As a parent, keeping a clean and organized home can feel like an uphill battle. Between the constant mess, the endless piles of laundry, and the sheer determination of little hands to undo all your hard work, it’s no wonder many of us struggle to maintain a tidy living space. But fear not, fellow cleaning warriors! I’m here to share my hard-earned tips and tricks for cleaning with kids and keeping your home in tip-top shape.
Establish a Cleaning Routine
One of the keys to success when cleaning with kids is establishing a consistent routine. I know, I know – the word “routine” can sometimes feel like a four-letter word when you’re already juggling a million other tasks. But trust me, a little structure can go a long way.
Start by designating specific times or days of the week for certain chores. Maybe Mondays are for tackling the kitchen, Wednesdays are for bathrooms, and Fridays are for a quick whole-house tidy up. Involve your kids in this process and let them help choose the schedule. They’re more likely to cooperate if they feel a sense of ownership over the plan.
Make it a Family Affair
Speaking of involving the kids, making cleaning a family activity is one of the best ways to keep your home in order. Assign age-appropriate tasks and turn it into a game or competition. Who can tidy their room the fastest? Who can sort the laundry the most efficiently? The friendly competition can actually make the process more enjoyable for everyone.
And don’t forget to praise and reward good behavior. A simple “thank you” or a sticker chart can go a long way in encouraging your little ones to keep up the good work. Celebrate your cleaning victories, no matter how small, and watch as your kids start to take pride in maintaining a tidy home.
Declutter Regularly
Clutter is the enemy when it comes to keeping a clean home with kids. The more stuff you have, the more there is to clean around, organize, and maintain. Make decluttering a regular habit, whether it’s a weekly session or a seasonal deep dive.
Enlist your kids to help sort through toys, clothes, and other belongings. Teach them the art of letting go and encourage them to donate or recycle items they no longer use. Set boundaries on the amount of new toys and trinkets that come into the house, and be diligent about rotating out old items to make room for the new.
Streamline Your Cleaning Supplies
Simplifying your cleaning arsenal can also be a game-changer when cleaning with kids. Instead of having a vast array of products, focus on a few multi-purpose, eco-friendly cleaners that can tackle a variety of surfaces. This not only makes the process easier, but it also minimizes the risk of curious little hands getting into something they shouldn’t.
Invest in some durable, child-friendly cleaning tools, like microfiber cloths, a good broom and dustpan, and a sturdy mop. Store these supplies in an accessible place so your kids can easily grab them and lend a hand. You’d be surprised how much they enjoy “helping” when the tools are sized just for them.
Embrace the ‘Clean as You Go’ Mindset
One of the biggest challenges of cleaning with kids is the constant cycle of mess and clean-up. Instead of waiting for the chaos to pile up, try to adopt a ‘clean as you go’ mentality. This means tidying up as you move through your day, rather than letting things accumulate.
Encourage your kids to put their toys away before moving on to the next activity. Wipe down counters and tables after meals. Toss dirty clothes in the hamper immediately. These small, consistent actions can make a huge difference in keeping your home looking and feeling tidy.
Involve Your Kids in Cleaning
I know, I know – it’s often faster and more efficient to just do the cleaning yourself. But involving your kids in the process, even from a young age, can pay off big dividends in the long run. Not only does it teach them valuable life skills, but it also helps them feel a sense of ownership and responsibility for the state of their home.
Start with simple tasks like making their bed, putting away their toys, and helping with laundry. Gradually increase the complexity of their chores as they get older. You can even get creative and turn cleaning into a game or challenge. See who can dust the most surfaces or who can fold the towels the neatest.
Designate a Clean-up Time
It’s no secret that kids can be masters of procrastination when it comes to cleaning up. That’s why it’s important to establish a designated clean-up time each day or week. This could be 15 minutes before bedtime, an hour on the weekends, or whatever works best for your family’s schedule.
During this time, have everyone in the household pitch in to tidy up their own spaces and help with common areas. Set a timer and see if you can beat the clock. You can even turn on some upbeat music to make the task feel a little less like a chore.
Create a Family Command Center
Staying organized is key when you’re cleaning with kids, and a family command center can be an absolute lifesaver. Designate a central location in your home – maybe a wall in the kitchen or a section of your mudroom – where you can keep track of schedules, chores, and important information.
Include things like a calendar, a chore chart, and a place to display artwork or important documents. Encourage your kids to check the command center regularly and take ownership of their responsibilities. This can help prevent the dreaded “I forgot” excuse and keep everyone on the same page.
Make Cleaning Fun
Let’s be honest – cleaning is rarely anyone’s idea of a good time. But with a little creativity, you can actually make it an enjoyable experience for your kids. Turn on some upbeat music, have a dance party while you vacuum, or let them use a spray bottle to help with window cleaning.
You can also incorporate educational elements into your cleaning routine. Have your kids count the number of toy cars they pick up or sort the laundry by color. Offer rewards and praise for a job well done, whether it’s a special treat or extra screen time.
Lead by Example
As parents, our kids are always watching and learning from our behavior. If they see us approaching cleaning with a positive attitude and a commitment to maintaining a tidy home, they’re much more likely to follow suit.
Model the behaviors you want to see, like putting things back where they belong, cleaning up spills right away, and tackling chores without complaining. Explain your thought process and the importance of keeping a clean home. The more you can engage your kids in the “why” behind your cleaning habits, the more likely they are to adopt those habits themselves.
Adjust Expectations
Finally, it’s important to remember that perfection is not the goal. With kids in the mix, your home is bound to have a lived-in look from time to time. Embrace the chaos and focus on progress, not perfection.
Adjust your expectations and be realistic about what you can accomplish in a given day or week. Celebrate the small victories, like getting the dishes done or having a clutter-free coffee table for a day. Be kind to yourself and remember that a little mess is a sign of a happy, active household.
By implementing these 12 tips, you can create a cleaning routine that works for your family and maintain a tidy home without losing your sanity. Remember, consistency is key, so stick with it and don’t be afraid to adjust as needed. Happy cleaning, friends!
