How to Prepare Your Home for Guests — Without Harsh Chemicals

Have you ever slipped into that frantic, pre-guest cleaning mode? Running from room to room, scrubbing and spraying whatever promises the boldest scent, don’t fall into that trap this holiday season.

Over the years, I have learned that those sharp smells do not equal cleanliness. When I started using my own natural cleaning products in my clients’ homes, they always commented on how their spaces felt different. They noticed the air felt lighter. They could breathe easier. That is what clean should feel like, and that is the experience you want to create for your guests.

When you use non-toxic cleaning products, you are not just preparing your home; you are taking care of the people who enter it. You are choosing air they can breathe easily, surfaces they can touch safely, and a calm that lingers after they leave.

Rethinking “clean” before the company comes

A lot of people associate that strong lemon or pine scent with a spotless house. But for many guests, especially those with allergies or sensitivities, those smells can be overpowering. Real clean should never sting your nose or leave residue behind. It should feel light and natural.

That is why all my products are made with eco-friendly cleaning solutions. They lift dirt and grease without coating your air or your counters, using plant extracts and essential oil blends that leave your room looking, feeling, and smelling fresh.

Start with a plan, not panic

If you have guests coming, resist the urge to clean everything at once. Focus on the spaces they will see and use most: the entryway, kitchen, bathroom, and main living area. Tackle one zone at a time and give yourself room to pause.

Start early so surfaces have time to air out naturally, and you won’t feel rushed. If you need help figuring out where to begin, check out these tips and download my 7-Day Holiday Cleaning checklist.

A quick room-by-room refresh

Entryway: Sweep, wipe down the front door, and clear any clutter. A few sprays of All Purpose Cleaner — one of my favorite safe cleaning products for home will shine up handles and baseboards.

Kitchen: Clear counters and wipe them down using All Purpose Cleaner. The Marble & Granite Cleaner keeps stone surfaces streak-free, naturally protected, and safe from etching.

Bathroom: A gentle wipe of All Purpose Cleaner handles most sinks and fixtures without introducing toxins into the air, perfect for chemical-free home cleaning.

Floors: I like to clean floors last, once everything has settled. The All-Floor Cleaner lifts dirt and leaves a light, fresh scent, with no sticky residue or harsh chemical smell.

Living or guest areas: Dust lightly and open a window for airflow. A quick wipe on end tables or shelves makes the whole space feel renewed.

Clean with care

I have always believed that cleaning is an act of respect for your guests, your home, and yourself. You do not need strong chemicals to make a space shine. What matters most is intention: slowing down, noticing what needs attention, and using natural cleaning products and non-toxic cleaning products wherever you can.

By choosing eco-friendly cleaning solutions, you’re preparing your home in a way that protects your space and the people you care about — creating an environment that feels truly clean, calm, and welcoming.

Frequently Asked Questions: How to Prepare Your Home for Guests

How can I make my home smell clean without using artificial fragrances? ▼

Skip synthetic scents. Open windows for airflow and use cleaners made with essential oils for a light, natural scent that fades into the background. A vase of greenery or a candle made with natural wax can also add gentle freshness without overpowering perfume.

What areas should I focus on before company comes over? ▼

Concentrate on shared spaces: the entryway, kitchen, bathroom, and main living area. Wipe high-touch points like doorknobs, counters, and faucets, then finish with clean floors. Guests will feel the difference in how light and calm your home feels.

What’s the best way to clean quickly before unexpected guests arrive? ▼

Focus on sightlines and scents — wipe visible surfaces, fluff cushions, and use a few sprays of All Purpose Cleaner where needed. A clean entryway and fresh-smelling air make the biggest impression, even if you only have fifteen minutes.

What’s one small thing that makes the biggest difference before guests come over? ▼

The entryway. It’s the first impression and often the most forgotten. Sweep, wipe the door handle, and clear clutter. When greeted with a fresh entryway, guests feel welcome before they even step inside.

How can I keep my home feeling fresh after guests leave?▼

Once everyone’s gone, open windows for airflow and do a quick wipe of high-traffic areas with your All Purpose Cleaner. It resets your space without effort. A calm, non-toxic clean keeps the house feeling cared for long after the visit.