5 Tips for Getting the Most from Your Cleaning Service When You Have Young Kids

Keeping a clean house with young children is difficult, and it can become even harder when you add a newborn baby to the mix. A cleaning service can help you keep everything in order until you're sleeping through the night again. Whether you schedule weekly service cleanings, or just hire one for a monthly deep clean, these tips can help you get the most out of the extra help.

Tip #1: Clear the Clutter

House cleaning services don't typically pick up toys or clutter before they begin to clean. It's up to you to have all surfaces cleared and ready for cleaning when the service arrives. This can be overwhelming when you have a newborn and young children, so you need to come up with a system.

If your toddler is old enough to help, play a "fill the bucket" game. Give your toddler a laundry basket and challenge them to fill it up with their toys in a certain time period. Toddlers often love a challenge and they like to feel like they are helping.

Don't rush to straighten up right before the service arrives. Instead, pick up the clutter the day before. Containing everything in baskets will at least clear the floor for the service, and then you can put everything away when you have the time and energy.

Tip #2: Arrange Exact Times

The typical cleaning service comes in during the daytime on weekdays. Usually, you are assigned a day and time window, but exact times aren't provided. This can be a challenge when you're juggling nap times with young children.

If you're regularly out of the house on a certain day, this is a good time to arrange for your service call. Verify the service is licensed and bonded so you can trust a them with your key. If you must be home during the service call, arrange an exact appointment time directly with the service. This way, there's no surprise visit as soon as you get the baby to sleep. Most services will work with you.

Tip #3: Have a Safe Room

You can't always get the kids out of the house when your cleaning service arrives. Set aside a room that the service doesn't clean and treat it as your safe room during the service visit. A room with plenty of entertainment for the young children that's also quiet for baby provides the best choice. This allows you to keep the kids out of the way so the service can clean thoroughly and efficiently.

Tip #4: Ask for the Toxin-Free Treatment

There's no need to worry about harmful chemicals and fumes from cleaning if you go with a green cleaning service. Most services offer toxin-free services that use gentler chemicals. These cleaners are still able to disinfect surfaces, but they won't harm you or your children. This is especially important with young children that are still crawling on the ground and putting things in their mouth.

Tip #5: Ask About Additional Services

Generally, services include washing down all surfaces in bathrooms and kitchens, dusting, floor cleaning, and window cleaning. Fortunately, most also offer additional services that can make your life much easier as a busy mom. These include:

• Laundry
• Dishes
• Carpet cleaning
• Appliance clean-outs (such as the stove or fridge)

Keep in mind, these services will cost extra, but they may save your sanity in he first couple of months after a baby is born.