If you are a parent, you may have surrendered to the fact that “kids” do not go well with a “clean home.”
Takings care of your kids alone can zap all the energy you have. This leaves you with zero motivation to spruce up your house.
Sure, maintaining a clean house while taking care of your kids may seem like an uphill battle. But that does not mean that you should resolve by letting the chaos build up.
In fact, we have listed down x cleaning recommendations from Maid Sailors Cleaning Services NYC that parents can follow:
1. Get as Much Cleaning Done Today
Benjamin Franklin once said, “Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today.”
That said, one of the keys to keeping a clean home with kids is to pick up after yourself. It can be as simple as washing the dishes as soon as you finish your meal or putting your used clothes in the hamper after taking them off.
If you notice that your kids are playing with another set of toys, start putting away the previous ones they used. Some parents also advise just to let your kids play and clean the house when they are asleep.
2. Have a Cleaning Schedule
Whether you are rearing an infant or raising a toddler, a cleaning schedule can help you maintain a clean and organized home. Plus, it can keep your sanity intact because you do not have to wonder what you need to do.
An effective cleaning schedule contains a list of what needs to get done and how often. For instance, cleaning the master bedroom every Monday and your kids’ rooms every Tuesday.
A cleaning schedule will ensure that you are on track with big tasks that need to be done regularly.
3. Maximize Storage
Another secret to maintaining a clean home with kids is to give every item a home. Yes, including your kids’ toys.
If you can contain your children’s clutters in their rooms, better. However, it is easier said than done.
More often than not, any surface in your home becomes a catchall of their toys, food, and other random items. Hence, it is imperative to give your belongings a home.
Sure, your kids might be playing and building blocks in the living room. But that does not mean that it should stay there. It is still best to keep them in their designated storage once your kids are done playing with them.
Better yet, teach your kids to store their toys away once they are done playing.
4. Use Kid-friendly Cleaning Product
Here’s the thing: Commercial cleaning products are chemical-laden and can be dangerous to your family’s health. Hence, it would be best to make the swap.
You can opt to buy natural cleaning products or make your own. Doing so not only a step towards a toxin-free home, but you are also doing your part in saving the environment.
In addition, keep your cleaning supplies in secure and accessible storage but away from children’s reach. For instance, place a bottle of your toilet cleaner in the medicine cabinet.
That way, you can quickly grab it when you are scheduled to clean the bathroom while ensuring your kids’ safety.
5. Let Your Kids Helps
Your kids might be small, but that does not mean that you cannot teach them good habits. In our opinion, it is never too early to teach your children responsibility.
That said, it would be best to teach your kids how to clean up after themselves. Here are quick tips from Heidi Murkoff:
- Limit the number of cleanups you need to do in a day.
- Set a schedule and stay consistent.
- Let your kids put their “unfinished projects” aside.
- Keep it fun.
However, do not expect a perfect result when cleaning with your kids. What’s important is that you show appreciation in doing the best they can in helping you clean and declutter.
6. Seek Professional Help
If maintaining a clean house and taking care of your kids seem too much, we encourage you to seek professional help.
You can hire a nanny or a babysitter who can look after your kids while cleaning the house. Another option would be to ask some family members for help.
On the other hand, you can opt to hire a professional home cleaner. Schedule a bi-weekly deep cleaning session, so you have one thing off of your plate. In exchange, you have free time that you can spend with your kids.
But if you do not have the luxury to hire a professional home cleaner, you can delegate tasks to your family instead.
Here’s the thing: Maintaining a clean home is essential, but nothing is more crucial than spending time with your kids. Nonetheless, the tips listed above can help you get started having a clean home with kids.