Cleaning a child's room? Of course, you do that with the help of the little cleaning helpers. My toddler always sings: “Mom cleans, and I throw back in,” and that's true. Start with the big toys: put blocks back in the box, puzzles on the shelf, stuffed animals in the basket. You don’t have to be a cleaning fanatic – children learn through repetition. When the floor becomes visible again (even just a small square), the first mission is accomplished!
Cleaning toys: Step 1: stuffed animals can go in the washing machine (at 30°C, stuffed animal in a pillowcase for softness). Prefer no machine? Put them in the freezer overnight (in a bag) to kill bacteria.
Step 2: plastic building blocks and figures (LEGO, Playmobil, etc.) can be washed. Put them in a pillowcase in the washing machine (40°C, a scoop of detergent), or soak them in soapy water with a splash of Dettol. Dry them well.
Step 3: wooden toys? A soft damp cloth and a small touch of green soap is usually enough. Wood should not get too wet, so dry immediately after. This keeps that wooden toddler kitchen and doll carriages neat without chemicals.
Bedding and plush: Change bedding twice a month (or more often with accidents or pets on the bed). As mentioned earlier for the bedroom, changing the bed once a week is ideal. The same applies to soft stuffed friends: washable parts in the machine, the rest (as mentioned) in the freezer. It sounds strange, but ice kills all the nasty bacteria!
Dust and floors: Everything that stands still for a while collects dust – even the little car under the bed. So before the big cleanup, first wipe shelves, windowsills, and the tops of toy boxes with a duster or damp cloth. Then you can easily vacuum the floor with a light vacuum cleaner (use the vacuum adapter for low-to-the-ground areas if needed). Don’t have a vacuum? Then a broom and a dustpan with some crumbs in a cloth can work: sweep them into the dustpan, the little one will definitely manage that.
Safe cleaning: Keep chemical products out of reach. Preferably work with natural cleaners: water with a drop of dish soap is fine for most tasks. Use a soft brush or sponge without sharp edges, and let your child help with simple tasks like smoothing out laundry or cloths on the floor or small scrubbing motions. That way, they also learn what the soapy water is good for!
Sustainable cleaning tips
- Put toys in baskets or boxes (preferably recycled storage) so tidying up is easy and you don’t have to rummage through entire cupboards.
- Encourage tidying by throwing away plastic bags with clutter (replace child-safe bags with sustainable storage boxes).
- Bring old stuffed animals or toys (that no longer fit or are used) to thrift stores – so nothing has to be thrown away.
- Choose natural or fragrance-free cleaning products to prevent allergies or irritations in children.
- Use reusable microfiber cloths instead of disposable wipes for dusting.
- Have a “toy rotation”: put 1/3 of the toys away in the cupboard monthly. This keeps favorites fun without constantly buying everything.
- Let children air out their stuffed animals in the sun and wind (if possible). This reduces washing and naturally kills bacteria.
- Remind children about hand hygiene: often less dirt is a matter of touching less before washing hands.
- Place a container (or reuse empty peanut butter jars) next to the trash can, especially for empty shells, pencils, or broken things – handy for kids and recyclable waste.
- Use old tea towels or blinds as outdoor play mats, so the floor inside gets less quickly filled with sand and mud tracks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How do I teach my child to tidy up?
Make it a game: for example, ‘I put away one, then you.’ Sing a song while tidying or use a timer for a race against the clock. Reward with a sticker or applause. Small steps: start with one category (only cars), and build up. Children learn a routine step by step this way.
2. How do I keep drawings out of the whole house?
Print aprons or T-shirts for craft time so nothing ends up on the walls (or use magnetic wallpaper to temporarily hang drawings). For already made artworks: give them a fixed gallery spot (like the fridge). This way kids know not everything can go on the wall, but it still gets seen!
3. What is a child-friendly cleaning product?
Go for products with little or no perfume and toxic substances. The Pink Stuff line (multi-spray) is already almost fragrance-free and plant-based. Or make a simple mix of vinegar and water (50/50) in a spray bottle for small jobs (avoid use near eyes, of course).
4. How often should toys be cleaned?
When visibly dirty or every 2-4 weeks is a good interval. Especially stuffed animals can hold bacteria, so clean them thoroughly at least once a month (or during illnesses in the house). Plastic toys can be rinsed under warm water as part of weekend planning.
5. How do I clean the floor without dangerous products?
First dry clean the floor (send your child over it with a handheld vacuum, for example). For sticky spots, use a soft cloth with a very small amount of (organic) dish soap or green soap, then wipe well with clean water. It’s about a cloth – no bucket of water on the floor, so it doesn’t get slippery.
Time to tidy up toys!
Doesn’t that room look beautiful? Bright children’s rooms bring calm to the home. 🎈 Want to keep it easy? Try Fabulosa Fragrance Boost when washing bedding and towels – it makes the whole room smell extra cheerful. Ready to start a clean adventure with the kids?