litter outside to keep odors away," advises Kate Karam, a pet expert and editor-in-chief at Chewy .
Regardless of your kitty litter, these odor-eliminating crystals from Fresh Step come highly recommended. "Literal godsend," said one devotee . "I sprinkle a bit on top of a freshly cleaned box every night and it helps ensure litter box doesn’t smell super bad. Been using it ever since I got my cat."
7. Fake it 'til you make it
If you're really in a time crunch or just want to go the extra mile, a room or fabric spray can go a long way. "Try to look for sprays that don't just cover up the odors, but attack and eliminate the source so you're not left with a fusion of funks, but rather air that's truly clean," says Jessica Samson , a former professional cleaner with The Maids .
If you're going for "fresh and clean," opt for citrusy scents like lemon, grapefruit or orange — or a combination. These bright scents are uplifting and especially great for parties, Samson says . This lemon-scented spray was specially formulated to keep kitchen odors at bay.
I often reach for this soothing spray in my own home. It's safe not just for the air, but fabrics that could use a little refresh — and, according to the brand, for any pets who happen to be sniffing around.
