When you have children, living in a clean and tidy home can be hard to achieve. Add jobs, busy schedules and a couple of pets into the mix, and domestic tranquility can seem almost impossible.
Despite how little time we have spare in our increasingly busy lives, it’s prudent how much better we feel in a calm and tidy space. Not only is a cleaner home more efficient at keeping germs at bay, but it can also improve our mental clarity and organization.
If you’re desperate to reclaim your space, here are five things you can do to make your family home cleaner and calmer.
Set Aside 10 Minutes Per Day for Speed Cleaning
When it comes to cleaning your home, the “work smart, not hard” rule certainly applies. Set aside just ten minutes in the morning or evening to put straying items back in their proper places, run the vacuum around and wipe down the surfaces. No matter how busy you are, cleaning for ten minutes per day is a manageable task, and you’ll be surprised what you can get done in that time.
Get the Kids Involved
Unless your kids are under three-years-old, they can (and should) be contributing toward the cleanliness of your home. Even preschoolers understand the basics of tidying away their toys, and some of them even enjoy it! In the case of more reluctant children, make household chores into a fun game, or offer rewards such as screen time or pocket money.
Create a Cleaning Schedule
Don’t take on all the work yourself. Instead, make your daily chores less stressful by creating a cleaning schedule. Make it clear who is responsible for each job (e.g., Dad takes the bins out, Mom washes the clothes, everyone takes it in turns to stack the dishwasher) and stick the chart to your fridge so that the whole family can see it. Reward children with small prizes or use a sticker chart.
Keep Fleas at Bay
If you’re a pet-owner, you’ll know there is nothing like a flea infestation to make even the cleanest of homes feel unsanitary. If your cat or dog has fleas, it’s vital to treat the problem before it gets worse. Fleas lay dormant in your carpet and soft furnishings, so it’s a good idea to stop them in their tracks before they start laying eggs as these are more difficult to spot.
There is debate among pet-owners as to the best course of treatment for fleas, particularly concerning Pet Action Plus vs Frontline. Whichever treatment you choose, be sure to use a non-toxic flea spray in your home in addition to treating your pet. It’s also advisable to wash your sheets, blankets, cushion covers and clothes at high temperatures until you know your house is pest-free.
Keeping a Clean Home Is Easier Than You Think
Keeping the family home clean and tidy doesn’t need to add stress to your life. With a little forward planning, even the unruliest of households can be tamed. Use these five tips to make a start today, and enjoy a calmer, less cluttered space.