Tips for Cleaning With Kids

I’ve read before that “Cleaning with kids in the house, is like brushing your teeth while eating Oreos,” and I have to say, that certainly has a lot of truth to it, and although I’m sure most of us have never brushed our teeth while eating Oreos!  We all get the idea: it’s hard to make progress.  Since our munchkins are worth it, and we’ll keep them, 🙂  we’ll just have to learn some tips and tricks for making clean up easier, more efficient and more fun!

One huge way to help us moms keep things tidy and clean, is to get the kids involved with age appropriate chores and fun cleaning tools.

It’s amazing to me, how much can be accomplished when everyone pitches in!

Consequently, the kids don’t mind helping so much, when we’re working along side them.

Here is the chore chart idea that has really helped my children establish some good habits, including some excellent personal hygiene routines, that I don’t have to nag them about anymore!

Here’s a tip for scooping up those teensy little toys that our kids seem to enjoy playing with in the tub. (Don’t leave small children unsupervised!)

I found a small round colander, with a handle, that’s perfect for picking out little floating tub toys, and the kids (or you) can pretend they’re fishing!

I purchased mine at Target, but I’m sure they’re not hard to find elsewhere. 🙂

Dust pans and brushes or brooms come in all sizes, and don’t have to be used for just dirt.

Keep a clean set on hand to help scoop up little toys, and if you’re lucky, the kids will think it’s fun too!

We’ve had three Lego lovers at our house (4 if you count my husband :P), and we have learned to set a blanket down on the floor first, before dumping the Legos (because of course, they have to dump them to find specific pieces).

Then when it’s time to clean up, it’s quick and easy to pick up the corners of the blanket and dump the Legos back into the bin!

If Lego’s are a big deal at your house like they are here, I’ve written a couple of posts on how to keep them contained.

From storing them in bins that slide easily under the bed,

to customizing a rolling cart to build on and store them.

I hope this gives you some helpful tips for managing all the extra “stuff” and cleaning that comes with having children.  At the same time, as a mom of little ones, and an 18 year old, I can tell you that even though the days are long, the years are short.  So try to savor the special moments, and don’t let a little toy clutter or dust steal your joy!