Keeping a home clean with a 5-year-old in tow isn’t always easy, but over time, I’ve learned to embrace a flexible and practical routine that works for both of us. My son Aanas is an energetic, curious little boy, and while he certainly contributes to the daily chaos, he also helps me find creative ways to stay on top of cleaning without losing my mind.
This routine is designed to balance homemaking and parenting. It focuses on daily maintenance and building healthy habits, rather than striving for perfection. If you’re a parent navigating this same journey, I hope this glimpse into my daily routine helps inspire or reassure you.
Morning: Starting the Day with a Clean Slate
Making the Bed
One of the first things I do in the morning is make the bed. It only takes a couple of minutes but sets a productive tone for the rest of the day. A neat bed instantly makes the room look more organized, even if everything else is still waiting to be cleaned. This also signals the start of the day to my son, giving a sense of routine and structure. Sometimes, he even helps by fluffing the pillows or pulling up the covers.
Kitchen Reset After Breakfast
Mornings can be hectic, especially with a child who wakes up ready to play. After breakfast, I immediately wash the dishes or load them into the dishwasher. I wipe down countertops, sweep up crumbs, and tidy the dining area. Keeping the kitchen clean early in the day helps prevent messes from building up and keeps pests away.
I also like to clean as I cook. For example, while waiting for eggs to boil or toast to pop, I’ll wipe down surfaces or rinse dishes. These small habits make the post-meal cleanup much quicker.
Midday: Tidy While They Play
Playroom Organization
By midday, toys have usually taken over the living room or play area. Rather than constantly picking up after my son, I encourage him to help. We’ve made cleaning into a game—he races to put all the blocks back into their bin, or we sing songs while cleaning up cars and action figures.
To make this easier, I’ve organized his toys into labeled bins and baskets that are low enough for him to reach. Each category—cars, blocks, art supplies, books—has its own spot. This system not only keeps the house cleaner but also helps him learn responsibility and independence.
One Load of Laundry a Day
Laundry is one task I prefer to do daily rather than weekly. I try to wash one load each day to avoid having a mountain of dirty clothes pile up. Midday is usually the best time, especially if the weather is sunny and I can hang clothes outside to dry.
While the laundry runs, I fold any clean clothes and put them away. This is also when I’ll ask Aanas to help me match socks or carry small piles of clothes to their rooms. It’s a small but effective way to include him and make the task feel less like a chore.
Afternoon: Light Maintenance and Quick Cleanups
Bathroom Maintenance
In the afternoon, I tackle a light bathroom clean-up. It’s not a deep clean but enough to keep things fresh. I wipe down the sink and mirror, change hand towels, scrub the toilet quickly, and make sure there’s enough toilet paper and soap. This only takes about 10 to 15 minutes but makes a big difference in keeping the bathroom presentable and hygienic.
This time of day works well because Aanas is usually busy drawing, building with blocks, or watching something on TV. I don’t need to disappear for long, and I can usually finish this task without interruption.
Managing Clutter
This is also the time when I do a general sweep of the house for clutter. I take a basket and walk room to room, picking up anything that’s out of place. Shoes in the hallway, mail on the dining table, toys in the bathroom—everything gets collected and returned to its proper spot.
Sometimes I involve my son by giving him a specific task, like putting shoes in the shoe rack or placing books back on the shelf. It gives him a sense of ownership over our space and teaches the importance of tidiness.
Evening: Wrapping Up the Day
Post-Dinner Cleanup
Dinner time always creates some mess, especially with a child who loves rice, sauce, and all things sticky. After we eat, I clean the dishes, wipe down the table and counters, and sweep the floors. I keep a lightweight broom and dustpan nearby to make this task quicker and easier.
If it’s been a particularly messy dinner, I’ll also spot-mop any sticky patches. Doing this in the evening means I won’t wake up to a disaster in the kitchen the next morning.
Evening Toy Pickup
Before bed, we do a final toy pickup together. This is more of a tidy-up than a full cleaning session. The goal is simply to put the toys away and clear the floors so we can start fresh in the morning.
Sometimes, Aanas is too tired to help, and that’s okay. On those days, I just handle it myself. Other times, he’s full of energy and eager to “race” me to see who can pick up more blocks. Either way, I find it calming to go to sleep with a more organized space.
Weekend Deep Cleaning (Bonus)
Although this blog focuses on my daily routine, I want to mention that I set aside one day a week—usually Saturday—for deeper cleaning. This is when I tackle tasks like:
- Mopping all the floors
- Cleaning the inside of the refrigerator
- Dusting ceiling fans, window sills, and high shelves
- Washing bed linens and pillowcases
- Organizing the pantry or cabinets
If I try to do these tasks daily, I get overwhelmed. But once a week is manageable and keeps things under control.
What I’ve Learned About Cleaning with Kids
Over the past few years, I’ve had to shift my mindset. I no longer strive for a spotless home—just a clean, safe, and peaceful one. Here are a few key lessons I’ve learned:
1. Progress over perfection.
Some days, we’re more productive. Other days, we’re tired or sick or busy. And that’s okay. Even doing one task well is better than doing none.
2. Involve children in age-appropriate ways.
Young children can put toys away, fold small towels, or help match socks. It won’t be perfect, but it will help them build good habits.
3. Short, regular cleaning beats long, irregular ones.
Spending 10 to 15 minutes a few times a day keeps messes manageable. Waiting for things to pile up leads to burnout.
4. Don’t stress over a little mess.
If you’re reading this with toys under your feet and dishes in the sink, take a deep breath. You’re doing great. Your child won’t remember the dust—they’ll remember the time you spent together.
My Favorite Cleaning Tools and Products
Having the right tools makes a big difference in how quickly and effectively I can clean. Here are my essentials:
- A good broom and dustpan set
- Lightweight stick vacuum for quick cleanups
- Microfiber cloths for wiping surfaces
- Natural, child-safe multipurpose spray
- Storage bins and baskets for toy organization
- A laundry basket system to separate clothes by color or family member
These tools make everyday cleaning smoother, faster, and more enjoyable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do you manage cleaning when your child wants your constant attention?
I try to involve him whenever possible. If he’s not in the mood to help, I give him an engaging activity (coloring, puzzles, or a favorite show) while I do a quick 10-minute task. I’ve also learned to be okay with short breaks or interrupted cleaning sessions.
Q: Do you ever feel overwhelmed by cleaning and parenting at the same time?
Yes, definitely. But having a routine helps me feel more in control. I also remind myself that it’s okay to skip things when needed. Not every day has to be productive—some days just need to be lived.
Q: Do you use a cleaning schedule or planner?
I don’t follow a strict planner, but I have a general rhythm: dishes and tidying daily, deep cleaning weekly, and laundry every day. I also jot down small cleaning goals in a notebook to stay motivated.
Final Thoughts
Maintaining a clean home with a young child is a challenge, but it’s also an opportunity to model healthy habits and create a peaceful environment for the whole family. My cleaning routine isn’t perfect, but it works for us. It allows me to spend meaningful time with my son while still feeling like I have some control over our space.
If you’re in the same season of life, I hope this gives you some practical ideas—and a little comfort knowing you’re not alone.
