Cleaning the house for Shabbos:[1]

One is to clean and tidy all matters of his house so that when he comes home from Shul the house is found clean and organized.[2] [The floors are to be swept and cleaned.[3] When cleaning the house for Shabbos one should mention that he is doing so in honor of Shabbos.[4]]

Removing cobwebs: It is proper[5] for one to clear his house of cobwebs before Shabbos in order so one’s house is clean in honor of Shabbos.

Importance of cleaning the house for Shabbos:[6]

The Sages mentioned[7] that every person is escorted by two angels upon returning from Shul, one good and one evil. If the house is found tidy and prepared for Shabbos the evil angle is forced into blessing the home. If however the opposite is found then the good angle ends up giving the opposite of blessing. [Mishneh Berurah 262/3]

Q&A

When on Erev Shabbos is one to tidy the home?

Some Poskim[8] mention that the tidying of the house should be done close to Plag Hamincha, as opposed to the morning or too close to Shabbos.

May one remove cobwebs on Shabbos if he forgot to do so before Shabbos?

Cobwebs are considered Muktzah[9] and thus may only be removed using an irregularity.[10] If they have become repulsive to oneself or to guests in the room they may be removed even regularly.[11] Some Poskim[12] however rule that one is to avoid removing cobwebs at all on Shabbos, even with an irregularity due to suspicion that this may involve the destroying prohibition.[13]