Being a stay-at-home parent is a full-time job, and keeping your home clean while juggling childcare can feel like an uphill battle. However, with a few clever cleaning hacks for stay at home parents, you can maintain a tidy home without spending all day scrubbing and organizing. Here are some game-changing tips to help you clean smarter, not harder.
If you are new to the blog, welcome! I blog and make videos about cleaning, decluttering, and organizing. You can find my free printables to help you get organized in the drop down menu under the Printables category at the top of this page. Also, check out my post on Time Capsule Decluttering here.
Also, check out this post on 8 Decluttering Tips for Young Families.
10 Cleaning Hacks for Stay At Home Parents
1. Set a Cleaning Schedule
Instead of tackling everything at once, break your cleaning tasks into manageable daily chunks. Assign different rooms or tasks to specific days. For example:
- Monday: Laundry and bedrooms
- Tuesday: Kitchen and dining area
- Wednesday: Bathrooms
- Thursday: Living room and dusting
- Friday: Floors and vacuuming This approach prevents overwhelming cleaning days and keeps your home consistently tidy.
2. Use a Basket System
Keep a basket in each major room to collect stray toys, clothes, or miscellaneous items throughout the day. Before bedtime, do a quick basket run to return everything to its place. This keeps clutter under control without requiring constant tidying.
3. Multitask When Possible
Maximize your time by pairing cleaning with other tasks. Wipe down kitchen counters while waiting for water to boil, scrub the bathtub while kids are in the bath, or sweep the floors while on a phone call. Little moments add up!
4. Embrace the Two-Minute Rule
If a cleaning task takes two minutes or less, do it immediately. Whether it’s wiping down a table, rinsing a dish, or putting shoes away, these quick actions prevent messes from piling up.
5. DIY Natural Cleaners
Reduce your reliance on harsh chemicals by making simple, effective cleaners at home:
- All-purpose cleaner: Mix equal parts water and white vinegar with a few drops of lemon essential oil.
- Glass cleaner: Combine 1 cup of water, 1 cup of vinegar, and 1 tablespoon of rubbing alcohol for streak-free windows.
- Deodorizing carpet powder: Sprinkle baking soda mixed with a few drops of essential oil onto carpets, let it sit, then vacuum it up.
6. Get the Kids Involved
Make cleaning a family activity by giving kids age-appropriate chores. Young children can put away toys, wipe surfaces, or help load the dishwasher. Turn cleaning into a game or play upbeat music to make it more fun.
7. Invest in Time-Saving Tools
Consider tools that make cleaning easier and faster:
- Robot vacuum for daily maintenance
- Microfiber cloths for quick dusting
- Cordless handheld vacuum for spills and crumbs
- Squeegee for streak-free windows and shower doors
8. Tidy Before Bedtime
A five-minute evening reset can make mornings much smoother. Do a quick sweep of the house, put things away, and wipe down kitchen counters before heading to bed. Waking up to a tidy home starts the day off right!
9. Laundry Simplification
Instead of letting laundry pile up, do a small load daily. Assign each family member a laundry day, use color-coded baskets for easy sorting, and fold clothes immediately to prevent wrinkles and clutter.
10. Give Yourself Grace
Remember, perfection isn’t the goal—balance is. Some days will be messier than others, and that’s okay. Focus on small, consistent efforts rather than tackling everything at once.
By incorporating these hacks into your daily routine, you can keep your home cleaner with less effort, leaving you with more time to enjoy with your family. Happy cleaning!
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