Get your home guest-ready with this 15-minute cleaning hack

With the holiday season in full swing, trying to keep on top of everything can be a challenge when you’re trying to cover all the bases… not leaving much time for tidying up.

Whether it’s juggling a busy schedule, Christmas shopping, wrapping gifts, festive get-togethers, putting up the tree or decking the halls with garlands and twinkly lights – it’s all go.

Moreover, the last thing anyone wants to do is spend hours cleaning and tidying when there are so many other things to enjoy!

Thankfully, this is where TV cleaning expert and best-selling author Lynsey Crombie’s (@lynsey_queenofclean) 15-minute festive clean comes in – a quick, efficient routine to get your home holiday-ready without the stress.

Here’s how to have your space looking fresh and festive, just in time for those last-minute guests and surprise socials…

"Start by setting the timer and turning off distractions such as your TV and phone. Working against the clock is a great way to keep motivated," says Crombie, and to divide your time into key areas.

Declutter and tidy up (three minutes)

The first step is to quickly walk through the main living areas and gather any clutter, advises Crombie. "Use a laundry basket or box and collect stray items like toys, magazines, and anything that isn’t where it should be – then hide it away in a closed-off room or garage."

"The idea is to just get them out of sight and then deal with them later… if you do have a bit more time then at least put them in the rooms they belong.

"This is a good task to get the kids involved in too, give them a basket or box each and turn it into a mini game."

Freshen-up the bathroom (two minutes)

As Crombie points out, bathrooms are a high-traffic area during the festive period, so make sure they’re clean and presentable.

"Quickly wipe down the sink and countertop, make sure there’s a fresh festive hand towel, enough soap and toilet paper. Check the toilet, give it a quick clean if necessary."

"For the final touch, add a festive decoration to create a welcoming atmosphere. And a few drops of Christmas smelling essential oil to the tube of the toilet paper to keep the bathroom smelling festive and fresh."

Dust and shine (three minutes)

"Dusty rooms look dull, so grab a microfibre cloth or long feather duster and give your surfaces a quick once-over. Pay special attention to areas that catch the eye, like coffee tables, shelves and the TV stand.

"If you’re short on time, focus on dusting just the areas that are at eye level – no one’s going to see the top of your bookshelf!

"Final step… even if it’s cold outside throw open the window and let some fresh air flow through, to banish any odours and give the room a fresher feel."

Vacuum and spot clean (five minutes)

Nothing makes a home look cleaner than a freshly vacuumed floor, highlights Crombie. "Quickly run the vacuum over high-traffic areas like the living room and hallway. Focus on visible spaces rather than moving furniture.

"For hard floors, a quick vacuum will do the trick. If you have a few marks on your floors, spot clean them with a damp floor cloth and a little bit of washing-up liquid rather than mop the whole room."

Add some festive touches (two minutes)

"The finishing touch to your quick clean is adding a bit of festive flair – place a few Christmas-scented candles, hang a door wreath and set out a small bowl of sparkly baubles for a seasonal touch," suggests Crombie.

"If you have some spare time, pump up the pillows on your sofa, and make sure the Christmas blankets are neatly arranged and ready to be thrown over your sofa to save sticky fingers making more mess.

"Little touches like these can transform your space from every day to Christmas without the need for loads of decorations."

Final step

Put a bottle of fizz* in the fridge and get some glasses ready…

"It’s perfect for when you’re expecting unexpected guests, or just want to freshen up the space before hosting drinks."

Queen of Clean – The 15-Minute Clean: The quickest way to a sparkling home by Lynsey Crombie, is published by Headline. Available now.

* Drink responsibly