How to Get Your Bathroom Ready for Guests

Tray in bathroom for candle and accessories — Credit:
Liudmila Chernetska / Getty Images

Whether you're prepping for a house full of friends or a single overnight guest, the bathroom will undoubtedly need some attention before anyone’s arrival. Since this is a room that will certainly see some traffic in almost any hosting scenario, it’s important to make sure that the space is clean and well-stocked for guests.

To help you get your bathroom ready for its time to shine, we consulted with some event planning and cleaning experts to find out their most useful tips.

Martha Carol Stewart, owner and CEO at Chaos Organizing
Kobi Cummings, certified wedding and event planner at The Valley Venues

Start With a Quick Clean

Modern grey and tile bathroom — Credit:
contrastaddict / Getty Images

Although it’s ideal to have your bathroom sparkling before guests arrive, a complete deep clean isn't always realistic. Professional organizer Martha Carol Stewart, founder of Chaos Organizing, recommends specifically focusing on the toilet and sink if you're short on time. Give these two high-traffic areas a thorough shine-up with a multi-purpose spray, and take out the trash as well.

Have a few extra minutes? Give the mirror a quick wipe with glass cleaner. And if you're expecting overnight guests, give the shower a pass with a sponge or cloth and your favorite cleanser. You’ll also want to make sure to take out any used washcloths hanging in the shower.

Speedy Declutter

Clear off any items on the countertop and store them away (either under the sink or in a medicine cabinet, if you don’t have time to organize them properly). “The cleaner something is, the more comfortable someone will feel," explains event planner Kobi Cummings. "A little tidying can go a long way!”

Stock Essentials

Once your bathroom looks fresher and less cluttered, it’s time to make sure the essentials are stocked for guests. Replace the toilet paper in the holder with a fresh roll, and store extra somewhere visible to guests. Cummings also recommends switching out old or dirty hand towels with clean ones. If your guests are staying overnight, add a clean bath towel and washcloth, too.

It’s also paramount to make sure the hand soap is full, Stewart explains. She also likes to add an air freshener and hand lotion to her sink area.

Create a Guest Bathroom Box

Even if guests aren’t staying the night, having a small box of necessities available for use is a thoughtful touch. Think about adding things like bandages, tampons or pads, and floss, which are all things guests might be hesitant about asking for during a busy dinner party (but can be super useful).

“I keep a variety of travel-sized toiletries available in case they forget something,” Stewart says of her overnight guests. “This includes a toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash, dental floss, comb, hand lotion, saline for eye contact users, deodorant, and makeup remover cloths.”

Add Welcoming Touches

Once you’ve covered all the basics, adding small details can make your bathroom feel like a mini retreat for guests. “Designated towels are always nice," says Cummings. “Having a nice soap placed on top of the towel is always a sweet gesture. Hand scrubs are also luxurious. Are shampoo and conditioner in the bathroom? Even if you bring your own, it’s still nice to have the option!”

Consider adding a fragrance (think: subtle candles, diffusers, or even homemade potpourri) to create an ultra-soothing environment. “I think having a potpourri is always a great last-minute fix. Even just dropping it in the water and sink can make your bathroom smell wonderful,” Cummings adds.

Stewart’s go-to quick touches? “Spritz the air with air freshener, put out a fresh hand towel, and put on your best smile!” These little gestures show guests you've considered their comfort even before they've walked through the door.