If you have a toddler, then chances are you’re in a constant state of clean up. After all, making a mess is one of the most popular activities for toddlers! But don’t fret. We’re offering up some quick child-safe cleaning techniques with Maureen Roland, registered nurse and managing director at Banner Poison and Drug Information Center.
Can My Toddler Help Clean Their Room?
Teaching your toddler to clean up is a great life skill. Not only are they practicing their new dexterity skills, but they’re learning about responsibility.
“Toddlers, ages 1-4yrs, can start to clean their room in simple ways. One way would be to have them start making their bed by simply straightening their blankets. They can also start to put toys away,” Roland says. “Once they have the dexterity to hold toys, they can help to clean them by wiping them with a damp cloth. To wet the cloth, you can use either a mix of water and a mild soap, or a mix of water and white distilled vinegar.”
Make clean-up time fun by incorporating a game like “I spy” or “cleaning treasure hunt.”
How Often Should I Deep Clean My Toddler’s Room?
Sometimes putting toys away and straightening blankets isn’t enough. When it comes to deep cleaning frequency, Roland says, “A deep clean should be done about once every 1-2 weeks, depending on use of the room. This includes vacuuming, mopping, disinfecting furniture, wiping down counters and cabinets.”
Do you have a teething toddler? Roland recommends cleaning any toy put into your child’s mouth after each use.
What Cleaning Products Can I Use in My Toddler’s Room?
Once you’re ready to start scrubbing, you may wonder what cleaning products are safe for young children.
“Water and soap or water and white distilled vinegar (50/50) are great products to use in a toddler’s room.” Roland says. “Bleach can be used in a diluted form (one-part bleach to 10 parts water). Use caution to make sure no bleach residue is left on anything that was cleaned and keep the bleach containers out of reach of the child. If the child is helping to clean, do not use a bleach product with them.”
As always, parents and caretakers should take extra caution when cleaning and always keep cleaning products out of the reach of a toddler. If your child consumes or spills cleaning products on their skin, stay calm and call the Banner Poison and Drug Information Center at 1-800-222-1222. Speak with a Banner pediatrician near you to learn more poison prevention tips for young children.
