From the moment your little angels start exploring, they seem to have a knack for creating messes. Whether it’s play-doh on the floor, crayons on the walls, or even poop in the bathtub (yes, it happens), cleaning up after children can sometimes feel like an endless battle.
But fear not! We’ve got your back with some helpful tips and tricks to make those cleaning challenges a little more manageable. So grab your cleaning supplies, put on your superhero cape, and let’s dive in!
1. Play-Doh on the Floor and Carpet
After a fun play-doh session, you’re left with tiny bits of dough scattered across your floor and carpet. Your instinct may be to immediately sweep or wipe them up, but hold on! Acting too quickly can make matters worse.
Those little play-doh pieces are still pliable, and wiping them up will only spread or embed them further. Instead, give the dough some time to dry out. This usually takes an hour or two. Once dry, grab your vacuum, broom, or a dry paper towel to clean up the mess effectively.
For carpet cleanup, let the bits stuck to the rug dry up, then gently scrape and pick them up with a knife or scraper. Use a stiff brush to loosen any stubborn remnants. If the dough leaves behind a colored stain, dampen a paper towel or cloth with rubbing alcohol or a mixture of dish soap and cold water, then blot the stain until it disappears.
2. Chewing Gum
Chewing gum can be delightful, but it’s no fun when it gets stuck to hair or upholstery. Don’t panic! We have a cool trick to save the day.
If gum finds its way into your child’s hair or onto your upholstery, reach for some ice. Rub the ice on the gum until it becomes stiff. Once it hardens, it’s easier to remove from hair or upholstery. If holding the ice becomes too chilly, place it in a plastic bag and hold it over the affected area.
If any gum residue remains on upholstery, gently brush it away using a soft brush and a solution of mild dish soap and water.
3. Dinner Disasters
Feeding your child can sometimes result in a messy aftermath, especially when certain foods, like rice, end up on the floor. While you can’t stop the mess entirely, there are ways to handle it efficiently.
If rice or other dinner remnants scatter on the floor, allow them to dry before sweeping them up. Once dry, grab your trusty broom and sweep away the tiny disasters. For any marks left on the floor, use a damp cloth to wipe them up.
4. Pee Stains on Couch, Mattress, or Carpet
Accidents happen, and when they involve pee stains, quick action is key. If you catch the incident in the act, act promptly to minimize the stain.
Start by soaking up the pee with a towel. Then, dilute the stain by pouring a glass of lukewarm water over the affected area. Apply gentle pressure with a towel to absorb the stain. Alternatively, you can use a cleaner specifically designed for such incidents. Spray it on the stain, rinse with water, and blot dry with a towel.
If any odor lingers, create a homemade deodorizer by combining half a cup of lukewarm water, half a cup of white vinegar, and a pinch of baking soda. Spray the solution on the affected area as needed and let it dry. This technique also works wonders for mattresses.
5. Crayon on the Walls
When you give a child a crayon, they don’t always stick to paper. If your walls have become an impromptu canvas, fear not! You can tackle those crayon marks with a simple trick.
Grab your hairdryer and set it to a warm setting. Aim it at the crayon marks to heat up the wax. As it softens, grab some paper towels or a cloth and wipe away the crayon residue. Another natural option is to use essential lemon oil mixed with water. Apply the mixture with a cotton bud and gently dab the stained area with a washcloth. Avoid using a magic eraser, as it may remove both crayon stains and paint.
6. Poop in the Bathtub
Ah, the not-so-pleasant moments of parenting! If your child has an unfortunate accident in the bathtub, swift action is essential. Here’s what you need to do:
Remove your child from the water immediately. If possible, continue washing them in another bathtub or shower before addressing the mess. For watery or small pieces of poop, let them drain away. For solid poop, it’s time to channel your inner dog owner skills. Grab a plastic bag, use it as a glove, and carefully pick up the mess. Then, turn the bag inside out, covering the poop, and dispose of it properly. Once the water is drained, use baby wipes or paper towels to clean any remaining stains. Finish by sanitizing the entire tub with a sanitizing spray. Don’t forget to wash your hands thoroughly afterward!
Conclusion
Cleaning up after children is no small task, but with the right strategies, it can become a bit more manageable. From dealing with play-doh on carpets to crayon on walls and even unexpected bathtub accidents, these tips and tricks can help you handle any mess your little ones create.
Remember to stay calm, take it one step at a time, and maybe even involve your kids in the cleanup process to teach them the importance of tidiness. With a little patience and the right approach, you can keep your home clean and still enjoy all the fun and chaos that comes with raising children.
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