The first thing that all guests notice when they come over is hygiene. If your home is not cleaned to the highest standard, your guests will be grossed out, leaving them thinking you’re a lazy homeowner. It won’t matter how delicious your food is or what unique art pieces you have. The following list of gross things you shouldn’t let your guests see in your home will help avoid this. Read on to learn which they are and how to clean them.
Table of Contents
Things in Your Home that Gross Out Guests
No one says you live in a house from one of the episodes of “Hoarders” or “Filthy House SOS”. However, the things that can disgust guests are usually the ones you use daily and clean by default. And that’s precisely why they are dirtier than you think – because you clean them all the time, but not deep enough. You’d probably never thought they’d be things your guests would pay attention to when they come over.
Door knobs and handles
The door knobs and handles are the first things guests notice in the house. Guests must touch them to open the door, and if those don’t look clean, your guests will be disgusted. Modern door knobs are usually designed to be bacteria-resistant. However, their resistance is only sometimes effective. Moreover, older door knobs and handles are even worse.
Since most door knobs and handles are brass, they are easy to clean. You can put some cleanser onto a damp sponge and rub it on the knob. Let it sit so the cleanser will dry into a haze. After that, wipe it off with a clean, dry cloth. If the doorknob has any detailing, use a toothpick or a Q-tip dipped in rubbing alcohol to clean it.
Nasty smells
In some houses, the smell is the most disgusting aspect. Poor ventilation, dampness, and inadequate cleaning can all lead to foul odours in the home. Even if the house looks clean and tidy, odours from cooking, pets, and smoking can linger and make the house unpleasant.
However, rely on something other than air fresheners, deodorisers and so on to make your home smell nice. These products only mask smells, not remove them. To eliminate odours, you must identify and eliminate the source. This could mean cleaning, airing a room, or replacing furniture or carpeting.
It’s better to use natural ways to remove nasty odours. For example, you can put a piece of lemon in the garbage disposal or spray some baking soda on your pet’s bed. As well as that, you can sprinkle a little cinnamon on the carpet, and then when you vacuum it, the whole house will smell like your grandmother’s cookies.
Making your home smell pleasant is very important. Not only will your guests not be grossed out, but they will feel welcomed.
Dirty oven
When preparing a meal for your guests, deep clean your oven beforehand. Your guests won’t inspect your cooker as soon as they arrive. However, they’ll eat the food you’ll prepare there. If your oven is full of food debris and the stovetop is covered in grease, the guests will find it gross and have second thoughts about eating the meal you cooked.
You must prepare food in the right conditions to avoid food-borne diseases. Food hygiene involves using clean cutlery and cooking in a clean oven. If you’re an avid cook, you should deep clean your cooker every month. This includes the racks, the interior walls, the door, and the bottom of the oven. You should also remove any debris or food particles accumulated in the oven. Use a specialised oven cleaner to dissolve stubborn grease and grime. You can also try eco-friendly alternatives like vinegar and baking soda if you prefer green cleaning solutions.
Toilet seat
The toilet seat is something that must be perfectly sanitised. After all, this is the part of the toilet that comes into contact with people. In order to clean the toilet seat, first, you need to lift it. After that, spray the backside. The lid’s inside and the toilet’s rim. Then, finally, wipe down the top, seat and hinges and the back of the toilet seat.
Kitchen sink
We don’t need to tell you that there shouldn’t be any dirty dishes in the sink. The only thing that can disgust your guests more than a dirty sink is a full dirty sink. So clean the sink regularly and ask your family members to do the same. Keep a sponge and dishwashing liquid near the sink to make it easier to clean up after every meal. Regularly wiping down the sink will also help to keep it free of germs and bacteria.
For deeper cleaning, you need to scrub the sink. First, take a bowl and fill it up with warm water and add a bit of dishwashing liquid. You can use the kitchen sponge to scrub the sink, but after that, replace it with a new one. Use an abrasive cleaner for even better results, but you’ll have to be very gentle not to scratch the sink. An eco-friendly alternative is using baking soda and lemon. Slice a lemon in half, sprinkle baking soda over the sink bassinet and use the lemon as a sponge to scrub it.
Stained upholstery
Upholstered furniture can trap dirt, dust, and allergens, which are disgusting to your guests. If your guests are allergic to pet hair or dust, dirty furniture can exacerbate their symptoms. Vacuuming regularly and using a fabric cleaner will keep your furniture fresh and clean. For extra protection, use a fabric protector to guard against spills and stains. Consider investing in furniture covers and slipcovers to keep your furniture looking its best. Wash the covers and slipcovers regularly to keep the fabric clean. Replace them if once they’ve become too worn or dirty.
Pet area
Pet areas can also quickly become dirty and smelly, making them a potential source of disgust for your guests. Especially if they are allergic to pets or fear animals, the presence of pet hair or odours can be unsettling for them. Keeping pet areas clean and well-maintained is essential to prevent any discomfort for your visitors. Vacuuming and washing pet areas regularly will help to reduce pet odours and keep the site clean. Investing in good quality pet bedding and furniture can also help to keep pet areas looking and smelling fresh.
Stained carpets
When guests enter a home, their eyes are often drawn to the flooring, and a dirty carpet can make the entire room feel unclean. They can trap dirt, dust, and allergens and quickly become stained and smelly. The sight of dirty carpets creates a negative impression on guests and can be incredibly unpleasant if they sit or walk on them. If you want your home to be clean and welcoming:
- Vacuum the carpet at least twice a week, if not daily.
- Address spills and pet accidents immediately, and don’t let them stain your carpet.
- Consider deep carpet cleaning at least once a year to remove dirt buildup and stubborn stains.
When to Hire a Domestic Cleaning Company
While it is possible to clean your home by yourself, there are times when hiring a domestic cleaning company is the better option. It’s not only a convenient option but can also help impress your guests. Imagine inviting friends or family over to your home only to have them encounter a messy or cluttered living space. It can be embarrassing and detract from the overall experience. However, hiring a cleaning service ensures your home is spotless and presentable for your guests.
Domestic cleaners will clean your home quickly and efficiently, using high-quality cleaning products and equipment. They can easily tackle challenging cleaning tasks like deep-cleaning carpets, scrubbing bathrooms, and cleaning kitchen appliances. Additionally, many cleaning services offer customisable packages to meet your specific needs and budget.
Hiring a cleaning service can also have health benefits. A clean home can help prevent the spread of illness and allergens, especially if you or a family member has health issues or allergies. Professional cleaners also know how to properly disinfect and sanitise your home, reducing the risk of infection and keeping your home safe and healthy for you and your family.
In addition, hiring a cleaning service can free up your time to focus on other aspects of hosting, such as preparing food and drinks or planning activities. You won’t have to worry about cleaning up before or after your guests arrive, allowing you to be fully present and engaged during the event.
Maintaining a clean home is essential for the health and comfort of you and your guests. While it may be overwhelming to clean everything at once, it’s essential to tackle the areas that guests are likely to notice first. Regularly cleaning these areas will help ensure your home always looks and smells fresh. However, if you cannot keep up with the cleaning or prefer to hire someone else to do it, there are plenty of options. Remember, a clean and welcoming home can go a long way in making your guests feel comfortable and happy.