With back-to-school season in full swing for our friends in the Northern Hemisphere, we thought we’d share 5 of our favourite cleaning tips for busy parents to help them navigate this time of year while keeping the house spick and span. Let’s dive in…

1. Create a chore chart for the kids

This is our #1 tip for a reason! No parent can do it all (as much as it may feel like it at times). Don’t be afraid to delegate age-appropriate chores to the kids. Show them how to use a safe all-purpose cleaner and a microfibre cloth and they’re all set to keep their own spaces clean and tidy to the best of their ability.

2. Establish a quick clean-up routine before bed

15 minutes before the kids go to bed, it’s time for a whole family clean-up session. Parents or older kids can tackle the dishes, younger kids can put toys away and get their backpack ready for school the next day - and when 15 minutes is up, it’s time to head to bed for a good night’s sleep.

3. Set up a dedicated craft station

If the kids are into crafts, it can get VERY messy around the house. Set up a small table and chairs (preferably off the carpet) with organisational drawers nearby so there is a dedicated space for arts and crafts to help make the clean-up process easier.

4. Nanocoat your home

The kids being back at school inevitably means more mess and more germs at home, so you’re going to want to do everything you can to make cleaning quick and easy. By adding nanocoat protection to surfaces like glass, tile and grout, and bathtubs and toilets, you can help protect your home and minimise cleaning time in the process.

5. Make a rule that backpacks are unpacked before play

Backpacks may be small, but they can contain huge messes if left long enough. Old food, pencil shavings, dirt, and whatever else kids pick up during the school day all come together in the endless void of the backpack, hiding important notices and smelling up the place. Get your kids to empty and clean their backpacks each day before playtime to help avoid backpack mishaps.

We hope the return to school goes well for you and your kids. Happy cleaning!