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No one has ever accused me of being a clean freak.  My house is not the worst, but it is certainly not the best.  However, even with three kids under four years old running around, I do manage to show a presentable house when the neighbors drop by or when it’s my turn to host a playdate. I would like to have hours to spend on cleaning my house but that’s just not going to happen.  (Actually I would like to have someone else clean my house for hours while I sleep but you know what I mean.)

Here are some FAST tips for making your house presentable (tips I must follow in the next few days):

1. Clean your entryway.  Get rid of clutter, dust the hallway pictures, and “swiffer” the floor.  (The dry cloths pick up dirt, dust, and hair and make your hardwoods shine.)
2. Declutter your house.  Now this doesn’t mean find a home for everything right now.  Just take the piles of papers off your counter, clean off your coffee table, and pick up all stray toys from around the house.  If you can’t find somewhere to put them, just put them on your bed so you remember to deal with them later.  (And close your door!)  I throw all toys into my little one’s playpen just to get them off the floor/table/couch/etc.
3. Use a magic eraser.  I was sent the new Mr. Clean Magic Eraser Extra Power and was really impressed.  It gets crayon, sticky crumbs, and God knows what off my walls very quickly and without much effort.  It works especially well in the bathroom.  Guests don’t want to see any “God’s know what” on bathroom walls.
4. Can’t clean it?  Febreeze it.  (Isn’t that what the commercial says?)  I spray the couch, throw pillows, and even the area rug in the foyer.  It really helps to freshen the place up.  I tried the new Febreeze Soy Blend Candle Trio and loved it.  They come in great Fall smells (Pumpkin Harvest and Fall anyone?) and last for 30 hours.  If you don’t have any candles or Febreeze, an old trick I have used is to put 2-3 teaspoons of vanilla extract in a pot on the stove.  Let it simmer on low heat and the kitchen will smell like you’ve been baking.  Of course, you COULD bake something too…
5. Smile.  You don’t have to be Martha Stewart…or the hostess with the mostest.  Just welcome guests with a smile and let them know that children and a loving family lives there.  And if anyone dares to try to shame you about the condition of your home, just continue smiling and mentally cross them off the list of any future get togethers.