Cleaning Your Home with Little Ones Around
- Dina Priest
- Jan 20
- 4 min read
Updated: Jan 20
Keeping your home clean with children running around can feel like an uphill battle. Between toys, crumbs, and endless spills, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But don’t worry! At Mary & Martha Cleaning, we understand the challenges of parenthood, and we’re here to share some practical tips to help you maintain a clean and happy home—even with little ones in the mix.
In this blog, you will:
Learn tips and tricks from professionals such as myself on how to keep your home manageable even with the kids making an endless amount of messes each day.
Hear personal experiences from moms just like you (AKA some of my best friends) and feel seen, heard, and relatable content.
Have the chance to voice your own experiences in the comments and be a part of this growing cleaning community!
Have the chance to subscribe to our blog on the blog menu page to stay up to date on cleaning tips and a helpful community who understands!
Let's begin!
Cleaning Tips & Tricks for Moms with Kids
1. Embrace the Power of Short Cleaning Bursts
Kids thrive on routines, and so can your cleaning schedule. Instead of trying to tackle the entire house at once, clean in 10-15 minute bursts. For example:
• Wipe counters while your child eats a snack.
• Pick up toys during their nap or quiet time.
• Sweep the floor after meals.
2. Create a Cleaning Playtime
Turn cleaning into a game! Young children love to help, so give them age-appropriate tasks like:
• Matching socks during laundry.
• Dusting with a clean, dry cloth.
• Putting toys into baskets or bins.
Not only will this teach them responsibility, but it also keeps them engaged while you tidy up.
3. Declutter Regularly
Less stuff means less mess. Every few months, sort through toys, clothes, and other items with your children. Donate or store what’s not being used. Fewer items in the house make it quicker to clean up and easier for kids to manage their spaces.
4. Invest in Kid-Friendly Cleaning Supplies
Child-safe cleaning products are a game changer. Opt for non-toxic, eco-friendly cleaners so you can feel comfortable letting your kids help or play nearby while you clean. You can even give the very littles a damp rag and let them wipe stuff down. Gotta train them young!
5. Have a Daily Reset Routine
Set a consistent time each day to reset the house—whether it’s before dinner or bedtime. Involve the whole family by assigning simple tasks like putting away toys, wiping surfaces, or tidying the living room. This creates a sense of teamwork and keeps messes manageable.
6. Prioritize High-Traffic Areas
Focus on spaces that see the most use, like the kitchen, living room, or playroom. If time is tight, a quick clean in these areas will make your home feel refreshed without the pressure of cleaning everything.
7. Call in Reinforcements
Sometimes, you need extra hands! Hiring a professional cleaning service (like Mary & Martha Cleaning!) can give you a fresh start or help you maintain order during busy seasons. We specialize in family-friendly cleaning that makes your life easier.
8. Remember: Progress Over Perfection
When you’re cleaning with kids at home, it’s important to embrace imperfection. A clean-enough home is still a happy home, and creating memories with your children matters more than spotless floors.
9. HAVE FUN!
Cleaning doesn’t have to be a boring drag of a chore! Put some music on, clean, dance, and invite your family in on the fun! It can be a great time for bonding and making memories!
Hear From Moms Just Like You
Next, I asked some of my very best friends with kids to tell any mom, grandma, or anyone else raising kids who may be reading my blog the secrets they've learned that have helped them feel like their house is manageable and the best it can be.
“Set realistic expectations for yourself and let go of the need to live in a museum. A museum is for dead things, a home is for the living. I’m hiding out in the bathroom for the third day in a row why is my life so difficult? (I’m sure if you’re a parent you can relate!) At first, I went crazy trying to keep up with it all, then I just bought a bunch of baskets and threw everything in the baskets and accepted my life lol.”
-Rachel
Boys are 2 & 3 years old.
“I think my biggest thing with my kids is since they were old enough to comprehend, I’ve always had them clean up after themselves. Of course, they’re kids and there’s going to be junk left out from time to time (I don’t expect perfection), but overall, when they’re finished eating, they put their dishes in the sink, when they’re done with an activity, they put it away before getting something else out. I can’t live in chaos — like my brain will start going bonkers and I can’t focus on anything if there’s a mess all the time, so this has been something I’ve instilled in them since the beginning. It’s not overwhelming if you clean/tidy as you go throughout your day, and by the end of the day, it’s not as much to clean and when you get up in the morning, you start fresh (it’s very very rare if I DON’T have a clean sink before I go to bed)!”
-Coco
(Kids are 10 & 8)
My friend Coco is a small business owner of this adorable online shop, Coco Cadeaux. I personally LOVE their 100% soy candles that are all hand-poured in Tennessee. We even used them for our wedding favors! "130 candles please!" You better believe I made sure all the extras came home with us! They have the cutest hospitality goods and event planning as well! Check them out!
“Give up"
-Krystel
(Kids are 12, 8, 4, & 3)
-- OR --
Just hire Mary & Martha to help. We have many cleaning packages that can be adjusted to meet your personal needs and budget! Another option is to keep following our cleaning blog for encouraging tips and building a community for continual support. Don't forget to subscribe to our blog on the blog menu page! Share your thoughts below!
Happy Cleaning!
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