When guests are on the way and you’ve got 10–15 minutes, focus on smell, surfaces and sight lines. First, open a window for a few minutes if weather allows; a bit of fresh air works better than any spray. Quickly clear visible clutter – remote controls, cups, random toys, chargers – and put them into a basket or drawer for now. You can organise properly later.
Next, do a fast wipe of the main surfaces: centre table, side tables and TV unit. Even a microfiber cloth without spray can remove dust enough for the room to look cleaner. Fluff the sofa cushions, straighten throws, and fold any blankets nicely. This alone changes the feel of the room.
Lastly, fix lighting. Turn on one or two warm lights or a lamp instead of harsh overhead lighting, and if you use a diffuser or mild room spray, now is the time. You don’t need perfection; you just want the room to look intentional, not chaotic.
