Make a Schedule
Keeping a home clean with kids and pets can feel overwhelming. Making a cleaning schedule helps keep messes under control.
I create a weekly cleaning schedule that includes daily, weekly, monthly, and seasonal cleaning tasks. Having a plan in place helps me stay on top of cleaning.
I make daily tasks quick and manageable, like doing dishes, tidying rooms, and running a load of laundry. Weekly tasks are more involved, like mopping floors, cleaning bathrooms, and vacuuming.
Monthly tasks take more time and effort. These include washing walls, cleaning out the fridge, and dusting. Seasonal tasks happen a few times a year, like washing windows and cleaning out closets.
Making a color-coded cleaning schedule helps my family know their responsibilities. I hang the schedule on the fridge so everyone can see their daily and weekly tasks.
Declutter Regularly
Decluttering helps keep cleaning manageable with kids and pets. I declutter problem areas every month.
I start by gathering donations. Old toys, books, and clothes get boxed up. Next, I tackle clutter by sorting through shelves, drawers, and cabinets. I discard or donate anything we haven’t used in over a year.
For areas like the entryway, I add extra hooks and bins to organize shoes, coats, and backpacks. In the kitchen, I use drawer organizers and lazy susans to neatly arrange dishes and food.
Decluttering the living room means getting baskets for toys, remotes, and electronics accessories. I also store extra pillows and blankets when not in use. For the bathrooms, I regularly purge old products and medications.
Keeping surfaces clear makes cleaning faster. It also prevents pets and kids from making bigger messes.
Use Cleaning Products Wisely
Using cleaning products safely is important with kids and pets. I choose natural, non-toxic products when possible.
For all-purpose cleaning, I mix a spray bottle with one part vinegar, one part water, and a few drops of essential oil. I use this on most surfaces.
Baking soda helps with scrubbing tougher messes. For disinfecting, I stick to hydrogen peroxide, tea tree oil, and thyme oil.
I steer clear of harsh chemicals like bleach, ammonia, and chlorine. I also avoid using antibacterial wipes and sprays. These can be harmful to kids and pets.
When using any cleaner, I open windows to ventilate. I keep products locked away where kids and pets can’t access them. I also never mix cleaners together, as this can create toxic fumes.
Involve the Whole Family
Getting kids and spouse involved keeps cleaning from falling all on me. I have everyone pitch in daily.
I make cleaning a game for my kids. We blast music and set a timer to make tidying fun. My kids are responsible for cleaning their rooms, putting away toys, and feeding pets.
For older kids, I create weekly chores lists. Tasks include cleaning bathrooms, vacuuming, laundry, dishes, and taking out trash. Completing chores earns them an allowance.
To get my spouse onboard, we split up cleaning tasks based on our schedules and preferences. I tackle the heavier cleaning while my spouse does lighter tidying. We also trade off chores each week.
Working together as a family makes cleaning feel less overwhelming. It teaches kids responsibility and keeps everyone’s spaces neat.
Stay on Top of Pet Messes
Living with pets means dealing with fur, dirt, and accidents. I take proactive steps to minimize pet messes.
I brush pets weekly and keep dog areas tidy. For cat boxes, I scoop twice a day and deep clean monthly. I also vacuum several times a week using a filter that traps pet hair.
To handle fur on furniture, I use lint rollers and keep a stock of washcloths on hand for quick cleanups. I also learned my pet’s body language to head outside promptly when needed.
For accidents, I immediately clean up messes with an enzyme cleaner. This prevents stains and odors. I also hired a professional carpet cleaner twice a year to deep clean rugs.
Regular reminders and positive reinforcement help train pets. Keeping their areas clean makes managing the rest of the house much smoother.
Make It a Habit
Cleaning regularly is essential with kids and pets. I make tidying a daily habit.
I start each morning by making my bed, tidying rooms, and doing a quick pick up. We put items away throughout the day rather than letting messes build up.
In the evening, I do a 10-minute tidy where everyone helps clean up before bedtime. I also dedicate time each weekend for deeper cleaning tasks.
Building cleaning into our routine keeps things manageable. I don’t let chores pile up since quick daily tidying is a habit. Staying on top of messes prevents getting overwhelmed.
Keeping a home clean with kids and pets takes effort and planning. Making schedules, decluttering, using safe products, involving family, handling pet messes, and building habits keeps my house tidy and healthy for everyone. Consistency is key when balancing cleaning with a busy family.
