Doorbell Dash: How to Clean Your Bathroom Fast
It’s a terrifying moment. A friend calls you on her way to your house, either to stop by or drop something off. As soon as you get off the phone you realize what a mess your guest bathroom is. There are towels on the floor, toothpaste in the sink and the toilet’s a disaster.
Don’t stress! You can do this. Ready? Go!
First, tackle the toilet. Squirt a little toilet bowl cleaner into the toilet.
We’ll come back to this in a bit, but for now, just add the cleaner and close the lid. Your quick cleanup will be much easier if you store your bathroom cleaners in your bathroom along with other cleaning supplies like washcloths, gloves, and brushes.
Next, pick up any towels or clothes. If you don’t already have a place to hang towels, schedule some time over this weekend to install a few hooks or a towel rack. Toss any old, smelly or soiled towels in a hamper. If your hamper is located in your bathroom, make sure it has a lid. Hampers without a lid should be stored in another location — a walk-in closet is a good choice.
Once all the dirty towels are tucked away, pull out a few fresh ones and hang them for your guests to dry their hands. Don’t stress about folding the towels in a beautiful way. This is your house, not a hotel.
Next, it’s time to tackle the countertops. If you’re in a real pinch, you can grab a bag, box or empty trash can and put all your loose toiletries into it. You can stash it underneath your sink, a closet or in another room until your friend leaves. However, if you have a few minutes to spare, take a minute and put items in their spot. Once your counter is mostly clear, quickly wipe it down. Make sure everything is presented neatly and visible items are clean.
If you notice you need more storage, make a note to research the best options for your bathroom.
Countertop organizers make it super easy to toss like items together quickly and still look relatively organized and out of the way. Etageres and small, portable cabinets can help you make use of your free space. Baskets and plastic containers make it easy to organize and find small toiletries.
The shower and tub are next. As with the countertops, toss out what’s no longer needed (like those empty bottles of shampoo) and store what you don’t need to have at arm’s reach. If you have a tub, close the shower curtain and be done with it. If you have a shower, give it a good rinse out and maybe a quick clean. If you have time, go ahead and clean out the tub as well. This wouldn’t be a thorough scrub, just a quick wipe and rinse. Avoid using bleach because the smell will still be overwhelming when your guests arrive.
Now return your attention to the toilet. Give it a quick wipe on the outside — especially on the lid — and then a quick swish around the inside. It should be fairly easy to clean since you put in the toilet bowl cleaner earlier. Remember, a clean toilet is always easier to clean than a dirty one. Make it a habit of wiping down your toilet once a week and it will always be ready for visitors!
Finally, there’s the floor. The floor is last on the list because it can be ditched if you’re short on time. If it’s particularly dusty or dirty, wipe it down with a damp rag. You can toss your bath mats in the dryer for a few minutes to give them a nice fluff or toss them in the hamper to be washed. For extra credit, light your favorite scented candle and give the bathroom a fresh, clean feeling.
Don’t overdo it. Your bathroom doesn’t have to be perfect, just clean and presentable. Plus, you don’t want to be frazzled and sweaty when the doorbell rings. When you’re finished with your whirlwind clean up, relax and enjoy your guests!
