Dust all surfaces — including electronics, books, blinds, picture frames, windowsills and ledges, and tops of door frames — and remove all cobwebs (15 minutes).
Dust-mop the floors with a microfiber cloth or a Swiffer, or vacuum the rugs and carpeting (five minutes).
Vacuum the upholstery (five minutes).
Throw out old magazines (one minute).
Wipe the switch plates, doorknobs, and doorjambs (one minute).
Wipe and disinfect the telephone (30 seconds).
Shake out or vacuum the doormat (one minute).
Vacuum the heating and air-conditioning vents (one minute).