Lifehack: 10 Fast Ways to Tidy Up Your Home

So, you have very little time before the guests arrive, and you don't want to face them with a messy apartment. Clean your apartment in just half an hour, preserve your energy for conversation, and even find time to tidy yourself up and prepare light snacks? This is definitely achievable, and we will tell you how.

1. Tackle the Carpets

Fresh and pleasant-smelling carpets immediately create the impression of a clean, well-organized apartment. If you don't have time for deep cleaning, sprinkle the carpets with a small amount of baking soda, and after 15 minutes vacuum them up. Done!

2. Combine with Cooking

While cutting lemons for cocktails, wipe several slices over chrome surfaces – they will shine again. Place a couple in the sink drain to eliminate unpleasant odors.

3. Pay Attention to Smells

It's easy to get rid of unpleasant kitchen odors (like fish you fried yesterday or microwave popcorn). Add 3 tablespoons of vinegar to a glass of water, heat the mixture until it boils for a few minutes – this is a quick way to remove odors. You can also burn lemon or orange peels on a plate, then ventilate the kitchen – and all unpleasant smells will disappear! Several wilted rose petals can also help fix the situation, freshening the air and giving it a pleasant aroma.

4. Remove Stains

Check your apartment for visible stains and spray them with a solution of water and vinegar. This is a universal solvent for almost any stain: for example, toothpaste on glass or dried water marks. The only surface not suitable for this cleaning method is natural stone, like granite.

5. Hide the Extra Items

There is nothing wrong with gathering letters, magazines, children's toys, and other items that are usually within reach on tables and floors into a separate box or basket and out of sight during the guest visit. Alternatively, you can stack everything neatly. The point is to make the apartment look tidy in a limited time, and organizing items can be done after the party.

6. Collect Pet Hair

Rubber gloves for dishwashing will help you quickly collect pet hair from surfaces. Remember that the gloves must be wet.

7. Get Rid of Dust

A dusting brush or a lint roller is an indispensable tool for quick and effective dust removal: it can clean any surface, lampshades, and even soft toys. For narrow and hard-to-reach areas, use a regular sock: simply slip it over your hand and wipe tight spaces.

8. Give the Bathroom Some Attention

The bathroom is a place every guest will visit, so don't hesitate to spend a few minutes on this small but important room. Bleach for sinks and toilets is a universal and effective solution. You can also use the time-tested method: pour half a bottle into the toilet and let it sit for 20 minutes before wiping with a cloth or scrub brush – no stain will remain.

9. Clear the Foyer

The foyer is the first place guests will see, so make sure it's not cluttered. This can be done easily and quickly without moving necessary items far away: gather all scarves, hats, gloves into a large bag and hang it on a hook. If time allows, you can also camouflage scratches on the floor by wiping them with a damp sponge and a small amount of baking soda.

10. Don't Forget the Obvious. While tidying your home, don’t forget the most important details that might slip from your mind at the last moment and ruin the overall impression: no dirty dishes in the sink, a neatly made bed, and a clean foyer floor – these are the keys to success. Focus on areas that guests will see first, rather than wasting time on hidden flaws.