The concepts of being a parent to young children and having a clean house seem to contrast with each other. It may seem like as soon as you clean and declutter your home, the children tear through it, and you’re back to where you started. We have compiled this guide with tips for Tennessee parents to help keep their homes clean and safe despite having small children.
Store Cleaning Products in Upper-Level Cabinets
Storing cleaning products in upper-level cabinets makes them more difficult for smaller children to reach. Make sure all harmful cleaning products, including detergents, sprays, sanitizers, and personal care products, are well out of reach of children. Be sure to look for any nearby counters or step stools that could allow them to climb up and reach the products.
Teach Kids Age-Appropriate Chores
Your children are a part of the mess, so why not make them a part of the cleaning process? By teaching your children how to pick up after themselves at a young age, they’ll develop good cleaning and organization skills early. Cater the chores you ask of your children to their age and development level. Younger children may not be able to help out as much, but you can get them in the habit of putting toys back in a toybox when they’re done. Older children can help with tasks like setting or cleaning up the table before or after meals, sweeping the floors, and wiping up their own spills.
Get in the Habit of Cleaning as You Go
Getting into the habit of cleaning as you go can minimize the time you have to dedicate each day to cleaning tasks. Try to wash dishes as soon as you’re done using them. Rather than putting items down on the counter or table, put them back where they belong. Hang clothes and coats back up when you’re done with them. Fold your laundry as soon as you take it out of the dryer rather than moving it to another part of the house, where it’s easy to put it off until later.
Outsource Help
Learning to outsource some cleaning tasks can also help you maintain a clean home when you’re too busy with younger children. Some parents may hire a professional cleaning company to come once or twice per month to keep up with deeper cleaning tasks, like dusting or organizing cabinets.
Professional carpet cleaning is also a must with small children, especially ones who aren’t quite walking yet. Shoes and debris can easily be tracked into the home and absorbed into the carpets. Your child then crawls on the same floors, often putting the same debris in their mouths. Professional carpet cleaning in Brentwood, TN, services ensure your carpets are not only clean but also safe for your children.
Outsourcing may also include hiring a babysitter or nanny for a few hours so you can catch up on organizing your home. The ability to get things in order allows you to transition into the fall season while focusing on your children.
Set a Cleaning Timer Each Night
When life gets busy, it’s often easy to put off small cleaning tasks until your home requires a deep cleaning that can take you hours. Instead, consider setting a cleaning timer each night. Organize or clean the dirtiest parts of your household until the timer runs out. Once the timer goes off, you’re done for the evening and can focus on other important tasks, like helping your kids with their homework or monitoring the digital playground. The simple thought of working against the clock will help you quickly check cleaning tasks off your to-do list.
Automate Cleaning
Automation can be a lifesaver for parents. Easily schedule your automatic vacuum to begin cleaning at a certain time each night. An automated mop can ensure that any spills from the day are cleaned up regularly. Smart appliances today even offer the ability to alert you when they’re done washing, so you can quickly put away the dishes from the dishwasher or switch the laundry from the washer to the dryer so it’s ready for the next day.
Turn Cleaning Into a Game or Challenge
Turning cleaning into a game or challenge works well with older children. Of course, you could always encourage teens to help with cleaning tasks by offering them an allowance. You could also turn cleaning into a game or challenge. Track basic cleaning tasks, including who completes more of them, and issue awards to the winners each week. You could also turn on your family’s favorite music and turn cleaning duties into a fun dance party.
Keeping a clean home doesn’t have to be difficult, even when you have young children. By automating cleaning tasks and knowing when to call in a professional, you can maintain a clean, well-organized home while still giving your children the attention and care they need.
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