Kids Room: Clean-Up Chronicals
Kids' bedrooms are often a hub of creativity, imagination, and let's face it, messes. Keeping these spaces clean and organized can be a challenge, but with a bit of planning and some helpful strategies, you can transform chaos into order. In this blog post, we'll explore practical tips and step-by-step approaches to effectively clean and organize your kids' bedrooms. We know you don’t want to do all the work for them, so we will get them helping too!
Don says “The home is the first and finest classroom”
1. Declutter First: Before you even begin cleaning, tackle the clutter. Encourage your child to go through their belongings and decide what they want to keep, donate, or toss. This process not only helps with cleaning but also teaches valuable organization skills.
“Most of those misplaced items in a home are really - no place, items. Everything in our homes has to fit or go someplace.” Don Aslett - “No time to Clean”
2. Gather Supplies: Assemble your cleaning supplies before you start.
You'll need:
- Trash bags
- Cleaning Solutions Ex. Window Cleaner, Disinfectant, X-O Odor Remover
- Microfiber cloths
- A vacuum cleaner
- Storage containers
3. Make Cleaning Fun: Open a window to freshen the air. Turn cleaning into a game or play some upbeat music to make the process enjoyable for your child. Set a timer for short bursts of cleaning and reward their efforts afterward.
4. Bedding and Linens: Strip the bed and wash the bedding, including sheets, pillowcases, and comforters. Vacuum the mattress to remove any dust or debris and nuetralize odors with X-O Odor Remover.
5. Take it Step by Step: Divide the cleaning process into manageable steps. Start at the top and work your way down: Dusting and Wiping: Start at the top and work your way down by dusting all surfaces, including lights, ceiling fans, shelves, dressers, and toys. Use a damp microfiber cloth to wipe down surfaces.
TIP: Washing walls is a great job for your kids to do. Don’t forget the light switches and baseboards!
Window and Mirror Cleaning: Clean windows and mirrors using a glass cleaner for a sparkling finish.
Floor Cleaning: Vacuum the floor thoroughly, paying attention to corners and under furniture. If you have stains, use Stain & Odor Remover on all spots. If carpet is extremely worn and dirty consider using an extractor to really deep clean your bedrooms. Read our Blog Carpet Cleaning 101 for tips and tricks.
6. Tackle Toys and Play Areas: Cleaning toys can be fun! Wipe down hard toys with a damp cloth and toss soft toys into the washing machine if possible. Organize toys into bins or baskets, making cleanup easier for your child.
7. Organize Personal Items: Help your child organize books, school supplies, and personal items like art projects. Use shelves, containers, and organizers to give everything a designated place.
8. Hidden Clutter Spots: Don't forget to check under the bed, inside closets, and in drawers for hidden clutter that might have accumulated.
9. Empty Trash and Recycling: Empty trash and recycling bins, making sure your child knows where to dispose of waste properly.
10. Encourage Maintenance: Teach your child the importance of maintaining a clean room. Create a simple cleaning routine that involves a daily quick tidy-up and a weekly deeper clean. Download our FREE chore chart for all ages!
Point out the Personal Benefits of “clean” “Notice how you feel when your rooms clean” “You can find things” “Look how much room you have to play” “You won’t get hurt stepping on or over things, and you will stay healthier in a clean environment” “Your toys stay nicer when they are not on the floor getting stepped on” Keep the compliments coming!
11. Personalize the Space: Consider involving your child in decorating their room. When they feel a sense of ownership, they may be more motivated to keep their space clean and organized.
12. Storage Solutions: Utilize storage solutions like shelves, baskets, and bins to keep items organized and easily accessible. Labeling containers can help your child identify where things belong.
Cleaning and organizing kids' bedrooms is not just about tidiness; it's about teaching responsibility and creating a space where your child can thrive. By following these practical tips and involving your child in the process, you can transform their messy sanctuary into an organized haven that sparks creativity and comfort. Remember that consistency is key, and with time, maintaining a clean and organized kids' bedroom will become second nature for both you and your child.