When in a pinch, wipe around the dusty area. And for those Aunt Betty moments, tons of stuff can either be chucked in a closet or in your bedroom. You've seen this on real estate shows. Vacuum in rows, starting from the furthest point of the room and vacuuming backwards until you are out of the room. I can do a large dining room in 5 minutes and people think I have spent tons of time in there.
Maid services are in business to make money.
The idea is to do the work as quick as possible, giving the illusion of clean, they make big money and pay their employees a small fraction. Don't throw out the pan. Shove a fabric softener sheet in it with water and let it soak. Takes the food out every time. Insider Reports is a regular feature of The Dollar Stretcher.