Speed demon's guide to clean

Got 15 spare minutes? Or 15 minutes to spare before guests arrive? Here are tips for speed-cleaning an entryway.

By REAL SIMPLE MAGAZINE

August 15, 2011 at 1:19PM
(Krt/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Got 15 spare minutes? Or only 15 minutes to spare before guests arrive? Here are tips for speed-cleaning an entryway.

Minutes 1 to 2

Clear out the entryway. Move area rugs, shoes and umbrellas just outside the door. Toss items that don't belong in the entry (toys, books, dirty clothes) into a big tote to redistribute later.

Minute 3

Bang the indoor and outdoor mats against a walkway to loosen dirt.

Minute 4

With a moistened Magic Eraser, spot-clean scuffs and mud off walls, doors and baseboards; go over doorknobs and light switches, too. Catch drips and dry wet spots with a paper towel.

Minutes 5 to 6

Spritz any windows -- inside and out -- with glass cleaner and wipe down with a piece of newspaper. Work from left to right and top to bottom. Dust any furniture with a dry microfiber cloth.

Minutes 7 to 10

Scan the floor and pick up anything too bulky for your vacuum. Give the area a quick once-over with the vacuum. Use the crevice attachment on shoe bins and trays.

Minutes 11 to 13

Swab the deck with a wet mop, working toward the inside of the house so you can wait there while the floor dries.

Minutes 14 to 15

Return everything to its rightful place. Now bring on the foot traffic!

Copyright 2011 Time Inc. REAL SIMPLE is a registered trademark of Time Inc. Used by permission.

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