8 House Cleaning Hacks for the New School Year

8 Essential House Cleaning Hacks for Parents During the New School Year

The start of a new school year can be an exciting yet overwhelming time for families. With new routines, homework, and extracurricular activities, keeping your home clean and organized might seem like an impossible task. However, with some strategic house cleaning and organizing hacks, you can maintain a tidy home even during the busiest times. Whether you’re focusing on bathroom cleaning, kitchen cleaning, or just general house organizing, these tips will help you keep your home in order. And remember, if you ever need an extra hand, Bee Maids is here to help in Houston and surrounding areas.

1. Set Up a Cleaning Schedule

The first step to maintaining a clean home during the school year is to establish a cleaning schedule that fits into your family’s routine. Assign specific tasks to different days of the week, so the workload is spread out and less overwhelming.

• Monday: Focus on kitchen cleaning after the weekend.
• Tuesday: Tackle bathroom cleaning.
• Wednesday: Declutter living areas and bedrooms.
• Thursday: Do a quick house organizing session, focusing on areas that tend to accumulate clutter.
• Friday: Light dusting and vacuuming to keep things fresh for the weekend.

By sticking to this schedule, you’ll prevent messes from piling up and reduce the need for intense, time-consuming cleaning sessions.

2. Involve the Kids in House Cleaning

Involving your kids in the cleaning process not only lightens your load but also teaches them valuable life skills. Assign age-appropriate chores that they can handle on their own or with minimal supervision.

• Younger Kids (Ages 3-6): Simple tasks like picking up toys, dusting low surfaces, or wiping down countertops.
• Older Kids (Ages 7-12): More involved tasks like vacuuming, sweeping, or helping with bathroom cleaning.
• Teens (Ages 13+): Give them responsibility for cleaning their own rooms and perhaps helping with kitchen cleaning after meals.

Turning cleaning into a game or competition can make it more fun. For example, set a timer and see who can pick up the most toys or clean their room the fastest.

3. Streamline Morning Routines with House Organizing Hacks

Mornings can be hectic, but with a few house organizing hacks, you can make them more manageable. Start by setting up a designated spot for school supplies, backpacks, and shoes near the front door. This “launchpad” ensures that everything your kids need is in one place, reducing the morning scramble.

• Create a Homework Station: Dedicate a small area in your home where kids can do their homework and keep their school supplies organized. Use containers or drawer organizers to keep everything tidy.
• Prepare the Night Before: Encourage your kids to pack their backpacks and lay out their clothes the night before. This small step can save a lot of time and stress in the morning.

4. Tackle Bathroom Cleaning Efficiently

Bathrooms are often one of the most challenging areas to keep clean, especially with kids. However, with the right approach, bathroom cleaning doesn’t have to be a chore.

• Use Daily Sprays: Invest in a daily shower cleaner spray that helps prevent soap scum and mildew buildup. A quick spritz after each shower can save you from deep scrubbing later.
• Teach Kids Bathroom Etiquette: Encourage your kids to wipe down the sink after brushing their teeth and hang up towels properly. These small habits can significantly reduce the mess in the bathroom.
• Keep Supplies Handy: Store bathroom cleaning supplies under the sink or in a nearby closet so you can quickly clean up spills or messes as they happen.

5. Master Kitchen Cleaning with These Tips

The kitchen is the heart of the home, but it’s also a magnet for mess. Between meal prep, snacks, and dishes, it can quickly become chaotic. Here’s how to stay on top of kitchen cleaning:

• Clean as You Cook: Instead of letting dishes and spills pile up, clean as you go. Wipe down countertops, rinse dishes, and put away ingredients as you prepare meals.
• Use a Weekly Meal Plan: Planning your meals for the week can help reduce the number of times you need to clean up the kitchen. By cooking in batches and using leftovers, you can minimize mess.
• Declutter Countertops: Keep your countertops clear of unnecessary items. Store small appliances, like toasters and blenders, in cabinets when not in use to make wiping down surfaces easier.

6. Organize Your Home to Minimize Clutter

Clutter is one of the biggest obstacles to a clean home. With kids, it’s easy for toys, clothes, and school supplies to take over every room. Here are some house organizing hacks to keep clutter at bay:

• Use Bins and Baskets: Designate a bin or basket for each type of item, such as toys, books, or sports gear. Encourage your kids to put things back in their place when they’re done using them.
• Rotate Toys: To prevent toy overload, consider rotating toys every few weeks. Keep some in storage and switch them out regularly. This not only keeps your home tidier but also keeps kids interested in their toys.
• Implement a “One In, One Out” Rule: For every new item that comes into the house, encourage your kids to donate or discard an old one. This helps control the amount of stuff in your home and teaches kids about giving back.

7. Prioritize Quick Cleanups

With busy school schedules, it’s important to make time for quick cleanups. Set aside 10-15 minutes each evening for a family clean-up session. During this time, everyone pitches in to pick up clutter, wipe down surfaces, and tidy up common areas. These short bursts of cleaning can prevent bigger messes from forming and keep your home looking neat.

8. Don’t Forget Self-Care

Finally, don’t forget to take care of yourself during this busy time. Managing a household, taking care of kids, and maintaining a clean home is a lot of work. Be sure to schedule some downtime for yourself, whether it’s reading a book, taking a bath, or enjoying a quiet cup of coffee.

When You Need Extra Help, Bee Maids Is Here

Even with the best house cleaning hacks, there are times when you might need a little extra help. Whether it’s a deep clean before the holidays or regular cleaning services to keep up with your busy schedule, Bee Maids is here to help. We offer professional house cleaning services in Houston and the surrounding areas, tailored to meet your family’s needs.

Our team is dedicated to providing high-quality cleaning services that give you more time to focus on what really matters—your family. Contact Bee Maids today to schedule your cleaning service and let us help you maintain a clean, organized home throughout the school year.