When you're entertaining a crowd, time is especially of the essence. Here's how to sneak in a quick clean sweep, without borrowing too much time from other important party-prep tasks (you know, like greeting guests without a mop in your hand):

1. Sprinkle rugs with baking soda.
You don't have time for a deep cleaning, but make sure your carpeting is fresh and odor-free by dusting it with a bit of baking soda. Wait 15 minutes, then vacuum the powder (and the stink) away.

2. Clean your fixtures as you prep dinner.
Slicing lemons for your famous chicken? Reserve half of one and run the cut side over chrome to make it shine again. Then, toss a few rinds through the garbage disposal to get rid of any offending smells.

3. De-stink your kitchen.
You can erase any lingering cooking odors (yesterday's fish dinner, last night's microwave popcorn) by hardly lifting a finger: Simply fill a saucepan with 3 tablespoons of vinegar and 1 cup of water, and allow to boil for several minutes. Then, if you like, switch it out for a sweet-smelling simmer pot, with aromatics like oranges and cinnamon sticks.

4. Spray trouble spots with this handy solution.
Survey your home for any obvious stains, and give them a quick spray with a vinegar and water solution. This impressive cleaner is helpful almost anywhere, like for whisking away spots on a mirror or toothpaste drippings in the bathroom. Just don't use it on natural stone, like granite; it could etch the surface.

5. Be forgiving about clutter.
There's no shame in putting catalogs, mail, and more into a basket and stowing it in a closet until guests depart. If you'd rather not move things, make neat piles out of messy mountains of stuff. Tidiness can step in for "organized" for the time being.

6. Swiffer your kitchen floor.
We love this tool for a quick pick-me-up under foot. And all you have to do is toss the disposable cloth when you're done.

7. Scoop up pet hair with a rubber glove.
After you're through washing dishes, don't remove your damp gloves. Take a detour through the living room and wipe away any lingering fuzz.

8. Zap dust fast with a lint roller.
Take a lap around your house and sweep this sticky, lightweight tool over any spot that's looking a little dusty (like stereo speakers, lamp shades, and stuffed animals). Or, banish debris in awkward spots by wiping them with a sock on your hand.

9. Be sure to clean the toilet.
Guests will surely visit this high-traffic spot, so brush with bleach or your favorite cleaner before people arrive.

10. Stick to spots you can see.
Our homecare expert Heloise knows her way around any cleaning issue, but also loves a handy shortcut. "My mother liked to do what she called top cleaning," Heloisesays."She'd tackle only the surfaces that were going to be seen or used." So if you have to skip making your bed on party day, so be it.

TELL US: What's your smartest quick-cleaning trick?

Whether it's a souvenir from your coworker's trip or an awkward holiday present, you have probably received a coffee mug as a gift at some point in your life. The problem with that is, well, you only really need one mug. Here are some ways to repurpose your...'collection.'

Small Plant Pot
A mug is the perfect size for a tiny plant. Try planting a hearty small plant, or even some basil in it. Just make sure you have it in a place where it'll get plenty of light. (Just don't over water the plant, as the mug does not have a drainage hole.) If you don't have a green thumb, try growing a cactus.

Candle
If you make candles as a hobby, try making one in a coffee mug instead of a glass jar. Just pour your melted wax and add your wick. When it sets, you'll have a unique candle. This is also a great use for a tea cup. (When was the last time you saw someone drinking out of a china tea cup anyway?)

Gift Holder
If you go to a thrift store, you can find some great unintentionally ironic mugs. You can cheer up a coworker by getting mug from an absurd travel destination like Branson, Missouri, or some weird corporate event and fill it with candy.

Bathroom Organizer
Do you share a bathroom with a roommate or family member? Mugs offer a great way to separate your toiletries, like toothbrushes, razors and such. That Garfield 'I Hate Mondays' mug? Clearly not yours. No more bathroom mix ups!

Mosaic
Do you have a favorite mug that wound up being chipped or cracked? Break it up and use the pieces to make a ceramic mosaic, if you're so inclined.

Do you have any other uses for mugs? Share them in the comments!