The Secret to Keeping Your Home Clean with Kids and Pets

Keeping your home clean when you have kids and pets can feel like an impossible task. Toys, crumbs, pet hair, and muddy paw prints can make it seem like your house is always a mess. However, implementing a few simple tips can help you can maintain a tidy home without feeling overwhelmed.

Establish Routines

One of the best ways to keep your home clean is to establish daily routines. Start by setting aside time each day for basic chores. For example, spend 15 minutes each morning tidying up the living room and kitchen. Try setting a timer and quickly wiping down countertops, picking up toys, and sweeping the floor. By doing a little bit each day, you can prevent messes from piling up and becoming overwhelming.

Teach your kids to help out with these routines as well. Even young children can be responsible for simple tasks like putting away their toys or making their beds. Make it a family effort to keep the house clean so everyone can enjoy a more tidy, organized living space.

Use Storage Solutions

Having the right storage solutions can make a big difference in keeping your home clean. Invest in bins, baskets, and shelves to help organize toys, pet supplies, and other items that tend to clutter up your space. Labeling these storage containers can also help everyone know where things belong, making it easier to put items away when they’re not in use.

For kids’ toys, consider using storage bins with lids that can be stacked. This will not only keep toys out of sight but also make it easier to clean up at the end of the day. For pet supplies, use a designated basket or shelf to store leashes, toys, and grooming tools. Keeping everything in one place will save you time and reduce clutter.

Clean as You Go

One of the easiest ways to keep your home clean is to clean as you go. This means tackling small messes right away instead of letting them build up. For example, wipe up spills and crumbs immediately after meals, and encourage your kids to do the same. This will prevent stains and make cleaning up easier in the long run.

For pet messes, clean up accidents as soon as they happen. Use pet-friendly cleaning products to remove stains and odors. Regularly clean your pet’s bedding and toys to keep them fresh and free of dirt and hair.

Designate Pet-Free Zones

To help keep your home cleaner, consider designating certain areas as pet-free zones. This can include places like the kitchen, dining room, and bedrooms. By keeping pets out of these areas, you can reduce the amount of dirt, hair, and messes that need to be cleaned up.

If you have a pet that likes to jump on furniture, use pet gates or training techniques to keep them off. Providing your pet with their own designated space, such as a cozy bed or a corner of the living room, can also help keep them happy and reduce messes.

Create a Mudroom

A mudroom can be a lifesaver for keeping your home clean with kids and pets. If you have the space, set up a mudroom near the entrance to your home. This can be a place where everyone can remove dirty shoes, wipe off muddy paws, and store outdoor gear.

Equip your mudroom with hooks for jackets and bags, a bench for sitting, and storage bins for shoes and boots. Keep a towel or pet wipes handy to clean off your pet’s paws before they come inside. This will prevent dirt and mud from being tracked throughout your home.

Vacuum and Sweep Regularly

Regular vacuuming and sweeping are essential for keeping your home clean with kids and pets. Pet hair, crumbs, and dirt can quickly accumulate on floors and furniture. Set a schedule to vacuum or sweep high-traffic areas at least once a day, and less-used areas a few times a week.

Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to help trap pet dander and allergens. For hardwood or tile floors, use a broom or a dust mop to pick up dirt and hair. Don’t forget to vacuum furniture, especially if your pets like to lounge on the couch.

Wash Bedding and Soft Furnishings

Bedding and soft furnishings can harbor dirt, hair, and odors from kids and pets. Make a habit of washing bed linens, blankets, and throw pillows regularly. For pet beds, choose ones with removable, machine-washable covers. Wash them every couple of weeks to keep them fresh and clean.

Curtains and rugs can also collect dust and pet hair. Vacuum rugs regularly and wash them if they’re machine-washable. For curtains, use a handheld vacuum or a lint roller to remove hair and dust.

Organize Toys and Games

Kids’ toys and games can quickly take over your home if not managed properly. Set up a system for rotating toys so that only a few are out at a time. This not only reduces clutter but also keeps kids interested in their toys, as they feel new when they come back into rotation.

Teach your kids to clean up their toys before moving on to another activity. Make it a fun game by setting a timer and challenging them to beat the clock. For pet toys, store them in a designated basket and clean them regularly to keep them free of dirt and bacteria.

Keep Cleaning Supplies Handy

Having cleaning supplies readily available makes it easier to tackle messes as soon as they happen. Keep a small caddy with essential cleaning products in each main area of your home. This can include items like all-purpose cleaner, disinfectant wipes, a dust cloth, and a handheld vacuum.

For pet messes, have a dedicated cleaning kit with pet-friendly products. Include items like enzyme cleaner for accidents, pet wipes for quick cleanups, and a lint roller for removing hair from furniture and clothing.

Create a Cleaning Schedule

A cleaning schedule can help you stay on top of household chores and prevent messes from becoming overwhelming. Break tasks down into daily, weekly, and monthly chores. For example, daily tasks might include making beds, wiping down countertops, and sweeping floors.

Weekly tasks could include vacuuming carpets, mopping floors, and cleaning bathrooms. Monthly tasks might involve deep cleaning appliances, washing windows, and decluttering storage areas.

Involve your kids in the cleaning schedule by assigning age-appropriate tasks. This not only teaches them responsibility but also helps lighten your load. Use a chore chart or a family calendar to keep track of tasks and make cleaning a team effort.

Take Care of Your Pets

Keep your pets’ living areas clean by regularly washing their bedding, toys, and food dishes. If you have a litter box, scoop it daily and change the litter regularly to keep it clean and odor-free.

Regular grooming can help reduce the amount of pet hair and dander in your home. Brush your pets regularly to remove loose fur and prevent it from ending up on your floors and furniture. Bathe them as needed to keep their coats clean and fresh.

Keeping your home clean with kids and pets doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With a little effort and consistency, you can create a space that’s comfortable and enjoyable for both you, your family, and your furry friends.