Quick Cleaning Tips with the 10 Minute Cleaning Kit

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This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #StickItToLint #CollectiveBias

When the in-laws call and give you ten minutes warning that they are coming by for a visit, you need quick cleaning tips. That is why we have a 10-Minute “Company’s Coming” Kit including the Scotch-Brite™ Lint Roller… to hide the fact that cleaning the house is NOT my number one priority.

When Hurricane Matthew decided to skirt the coast of Florida, my husband and I posted to Facebook saying, “If any of our friends and family need to evacuate, our home is open.”

I meant it. Totally. I just never anticipated that anyone would take us up on the offer.

That’s when my husband’s phone rang… I had six hours to deep clean my house.

Now, six hours is a LOT longer than the ten minutes I normally have when my in-laws suddenly decide to stop by. But, I totally used my “Company’s Coming” cleaning kit and these quick cleaning tips to makeover our super messy house in less time.

Quick Cleaning Tips

The 10-Minute Company’s Coming cleaning kit includes:

Scotch-Brite™ Lint Roller
Ammonia (diluted with water and a drop of lavender essential oil) in a spray bottle
Disinfecting wipes
Toilet brush
Paper towels
Broom
Basket or box

So here comes the disclaimer about not judging me…

My house is not always a wreck. Just ALMOST always.

And I do super-clean occasionally. Just not often.

I have a ton of stuff to do each day just like YOU do. I feel like if my home is sanitary then we are good to go. The details don’t concern me.

Step-by-Step Cleaning Hacks

If you are the type-A kind of cleaning fiend, these easy cleaning tips probably will not work for you. But, if you are the uber-busy mom of four who can barely get through one cup of coffee without distraction, keep reading because I have the cleaning hacks you need.

Step One – Grab the basket (2 minutes)

Give the kids the basket or box with instructions to clear all surfaces including counters, floors, chairs, etc. Once filled, this box is going into the master bedroom closet or laundry room. Whichever space you feel is less likely to be the target of prying eyes.

If you are in a pinch with no basket or box, take the clutter and put it in the dryer. Yes, the dryer. Because when was the last time a visitor to your home opened your dryer? And it is much safer than stashing stuff in your oven.

I’m kidding, of course. (Kind of.)

Step Two – Head to the bathrooms (3 minutes)

While the kids are clearing surfaces, focus on the bathroom that your guests will use. Toss the towels into the laundry hamper and hang fresh towels.

Spray the mirrors and sink with ammonia spray and wipe from top (the mirrors) to bottom (the sink) with paper towels. The ammonia gives everything a quick shine but the lavender essential oil covers the ammonia smell.

For the toilet, pass the toilet brush around the bowl a couple of times and flush. Then, wipe the rest of the toilet down with a disinfecting wipe.

Step Three – Dust the living room (3 minutes)

Back in the living area, it’s time to dust.

Avoid using a broom or duster that will push dust into the air. And please… do not use a furniture polish that leaves the tell-tale smell of “I haven’t dusted in months but did as soon as you called because I didn’t want you to judge me by the size of my dust bunnies.”

Instead, use a Scotch-Brite™ Lint Roller to roll over lamp shades and other soft surfaces.

I love Scotch-Brite™ Lint Rollers and keep one in several locations:

In the dressing area for keeping my dark pants, coats, sweaters, and dresses lint, pet hair, and fuzz free.
In the craft hutch for cleaning glitter and sequins off the rug after the kids create their epic masterpieces. (Psst… the Scotch-Brite™ 50% Stickier Lint Roller is perfect for these messes because it can pick up crumbs, buttons, beads, etc. which means you don’t need to take out your mondo-jumbo vacuum cleaner.)

In the cleaning cabinet for dusting lamps and surround-sound speaker covers as well as removing pet hair from furniture.
In my suitcase to have with me when I travel and want to look my best for meetings.
In the sewing basket because a needle dropped on the carpet is much easier and safer to find by rolling a Scotch-Brite™ Lint Roller along the surface than using your hand.

If you haven’t seen the Scotch-Brite™ 50% Stickier Lint Roller in your local Walmart, you might be looking in the wrong place.

Our store has the Scotch-Brite™ Lint Roller in the cleaning aisle while its stickier sister is next to the irons and ironing boards.

>>Get more inspiration and ideas from Scotch-Brite™<<

Step Four – Sweep or vacuum (2 minutes)

Time will vary on this task based on the size of your living area. Crank up the music or grab a couple of kids and have them work together to get the job done faster.

Step Five – Wipe the sweat from your brow

Dab on some lipstick and spray your sweaty hair with a mist of dry shampoo. Change your shirt and wait for the doorbell to ring. Swing the door wide and say, “I’m so glad you popped by. Please pardon our mess.” [wink, wink]