7 Cleaning Tips to Maintain Through the School Year

It’s easy to find ourselves behind on chores and wondering how it all happened. Don’t worry you’re not alone! I’ve got some tips to help you stay on top of everything.

I’m going to share seven of my favorite cleaning tips to help you get through the entire school year . . . and then some!

1. Establish a Cleaning Schedule

Creating a cleaning schedule will help you stay organized and ensure tasks are spread evenly.

Write a list of things you need to get done and things you would like to get done. Start with your “needs” list, and associate each task with a day to get it done. Spacing out tasks throughout the week helps ensure nothing is forgotten and allows you to feel accomplished each day. You can assign specific tasks to days of the week — like Monday is for laundry, Tuesday is for a car wash, and so on.

If you have extra time or energy on any given day, throw in something from your “likes” list! Breaking down your chores into manageable chunks helps you to not feel so overwhelmed especially during busy, chaotic times of the year.

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2. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.

If you haven’t gone through and cleared out last year’s school supplies and other supplies you’ve collected, take a minute to check out what you already have.

Recycle old papers and worn out folders and binders. Reduce the chances of having to purchase items you already have. Reuse items you may have upgraded this year. Believe me, there’s still a lot of life left in the non-scientific calculator from last year that you can still use around the house.

3. Declutter and Donate

Go through your family’s old clothes and shoes you can part ways with. This can vastly decrease the clutter and increase the amount of space in your house.

If you have time, consider going through old books and toys your kids have aged out of as well. Store hand-me-downs, donate or sell unwanted items to clear up space, and take inventory of what you already have to minimize rebuying.

4. Clean Out Your Fridge

Set aside time every season to deep clean your fridge. Toss expired items and wipe down shelves. Cleaning your fridge saves you time and prevents food-borne illnesses and waste.

5. Clean Up Homework Stations

If you have designated homework stations throughout the school year, use them throughout the summer as craft, activity, and gaming corners. Stay consistent with wiping down hard surfaces and electronics, such as keyboards. Stay persistent in this especially during cold and flu season.

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6. Refresh Lunch Boxes and Water Bottles

Stay on top of cleaning and sanitizing the lunch essentials you may be reusing throughout the school year, like DIY lunch containers, Bento boxes, and water bottles. Aside from daily cleanings, soak and disinfect once a week using a 1:1 mixture of warm water and vinegar to help eliminate odors and disinfect. Remember to pull the rubber rings that keep the cap sealed for a deep clean as well.

7. Clean Out Your Car

We all know the importance of keeping your car in tip-top shape under the hood, but let’s not forget about between the doors. Just like a clean house, a clean car is a mood booster.

Make a habit of removing empty snack wrappers, water bottles, and long-lost toys every time you stop for gas. Dust and wipe down the interior, give the floors a good vacuum, and freshen the upholstery every two to three weeks.

Implementing these tips as part of your daily routine will help simplify your life and help cultivate a positive and nurturing environment for you and your family. Let us know which cleaning tips you’ve worked in to your life!