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10 Cleaning Hacks for Busy Moms

Carey Schaal
Written By Carey Schaal
Writer + Editor
Original Publish Date: Jul 11, 2024, 01:10 PM
Last updated: Sep 25, 2024, 09:39 PM
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Sometimes, juggling the endless demands of parenthood and work can leave your cleaning routine hanging by a thread. You finally sit down after a long day, only to see crumbs under the table from this morning’s breakfast rush, or spot those little fingerprints all over the windows. And let’s not even start on the stains on unholstry that appear out of nowhere.

My little ones are experts at turning a clean room into a playground of chaos in mere minutes and while hiring a cleaner might seem like a dream solution, it’s not always in the budget. Over the years, I’ve gathered some sanity-saving cleaning hacks that are perfect for us busy moms who can barely find a minute. These aren’t just any tips; they’re game-changers that have transformed my approach to cleaning, making it possible to have a tidy home without sacrificing precious downtime.

Use a Robotic Vacuum

robot vacuum

First up, let’s talk about the robotic vacuum. If you’re like me, trying to find the time to vacuum daily sounds like a fantasy. But with toddlers and pets, it’s almost a necessity. Crumbs, pet hair, and the mysterious bits and pieces that find their way into our homes need regular attention. Enter the robotic vacuum – my silent hero. It runs on a schedule during nap times, quietly whirring away, keeping the floors clean without any effort on my part. It’s perfect for maintaining clean floors on a daily basis, and honestly, it’s also a bit of a distraction for the kids when they do catch it doing its rounds!

Implement a ‘No Shoes’ Policy

Implementing a ‘no shoes in the house’ policy was a game-changer. Initially, it felt a bit awkward asking guests to remove their shoes, but the payoff in how much cleaner my floors stay is worth it. Shoes track in a lot of dirt and grime, not to mention all sorts of bacteria. By keeping shoes at the door, I’ve noticed a significant reduction in the dirt that gets tracked in, which means less sweeping and mopping for me.

Fabric Softener Sheets for Dusting

Here’s a trick I wish I’d discovered sooner: using fabric softener sheets for dusting. They’re fantastic for quickly wiping down surfaces and picking up dust without leaving any residue. Plus, they’re great for combating static on electronics and blinds. This hack is especially handy in the fall and winter months when static becomes more of a nuisance. The slight coating they leave behind also seems to help repel dust a bit longer than usual, making your cleaning last. It’s a small thing that adds up, saving you time from constant dusting.

Use the Dishwasher to Clean Toys

For toy cleaning, especially bath toys, I’ve turned to my dishwasher. It’s perfect for deep cleaning all those little plastic items that are notorious for harboring soap scum and mold. Every couple of weeks, I load up the dishwasher with toys instead of dishes, and they come out looking brand new. It saves so much time compared to washing each item by hand. This method not only ensures that the kids’ toys are sanitized but also helps in keeping my sanity intact—no more late-night scrubbing sessions!

Use Baskets for Storage

Baskets are a decor lifesaver. Not only do they keep things organized, but they also hide clutter in plain sight and add a touch of style to any room. Each room in my house has a strategically placed basket where toys, books, and even laundry can quickly be tossed when we’re doing a fast clean-up. These baskets blend seamlessly with the decor, making them an attractive solution to a common problem. On days when I know we’ll have guests, a quick sweep of the room with items tossed into the baskets can transform a chaotic space into a tidy one in minutes.



Keep a Stain Remover Handy

With a toddler around, spills and stains are inevitable. I keep a good quality stain remover at hand for quick spot cleaning on carpets and upholstery. It’s incredible how much peace of mind it brings, knowing that I can tackle any mess as soon as it happens. This approach not only helps in keeping the house visually appealing but also extends the life of fabrics and carpets, protecting your investment in home furnishings. Plus, acting quickly prevents stains from setting, which could be harder to remove later and might require professional cleaning services.

Plump Up Your Cushions

A quick fluff of the cushions can transform any living space from “lived-in” to “guest-ready” in minutes. I make it a habit to plump up the cushions on our couch each morning; it makes the whole room look tidier and more inviting. This simple act not only revives the furniture but also helps maintain the shape and longevity of the cushions. Over time, cushions that are regularly fluffed tend not to develop permanent dips and creases, ensuring that your sofa looks good and feels comfortable for years.

Freshen up the Bathroom

My quick bathroom tidy-up trick before guests arrive is to wipe down surfaces, polish the mirror, tidy up the towels, and light a scented candle. It instantly makes the bathroom feel fresh and clean. This small routine also helps to create a welcoming and pleasant atmosphere, showing care and attention to detail, which guests always appreciate. By keeping cleaning supplies handy in the bathroom, such as disinfectant wipes and glass cleaner, these quick clean-ups can be done in a flash, maintaining a spotless space effortlessly.

Getting rid of stuff we no longer use has been incredibly freeing. Whether it’s donating old clothes or recycling toys that are no longer played with, clearing out clutter makes the house easier to clean and keep organized. This practice not only simplifies cleaning but also reduces stress by creating a more organized environment where everything has its place. Regular decluttering sessions also allow us to reevaluate what items are essential, leading to more mindful purchasing decisions that keep clutter from accumulating again.

Get Professional Cleaning Service

And finally, if you can, scheduling a professional cleaning service even just once a month can make a massive difference. They handle the deep cleaning tasks, which means you can focus more on spot maintenance, which is much less overwhelming. Having professionals tackle the bigger jobs, like cleaning windows, scrubbing bathrooms thoroughly, and getting to those hard-to-reach dust and dirt build-ups, ensures that the cleanliness of your home is always up to standard. This not only enhances the overall cleanliness but also preserves your home’s aesthetics and hygiene, giving you peace of mind and more time to enjoy with family.

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Carey Schaal
Carey Schaal
Writer + Editor
Mom Life
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