The One Spot No One Thinks To Spruce Up Before Guests Arrive

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You're probably familiar with the jittery buzz that hits the moment you hear "guests are coming." All of a sudden, you find yourself fluffing cushions, wiping countertops, and scrubbing corners that get skipped in the daily clean. You rearrange things, convinced that if a visitor so much as breathes near your sofa, they'll notice every speck or misplaced coaster. Yet somehow, amid the frenzy of making the living room Instagram-ready and the kitchen spotless, one crucial area often slips under the radar: the front door and the space around it.

Your front door is the welcome mat to your world and the very threshold where impressions are made. And because it's outdoors, it tends to accumulate dust, leaves, cobwebs, and the occasional dirt from passing feet. Unfortunately, these overlooked details can undermine all your indoor sparkle. If you want to show thoughtfulness and make every guest feel welcome in your home, you need to tidy up this space.

To begin with, grab that doormat. Take it into your lawn and give it a good shake. Those trapped dust bunnies and random bits of who-knows-what need to fly free. Once it's aired out, set it aside and take a look at the rest of the space. Move anything that's hanging around the front door, like plants, garden ornaments, shoes, and random packages. You need a clear space to give the area the attention it deserves.

Now, gather your tools: a broom, a microfiber cloth, a glass cleaner, paper towels, and a mop. Sweep the whole space around your door, keeping an eye on the nooks where leaves huddle like they own the place, and the debris that tends to lurk in tight corners. Watch out for cobwebs  and use your broom to knock them down. After that, focus on your front door. Grab a microfiber cloth and give the frame and handle a thorough wipe. If your door has glass panels, clean your front door with a glass cleaner like Windex. Then, wipe using paper towels, or try a crumbled newspaper or old shirt as a more eco-friendly way to achieve that streak-free finish.

Finally, mop the floor for that last polished touch. Once everything's sparkling, return each item to its rightful spot. If you stumble upon any stray odds and ends, like half-empty plant pots or mismatched shoes, take a moment to declutter. Ideally, tidy up your house for guests a couple of hours before they arrive so any dust you've stirred up settles and cleaning products dry completely.