How to Keep Your Home Clean with Pets and Kids Around

Maintaining a clean home can be challenging, even when it’s just you and your partner living there. But when you add pets and kids into the mix, it can feel like an overwhelming task. Pets shed fur, track in dirt, and sometimes have accidents. Kids, on the other hand, are known for their ability to create messes faster than you can clean them up.

However, it’s entirely possible to maintain a clean and organized home even with the hustle and bustle of a pet and child-friendly environment. With some proactive strategies, a few tricks, and a little bit of organization, you can keep your home looking fresh and welcoming, despite the chaos.

In this article, we’ll explore how to keep your home clean with pets and kids around, offering tips for pet-friendly cleaning routines, kid-proofing your space, and managing the clutter that inevitably comes with both pets and children.

Establish a Cleaning Routine

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One of the best ways to maintain a clean home with kids and pets is to establish a consistent cleaning routine. When you have children and pets, things can get messy quickly, so having a plan for daily, weekly, and monthly cleaning can help you stay on top of things.

1.1. Daily Cleaning Tasks

Daily cleaning tasks help to prevent dirt, pet hair, and food crumbs from accumulating throughout your home. By setting aside a few minutes each day, you can keep your living spaces relatively clean.

Make the Bed: If your kids are old enough, encourage them to make their beds every morning. For pets, ensure they have a designated area where they sleep, such as a pet bed, so you can easily manage their space.
Tidy Up Common Areas: Every evening, pick up toys, pet toys, and other scattered items from common areas like the living room or kitchen.
Sweep or Vacuum: Pet hair can accumulate quickly, so try to vacuum or sweep high-traffic areas daily, especially if you have pets that shed a lot. Use a vacuum cleaner with a pet hair attachment to make this task easier.

1.2. Weekly Cleaning Tasks

Weekly cleaning tasks allow you to do a more thorough cleaning of your home, addressing areas that need attention but aren’t necessarily dirty on a daily basis.

Wash Pet Bedding and Toys: Pet bedding and toys can harbor dirt, dust, and odors. Be sure to wash them once a week to keep them fresh and hygienic.
Dust Surfaces: Kids and pets can track in dirt from outside, which often settles on surfaces. Dust furniture, shelves, and electronics once a week to reduce allergens.
Disinfect High-Touch Areas: Wipe down door handles, light switches, and other high-touch areas with a disinfectant wipe to keep germs at bay, especially if you have young children.

1.3. Monthly Cleaning Tasks

Monthly cleaning tasks give you the chance to tackle areas that need occasional attention.

Wash Windows: Pets often leave paw prints on windows, and kids can leave fingerprints. Washing the windows once a month helps to keep your home sparkling clean.
Clean Pet Carriers and Travel Items: If you take your pet to the vet or on trips, don’t forget to clean their carriers and travel items once a month to remove any buildup of dirt and germs.
Deep Clean Carpets: Pet and child activity on carpets can lead to stains and trapped dirt. Consider a deep carpet clean once a month to remove any embedded dirt or odors.

Pet-Friendly Cleaning

Pets bring joy, but they also contribute to the mess. Between shedding, muddy paws, and accidents, your home can get dirty quickly. Fortunately, there are several ways to keep your home clean while making sure your pets are happy and healthy.

2.1. Prevent Dirt and Hair from Spreading

Preventing dirt and hair from spreading throughout your home is key to maintaining a clean living space.

Use Pet Mats: Place a doormat outside your door to wipe off your pet’s paws before they come inside. Consider adding a washable mat near their food and water bowls to contain spills and dirt.
Groom Regularly: Brushing your pet regularly, especially if they shed a lot, can significantly reduce the amount of hair that spreads around your home. Invest in a good quality grooming brush, and try to groom your pet outside to prevent hair from piling up indoors.
Create a Pet Zone: Designate a specific area in your home where your pet spends most of their time. This could be a pet bed or a crate in a corner of the living room or a specific room. By containing your pet’s mess to one area, it’s easier to keep the rest of your home clean.
Clean Pet Paws After Walks: After walks, wipe down your pet’s paws with a damp towel or pet wipes to prevent dirt from being tracked inside.

2.2. Use the Right Cleaning Products

When you have pets, it’s important to use cleaning products that are safe for them, especially if they tend to lick surfaces or spend a lot of time on the floor.

