The Top 3 Things to Focus on Cleaning When You Have Kids

Having kids at home means lots of love, laughter, and unforgettable moments—but it also means messes. From sticky handprints to crumbs that seem to appear out of nowhere, keeping your house clean can feel like an impossible task. The truth is, you don’t have to aim for spotless perfection. Instead, focusing on the areas that matter most for your children’s health and comfort will make the biggest difference.

Here are the top three cleaning priorities every parent should focus on:

1. High-Touch Surfaces

If there’s one area where germs spread the fastest, it’s high-touch surfaces. Kids are naturally curious, and their little hands touch everything—from doorknobs and cabinet handles to light switches and remote controls. These surfaces become hotspots for bacteria and viruses, especially during cold and flu season.

Why it matters:

• Reduces the spread of illness within your family

• Keeps your home feeling fresher and more hygienic

• Takes only a few minutes a day to maintain

Tips for keeping them clean:

• Use disinfecting wipes or a gentle cleaning spray on high-touch spots a few times per week

• Pay extra attention to bathroom faucets, fridge handles, and stair railings

• Involve your kids—handing them a wipe to help clean their light switch can teach responsibility in a fun way

2. Floors & Carpets

Kids spend a lot of time on the floor—crawling, playing, rolling around, and even eating the occasional snack there (whether you like it or not!). That means your floors quickly become magnets for dust, crumbs, pet hair, and dirt tracked in from outside.

Why it matters:

• Floors can harbor allergens that affect breathing and skin health

• Dirt and crumbs encourage pests if not cleaned regularly

• Clean floors mean safer play areas for babies and toddlers

Tips for keeping them clean:

• Vacuum high-traffic areas at least 2–3 times a week

• Mop hard floors weekly to get rid of sticky spills and bacteria

• Deep-clean carpets every few months (especially important for families with pets or allergies)

• Keep a small hand vacuum or cordless stick vacuum nearby to tackle quick messes as they happen

3. The Kitchen & Eating Areas

The kitchen is the heart of the home—but when kids are involved, it’s also the messiest spot. Between mealtime spills, sticky hands, and crumbs under the table, this area needs regular attention to stay safe and clean.

Why it matters:

• Reduces the risk of foodborne illness

• Keeps pests away (ants, fruit flies, and even mice love crumbs!)

• Creates a more enjoyable and stress-free space for family meals

Tips for keeping them clean:

• Wipe down tables, counters, and high chairs after every meal

• Sanitize cutting boards and sinks to prevent bacteria growth

• Sweep or vacuum under the table daily to keep crumbs from spreading

• Don’t forget chairs, booster seats, and barstools—they collect just as many sticky spots as tables

When you’re raising kids, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the cleaning that needs to be done. But remember: you don’t have to do it all at once. By prioritizing high-touch surfaces, floors, and the kitchen, you’re covering the areas that have the biggest impact on your family’s health and comfort.

The rest? It can wait. Because at the end of the day, the most important thing isn’t a spotless house—it’s the happy memories you’re making inside it.