Cleaning a child's room? Of course, you do that with the help of the mini cleaning helpers. My toddler always sings: “Mom cleans, and I throw back in,” and that's true too. Start with the big toys: put blocks back in the box, puzzles on the shelf, cuddly toys 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: cuddly toys can go in the washing machine (at 30°C, cuddly toy 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 those 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 cuddly friends: washable parts in the machine, the rest (as mentioned) in the freezer. That sounds strange, but ice kills all the nasty bacteria!
Dust and floors: Everything that stands still longer gets dust – even the little car under the bed. So before the big tidying up, first wipe with a duster or damp cloth along shelves, windowsill, and on top of toy boxes. Then you can easily vacuum the floor with a light vacuum cleaner (use the vacuum adapter for low to the ground if needed). Don't have a vacuum cleaner? Then a broom and a small container of crumbs in a cloth can work: sweep them into the container, 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 (ironing out washes 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 becomes easy and you don't have to rummage through all the cupboards.
- Encourage tidying by throwing away plastic bags with clutter (exchange child-safe bags for sustainable storage boxes).
- Bring old cuddly toys or toys (that no longer fit or are used) to the thrift store – then nothing needs 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 cloths for dusting.
- Have a “toy rotation”: monthly put 1/3 of the toys temporarily in the cupboard. This keeps the favorites fun without constantly buying everything.
- Let children air their cuddly toys in the sun and wind (if possible). That reduces washing and kills bacteria naturally.
- 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 children and recyclable waste.
- Use old tea towels or venetian blinds as play mats outside, 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 expand. 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 gets on the walls (or use magnetic wallpaper to temporarily hang drawings). For the already made artworks: give them a fixed gallery spot (like the fridge). That way kids know not everything can become a wall, but is still 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 tasks (avoid use near eyes, of course).
4. How often to clean toys?
With visible dirt or every 2-4 weeks is a good interval. Especially cuddly toys can hold bacteria, so clean them thoroughly at least once a month (or during illnesses in the house). Plastic toys can be included in the weekend plan to rinse under warm water in between.
5. How do I clean the floor without dangerous products?
First dry clean the floor (for example, send your child over it with the handheld vacuum). For sticky spots, you can 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 peace to the house. 🎈 Want to keep it easy? Try Fabulosa Fragrance Boost when washing bedding and towels – this makes the whole room smell extra cheerful. Ready to start a clean adventure together with the children?