Cleaning is nasty business, but someone’s got to do it.
When it’s time to clean our house, distractions are everywhere…and I know it’s not just us. With a toddler underfoot it can be almost impossible to find time for cleaning.
Dirt is Not the Enemy
The dangers of traditional household cleaners (the ones that we have been using for decades) are no secret. Laden with chemicals, these cleaners are not family friendly, especially if the stray chemical happens to blend with another.
For a mom with young children in the house, this can be downright terrifying, prompting midnight cleanings to ensure the children are nowhere near the fumes.
Nowadays we have a wide variety of natural cleaners, including vinegar, baking soda, and salt. These give us moms more power over cleaning with toddlers.
Clean Green (no, not the vegetables!)
When you have kids at home, “help” is unavoidable. They want to help you clean, cook, pee…it’s never ending.
The good news is that you can let them when it comes to cleaning the house. If you’re cleaning with toddlers, assign them small tasks, such as dusting (let them use a feather duster for this task), or cleaning windows with vinegar and newsprint.
Homemade cleaners are natural and safe so that toddlers can “help.”
Don’t Strain over the Drain
Slow drain? Just say no to all the caustic chemicals. If it is strong enough to dissolve a clog, just imagine what it could do to little fingers if it does not get rinsed away completely.
To make your own liquid drain cleaner, simply combine 1/4 cup of a grease fighting liquid dish soap and boiling water. Pour it down the drain, let it set, then rinse it away. The grease fighters break up greasy mess, and the boiling water activates it.
Another popular method is pour 1 cup of baking soda in the drain, followed by 2 cups boiling water. Add another cup of baking soda then a cup of white vinegar on top of it all. Plug the drain! This will get messy when the soda and vinegar mix! The reaction of the two is a much desired effect in science fair volcanoes, but not in your bathroom when you clean your house. The clog will be powered out, and no tiny fingers will be harmed in the process!
Make Cleaning Fun
Little ones emulate us, regardless of the activity. Why not teach them how to help clean your house with you?
Making a game of it will make the task more enjoyable, and will also create valuable bonding time. If you need ideas, check out my Ultimate Chore List for Kids.
My boys used to love riding the vacuum, and they could because we made our own carpet refresher. Smalls would mop until I was afraid he was going to mop the grout right out of the floor the tile!
Skip Perfection
When you have kids, its important to remember that nothing is going to be perfect-so if they dust 2 out of 3 shelves, don’t over correct them. Instead, wait until they’ve moved on to something else and then finish the job…or don’t. If you make cleaning fun (and part of your daily routine), then it won’t take long for things to get clean and stay there.
I honestly can’t help with the quantity of toys on the floor.
Once you’ve got the house clean, it’s time to relax with some well-deserved cuddle time in a clean, fresh house.