How to Maintain a Clean Home with Children?

 

Maintaining a clean home when you have children is no easy feat. Toys scattered on the floor, endless piles of laundry, and sticky fingerprints on every surface are just some of the challenges parents face. However, a clean and organised home is achievable with the right strategies, even with little ones in the house. This guide offers practical tips to help you maintain a tidy, welcoming home without sacrificing your sanity.

 

1. To Maintain a Clean Home with Children, Set Realistic Expectations

Parenting is demanding, and it’s important to set realistic goals when it comes to household cleanliness. A home with children is unlikely to look spotless all the time, and that’s okay. Focus on creating a space that is tidy, hygienic, and functional rather than obsessing over perfection. A lived-in home with a little mess here and there is normal and reflects the joy and energy of family life.

 

2. Create a Routine

Establishing a daily cleaning routine is crucial for managing household tasks effectively. Breaking chores into manageable parts ensures that nothing feels overwhelming. For example:

• Morning: Make the beds, clear breakfast dishes, and wipe down kitchen counters.
• Afternoon: Tidy up toys, vacuum high-traffic areas, and deal with small spills.
• Evening: Load the dishwasher, fold laundry, and prepare for the next day.

Consistency is key. A structured routine helps you stay on top of chores without letting them pile up, making the process less stressful.

You may also like: How to create a cleaning schedule for your home

 

3. Involve Your Children

 

Children can be surprisingly helpful when it comes to cleaning, and involving them teaches responsibility and valuable life skills. 

Tailor tasks to their age and abilities:

• Toddlers: Encourage them to put toys into bins or baskets.
• Primary school-aged children: Assign them chores like setting the table or organising books.
• Older children and teenagers: Teach them to vacuum, clean windows, or tidy their rooms.

Make cleaning fun by turning it into a game or using a reward system. For instance, you could challenge them to see who can pick up the most toys in one minute.

 

4. To Maintain a Clean Home with Children, Declutter Regularly

A cluttered home can quickly spiral out of control, especially with children. Decluttering is essential to maintaining a clean and organised space. Every month or so, go through toys, clothes, and household items, and decide what to keep, donate, or discard. Teach your children to let go of items they no longer use, making space for new belongings.

Consider adopting a “one in, one out” rule: for every new item brought into the house, an old one should be removed. This habit ensures that your home remains manageable and prevents unnecessary clutter.

 

5. Invest in Smart Storage Solutions

Proper storage is a game-changer for families. Having a place for everything makes tidying up quicker and more efficient. 

Invest in child-friendly storage options such as:

• Toy bins: Keep toys contained and easy to access.
• Shelving units: Organise books, games, and crafts neatly.
• Under-bed storage: Use the space beneath beds for seasonal clothing or less frequently used items.

Label storage bins with pictures or words so that even younger children can easily identify where things belong. Encourage children to return items to their designated spots after use.

 

6. Focus on High-Traffic Areas

With children, certain areas of the home experience more mess than others, such as the living room, kitchen, and entryway. Focus your efforts on these spaces to keep your home looking presentable. Simple tasks like wiping surfaces, sweeping floors, and keeping shoes and bags organised can make a significant difference.

 

7. To Maintain a Clean Home with Children, Adopt “Clean as You Go” Habits

The “clean as you go” approach helps prevent mess from accumulating. 

For example:

• Clear dishes immediately after meals.
• Wipe spills as soon as they happen.
• Tidy toys before starting a new activity.

Encouraging these habits in your children can significantly reduce the amount of time spent on cleaning later.

You may also like: How to Clean and Disinfect Your Children’s Toys

 

8. Use Safe Cleaning Products

 

When cleaning around children, safety is a priority. Opt for non-toxic, eco-friendly cleaning products that are safe for little hands and curious minds. Alternatively, you can use natural cleaning solutions like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice. Store all cleaning products out of reach or in locked cabinets to prevent accidents.

 

9. Embrace Minimalism

A minimalist lifestyle can simplify cleaning and organisation. By owning fewer items, you’ll have less to clean and maintain. Focus on quality over quantity, choosing durable and multifunctional products for your home. Minimalism not only reduces clutter but also creates a more calming and manageable living space.

 

10. To Maintain a Clean Home with Children, Schedule Deep Cleaning Sessions

While daily cleaning takes care of surface-level messes, deep cleaning is necessary to keep your home in top condition. Schedule time for tasks like carpet shampooing, cleaning upholstery, and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces. You can also hire professional cleaners occasionally to handle these more intensive jobs, giving you a much-needed break.

 

Final Thoughts 

Maintaining a clean home with children may seem daunting, but it’s entirely possible with a practical approach and consistent effort. By setting realistic goals, involving your children in chores, and staying organised, you can create a home that’s both tidy and family-friendly. Remember, a clean home is not about perfection but about fostering a safe, comfortable, and happy environment for everyone. 

In the meantime, if home cleaning is not your cup of tea, why not hire a professional home cleaner? Feel free to contact us and request a cleaning quote. You can find more info about our cleaning services at Merci Cleaning London or on our official Facebook page. 

You may also like: 5 reasons for hiring a professional house cleaner

 

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