Last-minute houseguests?

Nothing sparks panic like an unexpected guest -- especially if your house isn't tidy.

Don't worry: There's no need to pass military inspection. "Clear looks clean," says Linda Cobb, former cleaning company owner and author of Talking Dirty With the Queen of Clean. Use her tips for a quick cleanup:

Hide the evidence.

For the greatest impact, she and other cleaning pros suggest that you stash clutter in the dishwasher, laundry hamper, oven or garage. Avoid the hall closet, which you're likely to use when you have company.

Be strategic.

Focus your tidying tornado on your living room and, above all, the main bathroom. "The latter is where guests can observe without anyone observing them doing it," Cobb says. Once you've wiped the mirror and counters, close the bathtub curtain and replace your everyday towels, soap and mat with attractive guest-only ones.

Focus on the center.

Clean the center of any room at eye level (both standing and seated), which is where eyes naturally gravitate. No one notices corners. Use window cleaner or baby wipes to attack countertops and dull surfaces, including bathroom chrome, mirrors and, if you have time, kitchen appliances and your front door. Everything will shimmer softly.

The fewer the products, the better.

Stick to glass cleaner, microfiber cloth and refillable mops. If you run out of toilet bowl cleaner, then use some orange drink powder, like Tang, to do the job, Cobb says. "The citric acid works in the toilet, and if the dog drinks out of the toilet, the worst that can happen is an orange mouth," she says.

Throw visitors off the scent.

Mask pet odors with room fresheners. Or chop lemons in your garbage disposal and simmer apples or oranges with cinnamon on the stove. "It smells natural and is comforting, not like you've just used cleaning products," Cobb says.

Let there be light.

Open the curtains and light some candles: "Everything will look cleaner and brighter -- and it doesn't look like you're trying to hide something." Great music also distracts guests from seeing clutter

Plan for the future.

Make the next emergency fix quicker by teaching kids to put away toys in low-level cubby holes in their closets.

Pitch unopened junk mail.

Keep a basket with cleaners and paper towels in the kitchen and each bathroom for daily spruce-ups. Wipe the tub and sink after each use. Have two doormats Ñ one outside and one inside Ñ to keep floors free of leaves and other debris.

"Last but not least, don't sweat it," Cobb says. "Take a deep breath. As long as you're smiling when you open the door and are enjoying yourself, your guests will, too."