# The 15-Minute Emergency Clean
Guests coming in 15 minutes? Don't panic. Follow this system.
Clean what people SEE, not what they don't.
Focus on high-impact areas. Skip the rest.
Work fast, work smart.
Grab a basket or bag. Walk through each room.
Toss everything out of place into it:
Hide the basket in a closet. Deal with it later.
First impressions matter most.
Close the door on other bathrooms. Clean only one.
Quick wipe down:
Replace towels. Close shower curtain.
Load dishwasher or pile dishes in sink.
Wipe counters with a damp cloth.
Take out trash if it's full.
Close cabinets and drawers.
A clean kitchen looks like you have your life together.
Fluff couch cushions. Fold throw blankets.
Wipe coffee table.
Straighten books and remotes.
Turn on a lamp for ambiance.
Vacuum or sweep high-traffic paths only.
Just the center of rooms. Skip under furniture.
Spot clean obvious stains.
Light a candle or spray air freshener.
Dim harsh lights, turn on soft ones.
Put on background music.
Take three deep breaths. You did it!
Daily 5-minute tidy:
Stay on top of it, and you'll never need the emergency clean.
Your home doesn't need to be perfect.
Guests came to see YOU, not inspect your house.
But a quick tidy shows you care. And that's enough.