11 Hacks To Keeping Your Home Clean with Kids and Pets

When you’ve got little ones running around and pets leaving their mark (literally), keeping a clean home can feel like a full-time job. But it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a few smart habits and simple systems, you can stay on top of the mess and keep your space feeling clean, even with a house full of chaos.

Build Simple Daily Routines

Consistency makes all the difference. Spend 10–15 minutes each day tidying up your main living areas — put away toys, wipe down counters, and sweep up crumbs. When you stay on top of things daily, you avoid the snowball effect that leads to total disaster.

Get your kids involved, too. Even toddlers can help pick up toys or put laundry in the hamper. Make it a quick family routine so everything doesn’t fall on your shoulders.

Make Storage Work for You

Clutter builds fast without the right storage. Use bins, baskets, and shelves to corral toys, pet gear, and everyday stuff. Clear labels help everyone know where things go — no more excuses for leaving things out.

Stackable bins with lids work great for toys. A small basket near the door for leashes and waste bags keeps pet supplies easy to grab and out of the way.

Clean as You Go

It’s way easier to tackle small messes in the moment than to wait until they’re out of control. Wipe up spills after meals, vacuum crumbs when you see them, and toss dirty laundry in the hamper instead of the floor.

When your pet has an accident, clean it up immediately with a pet-safe product. Don’t forget to wash their toys and beds regularly to keep odors and bacteria under control.

Set Pet-Free Zones

Designate a few no-pet areas in your home, like the kitchen or your kids’ bedrooms. It helps cut down on hair, dirt, and drool in places where it matters most. Pet gates can help with boundaries, and giving your pet a cozy spot of their own keeps them happy and out of the way.

Use a Mudroom or Entryway Station

Even if you don’t have a full mudroom, you can set up a small area near the door to catch dirt before it spreads. Use hooks for coats and bags, a bench for shoes, and a tray or basket for pet wipes and towels. Clean muddy paws and remove shoes before heading inside.

Vacuum and Sweep Often

Between pet hair and kid crumbs, floors take a beating. Aim to vacuum high-traffic areas daily and the rest of the house a few times a week. A vacuum with a good filter helps cut down on allergens. Don’t forget the couch cushions — pets love to nap there, and it shows.

Wash Bedding and Soft Surfaces

Pillows, blankets, rugs, and curtains can trap smells and hair. Toss anything washable into the laundry regularly. Use machine-washable pet beds with removable covers to make life easier. A fresh-smelling home often starts with clean fabrics.

Rotate and Manage Toys

Toy overload makes it hard to keep any space clean. Keep only a few toys out at once and store the rest. Rotating them keeps kids interested and makes cleanup quicker. Teach kids to clean up before moving on to something else — a simple habit that really helps.

Store pet toys in a bin and give them a quick wipe-down once in a while to keep them from getting grimy.

Keep Cleaning Supplies Handy

Make it easy to clean up as you go by keeping basic supplies nearby. A caddy with wipes, sprays, and a dust cloth in each main area saves you from running around. For pet messes, keep a stash of enzyme cleaner, paper towels, and a lint roller close by.

Create a Family Cleaning Schedule

Instead of trying to do everything at once, break tasks into manageable pieces. Daily tasks might include making beds and wiping counters. Weekly ones could be vacuuming and bathrooms. Save deep cleaning and decluttering for once a month.

Give everyone in the house their own small responsibilities. A simple chore chart or routine helps keep things fair and organized.

Stay on Top of Pet Care

Regular grooming keeps shedding under control and helps cut down on dander. Brush your pets often and bathe them as needed. Keep their living areas clean — that means fresh bedding, washed food bowls, and a tidy litter box.

A Cleaner Home is Within Reach

Life with kids and pets can be messy, but that doesn’t mean your home has to be. When you stay consistent and keep your systems simple, the mess becomes manageable. You’ll spend less time cleaning up and more time enjoying your space with the ones you love.

This article first appeared on Happy From Home.