The Spring Scrubdown: Kid-friendly zones
Keeping a clean and organized home when you have kids is a never-ending task.
Between toys, snack crumbs, sticky fingerprints and mystery stains, it can feel like a losing battle.
But with the right strategies and child-safe cleaning products, you can create a cleaner, healthier space for your little ones to play, sleep and grow.
A clean environment is just as important as an organized one when it comes to kids' spaces. By using nontoxic, effective cleaning products and simple routines, you can keep your home fresh and safe without exposing little ones to harsh chemicals.
Keep reading to learn how to tackle messes room by room, from play areas to bedrooms and beyond, all while using products that are safe for tiny hands and curious mouths.
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Banish germs and sticky messes in the playroom and toy storage
Regularly sanitize toys, wipe down surfaces, and declutter broken or unused toys to maintain a tidy and safe space.
How to clean:
- Plastic and wooden toys: Wash in warm soapy water or wipe with a baby-safe disinfectant.
- Stuffed animals: Toss in the washing machine (gentle cycle) or freeze overnight to kill dust mites.
- Lego and small pieces: Place in a mesh laundry bag and run through the dishwasher on a gentle cycle.
Babyganics Toy & High Chair Cleaner
- $9.99
- Amazon
Dapple Baby Toy & Surface Wipes
- $26.96
- $29.96
- Amazon
Seventh Generation Disinfecting Multi-Surface Wipes
- $13.74
- Walmart
Keep the air clean and sheets fresh in kids' bedrooms
Create a system for rotating outgrown clothes, deep-clean mattresses and use air-purifying plants to keep the air fresh.
How to clean:
- Bedding: Wash in hot water weekly to eliminate dust mites and allergens.
- Mattresses: Sprinkle with baking soda, let sit for 30 minutes, then vacuum.
- Nightstands and bookshelves: Wipe down weekly to remove dust and sticky fingerprints.
Molly's Suds Laundry Powder
- $22.99
- Amazon
Branch Basics Cleaning Essentials Kit
- $67
- Amazon
Homedics Natura Ultrasonic Warm & Cool Mist Humidifier
- $93.95
- $129.99
- Amazon
Deep-clean Floors and play mats for crawlers and bare feet
Babies and toddlers spend a lot of time on the floor, so regular cleaning is essential. Vacuum frequently and mop with a gentle, nontoxic solution.
How to clean:
- Hardwood and tile: Use a damp mop with a child-safe cleaner.
- Carpets and rugs: Vacuum with a HEPA filter to trap allergens and deep-clean with a steam cleaner every few months.
- Foam play mats: Wipe down daily with a baby-safe cleaner or a vinegar-water mix.
Better Life Naturally Dirt-Destroying Floor Cleaner
- $13.98
- Amazon
BISSELL Little Green Portable Carpet Cleaner
- $87.94
- $123.59
- Walmart
ATTITUDE Baby Fabric & Toy Spray
- $6.99
- $7.86
- Amazon
Safe cleaning of high chairs and dining areas for messy mealtimes
Food messes are inevitable, but keeping eating spaces sanitary helps prevent bacteria buildup.
How to clean:
- High chairs and booster seats: Wipe down after each meal with a nontoxic cleaner.
- Tabletops and trays: Use a vinegar-water solution or baby-safe disinfectant spray.
- Bibs and placemats: Rinse immediately after meals and toss silicone mats in the dishwasher.
Force of Nature Multi-Purpose Cleaner, Disinfectant & Deodorizer Starter Kit
- $79.50
- Amazon
Dreft Multi-Surface Spray
- $6.98
- Walmart
OXO Tot Bottle Brush with Stand
- $9.99
- Amazon
