Cleaning a child’s room? Of course, you do that with help from your mini cleaning assistants. My toddler always sings, “Mum is cleaning, and I’m making a mess again,” and that’s exactly right. Start with the big toys: put blocks back in the box, puzzles on the shelf, and cuddly toys in the basket. You don’t have to be a cleaning fanatic—children learn through repetition. Once the floor is visible again—even if it’s only one square metre—the first mission is accomplished!
Cleaning toys: Step 1: cuddly toys can go in the washing machine (at 30°C; put the cuddly toy in a pillowcase to keep it soft). Prefer not to use the 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 (at 40°C, with a scoop of detergent), or soak them in soapy water with a splash of Dettol. Dry them thoroughly.
Step 3: wooden toys? A soft, damp cloth and a small amount of green soap are usually sufficient. Wood must not get too wet, so dry it immediately afterwards. This keeps that wooden play kitchen and those dolls’ prams tidy without chemicals.
Bedding and plush toys: Change the bedding twice a month (or more often after accidents or if a pet sleeps on the bed). As mentioned earlier for the bedroom, changing the bed linen once a week is ideal. The same applies to soft cuddly friends: machine-washable parts can go in the machine, while the rest (such as talking toys) can go in the freezer. It sounds strange, but ice kills all those nasty bacteria!
Dust and floors: Anything left standing for a while collects dust—including the toy car under the bed. So before the big tidy-up, quickly wipe the shelves, windowsill, and the tops of toy chests with a feather duster or damp cloth. Afterwards, you can easily vacuum the floor with a lightweight vacuum cleaner (use the vacuum attachment for low-to-the-ground areas if necessary). Don’t have a vacuum cleaner? A broom and a small crumb catcher made from a cloth can work: sweep the crumbs into it—your little one can definitely manage that.
Safe cleaning: Keep chemical products out of reach. Preferably use natural cleaners: water with a drop of washing-up liquid is fine for most jobs. Use a soft brush or sponge without sharp edges, and let your child help with simple tasks such as smoothing (straightening out laundry or cloths on the floor) or making small scrubbing motions. That way, they also learn what the soapy water is for!
Sustainable cleaning tips
- Put toys in baskets or boxes (preferably recycled storage containers) so tidying up becomes easy and you don’t have to rummage through all the cupboards.
- Encourage tidying by replacing plastic bags used for collecting clutter with durable storage boxes that are safe for children.
- Take old cuddly toys or toys that are no longer suitable or used to a charity shop—then nothing needs to be thrown away.
- Choose natural or fragrance-free cleaning products to help prevent allergies or irritation in children.
- Use reusable microfibre cloths instead of disposable wipes when dusting.
- Have a “toy rotation”: put one-third of the toys away in the cupboard temporarily each month. This keeps favourites exciting without constantly buying everything again.
- Let children air their cuddly toys in the sun and wind when possible. This reduces washing and kills bacteria naturally.
- Remind children about hand hygiene: less dirt often comes down to touching fewer things before washing their hands.
- Put a container (or reuse empty peanut butter jars) next to the bin, specifically for empty tubes, pencils, or broken items—handy for children and suitable for recyclable waste.
- Use an old tea towel or slatted blinds as an outdoor play mat, so the indoor floor is less quickly covered in sand and muddy marks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How do I teach my child to tidy up?
Turn it into a game: for example, “I’ll put one away, then you.” Sing a song while tidying or use a timer for a race against the clock. Reward them with a sticker or applause. Take small steps: start with one category, such as toy cars only, and build from there. This way, children gradually learn a routine.
2. How do I keep drawings from spreading throughout the house?
Use aprons or T-shirts for craft time so nothing ends up on the walls (or use magnetic wallpaper to display drawings temporarily). For artwork that has already been made, give it a permanent gallery spot, such as the fridge. That way, kids know that not every wall is available, while their work is still seen!
3. What is a child-friendly cleaning product?
Choose products with little or no perfume and no toxic substances. The Pink Stuff range (multispray) is virtually fragrance-free and plant-based. Or make a simple mixture of vinegar and water (50/50) in a spray bottle for small jobs (avoid using it near the eyes, of course).
4. How often should I clean toys?
Whenever there is visible dirt or every 2–4 weeks is a good interval. Cuddly toys in particular can harbour bacteria, so clean them thoroughly at least once a month (or whenever someone in the house is ill). You can include plastic toys in your weekend routine and rinse them under the warm tap in between.
5. How do I clean the floor without dangerous products?
First remove dry dirt from the floor (you could have your child go over it with a handheld vacuum cleaner, for example). For sticky spots, use a soft cloth with a tiny amount of (biodegradable) washing-up liquid or green soap, then wipe thoroughly with clean water. The key is to use a cloth—not a bucket of water on the floor—so it doesn’t become slippery.
Tidy Up Those Toys!
Doesn’t that room look wonderful? Sparkling children’s rooms bring peace to the home. 🎈 Want to keep things easy? Try Fabulosa Fragrance Boost when washing bedding and towels—the whole room will smell extra cheerful. Ready to start a clean adventure together with the children?