10 Practical Tips To Keep a Clean House With Kids
Keeping a house clean with kids can sometimes seem impossible. It is like trying to sweep sand at the beach.
But believe me, you are not alone!
Many parents (like you and me) struggle to balance this mess. It is an endless scuffle. It comes with having kids around and keeping a tidy home.
The good news is that a few practical tips and tricks can give you peace of mind and help you keep things under control—and that too without spending all day cleaning. Surprised?
Here’s how to keep a clean house with kids.
1.Teach Kids “Clean-Up” Basics Early On
Involve your kids in tidying up. This will build a sense of responsibility and lighten your load!
Start by teaching them simple tasks. This could include putting toys back in bins or clothes in hampers.
Even young kids can help with smaller tasks. You can involve them in things like putting books back on shelves or setting the table.
To keep them interested, turn it into a game. You can also play their favourite clean-up song. The earlier you introduce these habits, the easier it will be to maintain a tidy home.
2.Establish “Clean Zones” In The House
Not every room needs to be a playroom.
Set up designated "clean zones." These zones should keep toys and clutter to a minimum. This could include spaces like the living room or dining area.
Bedrooms and playrooms can be more relaxed. Here, you can allow the kids more freedom. They can even spread out their toys in these spaces.
However, clean-up should still be a routine. This ensures that even these relaxed spaces do not get out of hand.
3.Rotate Toys To Minimize Clutter And Keep Things Fresh
Toy clutter can build up fast! A toy rotation system can help keep things under control.
Store away some toys and bring out only a selection each week.
Swap out the toys in rotation every couple of weeks. This helps reduce clutter and renews the kids' interest in toys they may have forgotten.
You can use storage bins or baskets to keep the toys not in rotation. This way, they will remain organized and out of sight.
4.Use Kid-Friendly Storage Solutions
Every toy, book, or art supply should have its place.
This makes it much easier to tidy up quickly. You can set up bins, baskets, and cubbies. Kids can reach and use them independently.
Stackable bins, under-the-bed storage, or a small storage ottoman in the living room are great for containing clutter without taking up too much space.
A storage space that is accessible means kids can pitch in with cleaning. This helps keep messes manageable.
5.Assume a “Clean As You Go” Mentality
It sounds simple. Cleaning as you go can make a big difference!
It would help if you inspired everyone in the family to tidy up, especially after themselves.
They should wipe down counters after meals, put dishes away after snacks, and have kids pick up toys before moving to the next activity.
These small actions can prevent clutter from building up. They also help keep the house clean as a natural part of the day.
Plus, it teaches kids to take responsibility for their messes.
6.Announce a Daily “10-Minute Tidy-Up” Routine
It is just 10 minutes every evening to do a quick tidy-up. This should involve the whole family.
You can set a timer and tackle common areas. Take in chores like picking up toys, straightening cushions, or wiping down surfaces.
This short but practical clean-up session prevents big messes from piling up. It gives everyone a fresh start the following day. A clean space before bedtime feels rewarding!
7.Go For Washable And Kid-Friendly Materials
When choosing furniture and décor, consider kid-proof options. These make cleaning easier. For example, you can choose washable sofa covers, stain-resistant fabrics, and easy-to-clean floors.
When spills, stains, or messes occur, such materials can save you time and stress. You can opt for machine-washable rugs.
It would help if you also looked for durable furniture to handle a little rough play.
8.Focus On One Main Cleaning Task Each Day
It can be overwhelming to clean the entire house at once.
This is where the solution lies: breaking it down into daily tasks.
Examples might be dusting on Monday, vacuuming on Tuesday, and deep cleaning the bathroom on Wednesday.
This way, each room gets regular attention, and you do not need to dedicate an entire day to cleaning.
By spreading out tasks, you can keep a tidier home without feeling like it’s an endless job.
9.Have a Catch-All Basket For Each Room
A "catch-all" basket is a lifesaver. It is precious in busy rooms like the living room or kitchen.
You can use it to remove toys, clothes, or everything else that shouldn't be there.
Now, at the end of each day, take some minutes to go through that basket. You can then put stuff in the right places.
It's a quick way to manage clutter without picking things up every five minutes.
10.Schedule a Weekly Family Cleaning Day
Make cleaning a family activity. Set aside time each week to tackle larger chores together.
Have each family member take on a task. These tasks may be dusting, vacuuming, wiping down surfaces, or organizing a closet.
This makes the job go faster. It also teaches kids that cleaning is a team effort.
Reward everyone with a fun family activity afterwards. You go for a movie night or relish a special dessert. This makes the process feel like an accomplishment!
A Clean House With Kids? Yes, It’s Possible!
Keeping a clean house with kids may seem challenging. However, it can be done with just a few simple but intelligent moves.
Teach your kids to help. Designate play areas and utilize intelligent storage solutions. Your house will stay tidier with less effort.
Give these tips a try, and you might discover that a cleaner, more organized home is within reach—even with little ones around!