Cleaning with young DCs

[Ourhouse1]

When/how do you clean with young DCs? I have tried the organised mum method before but really missed the sense of accomplishment from a whole house clean (and the lovely smell!)
I am juggling part-time work, an 18 month old at home and school drop offs and pick ups. I have been paying a cleaner for 2 hours a week but I have worked out that I could instead put DC2 into nursery for 3 hours for the same money and do it myself.
I feel a sense of guilt at putting him in nursery to do cleaning but also feel a little excited at the prospect of the time to do it and a little head space for myself.
I want to explore every method/avenue before I make a decision though (afterall, the extra money saved instead would be handy) so wondering how others manage?

I used nap times for cleaning..... also I used a play pen for the odd hour here or there.

I seem to find myself with a list of phone calls/appointments to make during nap time and meal prep so that I don't have to do too much when DC1 gets home from school. The juggle is really hard.

Yes! My DS only naps for 30 mins at a time so usually by the time I put a load of washing on/cup
Of tea/empty dishwasher he's awake! Just doing the surface jobs all the time and then shattered when he's in bed so just want to chill on the sofa.
I need the secret to keeping a house clean with dc!

I’ve got 2 young DC, one who goes to school and I do all the drop offs/picks up and I’ve got a 2 year old who doesn’t nap. I also work part time.

I think the key is staying on top of things and just finding a way to work around them and also involve them where you can. My two also help out with the cleaning, they actually enjoy helping and don’t see it as a chore! They both help make their beds and tidy their room before getting dressed in the morning. Whilst they eat breakfast I usually unload the dishwasher. The dishwasher gets put on every night before bed, and everything either goes straight in it once used throughout the day or anything that needs washing up is done immediately and put away. Same with washing, I do it regularly to stay on top of it and as soon as it’s dry it’s all put straight away.

Whilst teas cooking I’ll usually potter about the kitchen and wipe cupboards/worktop down and have a quick clean up in there.

Living room gets a tidy before I go up to bed, I’ll tidy the sofa/cushions and give the coffee table a quick wipe down from DC sticky fingers! It’s then nice and clean and tidy for the next day.

All toys are to go away before bed and put in their proper places.

After I’ve showered I’ll have a quick clean around the bathroom.

I also hoover and mop my floors every morning when I get back from school run as with 2 DC, a cat and a dog they need it. Literally takes me no time at all as it’s done so regularly. DD has a toy hoover which she loves to follow me around with.

By the end of the day I’m exhausted but I love going to bed each night with a clean and tidy house.

Nursery to clean and walk my dog. Toddler loves nursery.

nap times and after bed time for the major work.
other tricks: whilst making their breakfast bung a load of washing on.
Have them "help" you hang it up afterwards
Clean a bathroom whilst they eat their breakfast on the weekend (or a quick clean round the sink/loo etc whilst they are in the bath)

Also ensure your partner takes on some responsibility after work...sorry but preschoolers is a full time job in itself- housework needs to be split.

A bit here and there; clean the bathroom while they’re in the bath or when I go for a shower. Brush the kitchen floor while they’re eating a snack or after they are in bed.
Before kids I used to do a bit every day and then once a month or so do a proper full house clean; I miss the feeling of the house being clean all at once which probably now only happens when we’re having guests but with kids I find that a clean house gets messed up too quickly for it to be that satisfying anyway

I miss the feeling of the house being clean all at once omg me too!!!! A real blitz that would last a few days....sigh!

It's taken me two children to realise I can't (other people probably can, but I can't). I have my next big clean scheduled for September 2021 when he starts nursery.

I couldn't get in with the organised mum method. I tend to clean when ds has gone to bed or if DH takes him out for a few hours. I do love a proper clean though

@hauntedvagina me too!!!!
I'm dabbling with TOMM but I really struggle to get the 30 mins in. And we basically cook, wash up, or do laundry for 20 hours a day as it is. I'm hoping this gets easier as DC3 gets bigger??? (She's a small baby now)