Pet-Safe Cleaners: Use non-toxic, pet-safe cleaners for general cleaning. Many commercial cleaning products contain harsh chemicals that could be harmful to pets. Opt for natural or pet-friendly alternatives when cleaning your floors and surfaces.
Deodorize Pet Areas: Pet odors can build up, especially if your pet has accidents. Use natural deodorizers like baking soda to neutralize odors in pet bedding, carpets, and furniture. You can also use a pet-safe air purifier to help remove odors and allergens.

2.3. Clean Pet Accidents Quickly

Accidents happen, so it’s essential to clean them up promptly to prevent stains and lingering odors.

Clean Up Urine Immediately: If your pet has an accident, blot up the urine with paper towels or a cloth as soon as possible. Once it’s absorbed, clean the area with a pet-safe cleaner.
Use Enzyme Cleaners: For pet stains, enzyme-based cleaners work well to break down the proteins in urine and other organic matter, effectively removing odors and stains.
Keep a Cleaning Kit Handy: Keep a pet cleaning kit near where your pet spends the most time, including wipes, a small broom, and an odor-neutralizing spray. This will help you clean up quickly if necessary.

Kid-Friendly Cleaning

Keeping a home clean with kids around can be a constant challenge. From art projects to snack time, kids can create messes wherever they go. However, with a few strategies, you can make the process easier and less overwhelming.

3.1. Create Kid-Friendly Zones

One of the most effective ways to keep your home clean is by creating kid-friendly zones where the mess can be contained.

Toy Storage: Invest in toy storage bins or shelves to keep toys organized and easy to access. Label the bins to encourage your children to clean up after themselves.
Designate Play Areas: Create a specific play area in your home where your kids can spread out and make a mess. If possible, use a rug or playmat in this area, so cleaning up becomes a simple task of rolling up the mat and vacuuming underneath.
Use Plastic Tablecloths: For art projects and meals, use plastic tablecloths or placemats that are easy to wipe clean. This will prevent spills and make cleanup after crafting or eating more manageable.

3.2. Teach Kids to Clean Up After Themselves

Teaching kids to clean up after themselves is crucial for maintaining a clean home.

Start Early: Even toddlers can start helping with cleaning up by putting away toys or wiping down their high chair after eating. As they grow older, they can help with more complex tasks, such as putting away dishes or wiping surfaces.
Create a Routine: Set a routine for when it’s time to clean up, whether it’s after playtime, snack time, or before bed. Make cleaning a regular part of the day to avoid messes piling up.
Make It Fun: Make cleaning up fun by turning it into a game. Use a timer to see how fast they can clean up or play music during the cleaning process. You can also reward your children with small incentives for keeping their areas tidy.

3.3. Use Kid-Friendly Cleaning Tools

Kids can help with cleaning, but you’ll want to ensure the tools they use are safe and appropriate for their age.

Small Brooms and Dustpans: Invest in a child-sized broom and dustpan set. Your child can help sweep up crumbs and dirt from the floor with ease.
Non-Toxic Cleaners: For older kids who are ready to help with surface cleaning, use non-toxic, child-friendly cleaners. Many eco-friendly cleaning products are safe for kids and pets, making them ideal for homes with both.
Cloth Towels and Sponges: Provide your kids with soft cloth towels or sponges to wipe down surfaces. They’ll enjoy helping with tasks like wiping down the table or cleaning the bathroom sink.

3.4. Keep Snacks Contained

Kids love to snack, and crumbs are a common source of mess in any home with children. To keep your home cleaner, follow these tips for managing snack time:

Designate a Snack Area: Set a designated area for snack time, such as the kitchen or dining table, to keep crumbs contained. Avoid letting your children snack in front of the TV or in other areas of the house.
Use Snack Containers: Use containers with lids to prevent crumbs from spreading. Consider using silicone bags or reusable containers to minimize mess.

Final Thoughts

Keeping your home clean with both pets and kids can feel like a never-ending task, but it’s achievable with a little planning, organization, and the right cleaning habits. By creating routines, using the right products, and involving everyone in the cleaning process, you can maintain a tidy, fresh home where everyone — including your pets — feels comfortable.

Remember, cleaning doesn’t have to be perfect. It’s about creating a balanced space that’s both functional and enjoyable for your family, pets included.