Spring cleaning sounds great: fresh sheets, shiny floors, and even the pleasant smell of lemon cleaner. But then reality sets in. A small child clings to your leg, toast crumbs scatter on the carpet, and as soon as you clean one spot, another is covered in toys.
In fact, a poll from The Sun revealed that most British households remain organised for only two hours after a spring clean. Many parents feel like their efforts are for nothing.
If you have tried to clean while young children are awake, you know it can be tough. However, it doesn't have to be overwhelming. With smart strategies, a relaxed attitude, and maybe a good cup of tea, you can get it done.
Let's explore the six helpful tips for spring cleaning with small children that won't drive you crazy.
Practical Tips on Spring Cleaning with Kids
Here are the six practical tips on Spring cleaning with kids:
- Make Cleaning a Game for Younger Kids
If your children are like mine, they love to "help" but usually make a mess. Instead of resisting, turn cleaning into a fun activity.
How to Do It Without Losing Your Mind:
Create a game to see who can pick up the most toys. Let them wear socks on their hands and become cleaning ninjas. Pretend the vacuum is a dragon and let it chase you around the house. It might not be perfect, but it can help you clean without anyone hiding in the laundry basket.
- Clean in Zones or Short Timed Bursts
Cleaning everything in one day can be funny when kids are around. Instead, focus on short cleaning sessions.
How to Do It Without Losing Your Mind:
When the children are busy or sleeping, set a timer for 20 minutes. Choose one area to clean, such as hallway, the fridge, or a single drawer. Play upbeat music, dance, and stop when the timer goes off.
- Prioritise High-Stress Mess Areas Like Entryways and Kitchens
Some places in our homes can be frustrating. Think of the hallway filled with shoes, the kitchen counters covered with stuff, or even the bathroom where toothpaste is on every surface.
How to Do It Without Losing Your Mind:
Cleaning busy areas gives you quick relief. Because you use these spaces often, they deserve your attention. When they are clean, the whole house feels more manageable.
Also, if you get interrupted while cleaning (which is likely to happen), you have already taken care of the most critical spots.
- Give Up Perfection in Favour of "Good Enough"
You don't need to aim for perfection. If your mirrors are streak-free but toys are on the floor, that's okay. If your kitchen looks nice, but the laundry is still on the stairs, that's fine, too.
How to Do It Without Losing Your Mind:
Perfection is nice to think about, but it is impossible with children around. It's perfectly acceptable to have a home that's tidy enough to be comfortable yet lived in sufficiently to feel warm and inviting.
- Let Go of Sentimental Clutter (Gently)
We all have a drawer full of children's drawings or a pile of toddler crafts that threaten to take over the refrigerator. And let's not even talk about the bags of clothes and toys that no longer fit.
How to Do It Without Losing Your Mind:
Clearing out clutter with kids can be an emotional experience. However, it helps to keep a few special items and let go of the rest. Choose some favourites to display or save, and take photos of the others before parting with them.
If your "spring clean" turns into a full-blown clear-out just think about broken furniture, garden junk, or the garage that's been a no-go zone since 2021, a skip hire from proskips.co.uk can help you sort it all in one go, without endless tip runs.
- Outsource Big Clear-Outs When Needed
You don't have to do everything by yourself. If you feel overwhelmed by cleaning, it's okay to ask for help.
In 2025, 17% of households in the UK hire a cleaner. This shows that getting outside assistance for cleaning is becoming a common practice.
How to Do It Without Losing Your Mind:
You can team up with another mother and take turns babysitting, allowing you both to have an hour to clean without distractions. Ask grandparents to take the kids to the park for a day while you arrange your closet. For larger items, don't hesitate to ask for help or get a skip bin.
Conclusion
Cleaning your home in spring with kids around can be noisy and messy. It might even hurt when you step on a Lego. However, it can still be practical and even enjoyable in its way.
Focus on one task at a time. Celebrate the small wins. Laugh when your child uses the vacuum as a horn.
Your house doesn't need to be perfect. It just needs to be a comfortable place for everyone. It should be less messy than before.
You are achieving more than you think, and that is enough. Keep going; one small part, one cabinet, one cup of tea at a time.
Leave a Reply