So, I hate to break it to you guys, but my house is NOT always spotless. People often accuse me of keeping an extremely clean house, but this really isn't true. The thing is that I know how to "trick" people into thinking it is clean. In reality, my tub has rings and there are matchbox cars in our pillowcases. I am going to teach you the secret, so that you, too, can have both a dirty house and be the envy of your visitors!
It is based on a few psychological principles and behaviors.
1. Impressions made in the first ten seconds usually set the tone for the rest of the visit.
This has to do with the entryway into your house. Keep it clean, free of clutter, brightly lit and presentable. I am really only talking about the first ten feet or so, plus the immediate walkway to common destinations.
2. Smell is important.
If your house smells, but is clean, it will still feel dirty to the person. Smell surrounds them, invades their space, even if dirt and clutter don't. So, here is the trick- if you know someone is coming over, quickly run hot water down your kitchen sink and let the disposal run while you take out the trash. Light a candle or some scented oil which smells warm- think fruit, baked goods, spices, etc. Then, spray Lysol or bleach around the immediate area around the front door.
The effect this creates is a multi-layered scent. Cleanliness first and sterility, then warmth and homeyness from the candle.
3. Unclutter the large spaces.
This means if you have a table or a counter, hide the clutter somewhere else. Visually, it won't really matter if the small areas are cluttered. If there are large expanses of space where the light reflects evenly, that is the first perception. Large, clean areas look larger, small, cluttered areas look smaller, thus proportionately the person thinks that the area is not cluttered.
4. Ok, did you hear where I said "light reflects evenly"? This means wipe down said surfaces. If the light is reflecting crumbs and sticky spots, that screams "filthy!!!"
5. Dishes are ok. Even a full sink. Just keep those dishes BELOW counter level. If they rise up above the sink, it brings attention to them and begs the person to wonder when you last washed them. If they are below the sink, than they do not draw attention other than the house has people living in it!
6. Start your washer, dryer and dishwasher.
Having the sounds in the background, ambient, brings to mind feelings of cleaning, even if the person does not consciously recognize that they are listening to them. That, and these machines add scents to the air, contributing to the "clean" smell. Bonus? If you are lazy like me, there were probably dishes and laundry in there, waiting to be done, so no water wasted! :P
7. Lighting is important.
Pay attention to where the light is hitting. If your house is dark AND cluttered, then it looks messy. If your house is bright and cluttered, the space looks larger and the mess smaller. Take advantage of the weather- open some windows. Sunlight is cheerful and makes people happy when it is not the oppressive July sunlight.
Ok, so got it? Light a candle. Spray bleach. Remove sources of odor. Unclutter main areas. Keep dishes below the counter.
If you have more time,
then start on collecting toys, sippies, laundry, etc. However, the most powerful steps are those just described.
So now you know my secret. People rarely give a more critical eye to something which does not ask for it, so if they are not looking for a mess, they won't find it! :)
I heard something disturbing today. To the left, you will see an image from Dove's Real Beauty Campaign. It seems like the height of sensitivity. The women of the world shouted in unison, "Hey! Finally! A REAL woman! Someone who looks like me!!" We all embraced Dove as the company who was willing to bare it all, to defy beauty standards, to really represent women, and to reveal the mysteries of photoshop. We rejoiced in the revelation that even models don't look like they are portrayed.
In contrast, Axe represents everything Dove fights. Ingrained in each advertisement are misogynistic messages about what turns the slutty girls on. Rife with implants and lipo, promoting casual sex, promiscuity and sexism, the Axe commercials tell boys that their dirty, nasty, unhygienic selves can get plenty of femnine attention as long as they reach for the nearest Axe product. 
