How do you get your place in shape fast, without resorting to a leaf blower? I spoke with David Bowers, author of Dad’s Own Housekeeping Book and all-around expert on cleaning for guys, and got his 30-minute plan for getting your place date-ready.

Start with the Bathroom
5 minutes
Throw away anything that doesn’t belong, and heave towels, washcloths, and bathmat into the hamper. (30 seconds)

Sprinkle cleanser into toilet bowl and let sit. (15 seconds)

Spray all-purpose cleaner over toilet seat, tank top, and pedestal and wipe clean with paper towel. (60 seconds)

Quickly scrub bowl with toilet brush and flush. (30 seconds)

Spray all-purpose cleaner on countertops and sink. No time to remove objects on counters, just wipe around them, and then wipe dried toothpaste and shaving cream from sink. Wipe mirror with paper towels and glass cleaner. (30 seconds)

Unless she is staying over, you don’t need to clean the shower or bathtub. Just pull the curtain closed. If she is, do it quickly. Spray the shower walls with all-purpose cleaner and sprinkle the tub with cleanser. Splash walls clean with water from shower; wipe with sponge and rinse clean. (90 seconds)

Replace the towels with fresh ones. (45 seconds)

Move to the Kitchen
(60-second sprint)
8 minutes
Throw away empty pizza boxes, chip bags, beer cans, etc. and toss all dishtowels into hamper. (60 seconds)

Get rid of dishes in sink and countertops by putting them in dishwasher or washing them. (90 seconds)

Wipe down all countertops and sink with all-purpose cleaner. (Wipe around items that stay out on the counter). (60 seconds)

Sweep floor debris into dustpan and empty it into trash, or shave off a few seconds by vacuuming it if vac is handy. (60 seconds)

Dampen sponge mop and apply cleanser or baking soda. Quickly swab high-traffic areas, waiting until you’re through to rinse and squeeze out the mop. (60 seconds)

Spritz handle on the refrigerator door and wipe clean. Repeat with any part of fridge door that shows, range top, dishwasher front, and switch plates. (60 seconds)
Take out trash and replace liner. (45 seconds)

Replace dirty dishtowels. (45 seconds)

Move to the Living Room
(60-second sprint)
6 Minutes
Quickly stack all magazines and books into neat piles. (60 seconds)

Pick up stray socks, boxer shorts, T-shirts, etc. and hurl them into the hamper. (30 seconds)

Fluff up and straighten furniture cushions and pillows. (30 seconds)

Slip loose DVDs and CDs into jewel cases and stack them on or beside entertainment unit. (60 seconds)

Grab poker chips, cards, video games, and any other entertainment related items and toss into a closet. (30 seconds)

Pick up stranded cheese puffs, potato chips, dried dip, etc. and toss. (30 seconds)

Give all surfaces a once-over with a microfiber cloth. (60 seconds)

Vacuum high-traffic areas. (60 seconds)

Finish Up With Your Bedroom
(60-second sprint)
4 minutes
Make bed. (60 seconds)

Throw all clothes from floor into hamper. (30 seconds)

Toss shoes into closet. (15 seconds)

Neatly stack magazines, books, and any other reading materials. (45 seconds)

Sweep loose change and stray receipts into top drawer of night table, as well as things you don’t want your date to see. (30 seconds)

Vacuum high-traffic areas. (60 seconds)

Set the Atmosphere
4 minutes
You have a few minutes to handle the details. Spray all rooms with deodorizer or air freshener. Something manly, not flowery. Light a candle or two. Put on some music. Change your shirt. Start mixing drinks.


Bowers adds, “Remember, your place doesn’t need to be antiseptic. Most women like a man’s place to look like a man lives there.” The key is to aim for neat, and to make her comfortable. Pay special attention to places she will be sitting, eating — and any place she might eventually end up.

Dad’s Own Housekeeping Book (Workman Publishing, New York) is available at Barnes & Noble and other large bookstores nationwide.