How to Beat the Mother-In-Law

By Maid Brigade of Northern CT

Your mother-in-law called…she’s coming over.  In 60 minutes.  You’re in a pinch and as fast as Maid Brigade is…you’re on your own for this one.

Lucky for you, we’ve got a cleaning strategy locked and loaded to help you look like Martha Stewart.  Minus the orange jumpsuit.

Follow these tips and you’ll be done in no time. 

Bathrooms: 5 minutes each. 

Hit the sink, shower and vanity areas and toilet with a citrus scented all purpose cleaner and let it sit.  Whack the insides of the toilets with a little baking soda inside the bowl…scrubba dubba with the toilet brush and then flush away.  Next, wipe down the sinks and then the toilet…move on.  Spray some glass cleaner on the mirror…wipe it down.  Mop your way out of the bathroom.  Take a deep breath of fresh air.  We’re moving on to the bedrooms.

Bedrooms: 5 minutes each. 

What’s the most obvious mess?  First – make the beds.  Lift up each corner of the mattress with one hand then tuck in the sheets under the mattress with the other.

Next…let’s clear off the dresser and nightstands.  It’s ok – throw everything in the drawers.  If your mother-in-law is nervy enough to go in them, you’ve got bigger issues to worry about anyway. 

Throw all of the dirty laundry in the hamper…then hide the hamper in the closet.

Lamps reflect dust well.  Clean off the shades and the actual lights – and if you have time, dust the dressers.  Don’t forget the wall art – there’s probably a solid layer of dust on top.

Vacuum your way out of the room.

Take a sip of wine.  You’re going to need it.

Kitchen: 10 minutes 

Clear the clutter off the countertops.  The less junk sitting on top…the more organized it looks.  But don’t stash it in the drawers in the kitchen – someone who doesn’t know where your utensils are is bound to find the hidden disaster. 

Scrape any gunk from your countertop with that fake Visa card that came in the mail.  Eraser sponges work miracles on hard-to-scrub stains.

Clean off the countertops from crumps and dust…brushing it all onto the floor.  Next, wipe down the fridge, stove and dishwasher with a damp cloth.

The floor is next.  Do a quick sweep…then hit it with a water-moistened microfiber mop.

Living Room: 5 minutes 

Again, remove the clutter.  Do a quick scan and take in all of the dvd’s, cd’s and remotes that are out of place.  Stack them neatly.  Let’s move on.

Dust.  Dust LOVES living rooms because of how airy and open they tend to be.  Start from the top and work your way down.  Hit the ceiling fan…then the blinds…then the tv…and finally the coffee table.

Hit any glass tops with a glass cleaner and wipe it down in wide, circular motions.

Now vacuum your way out of the room and answer the door.

“Mom” is here.

And after she's gone...call us up at Maid Brigade.  We'll do that deep clean you've been dying for...while you enjoy the rest of the wine.