6 ways to keep your car clean when you have kids
I don’t have kids, but I have friends who do and more often than not, getting a lift in their cars can be a harrowing experience. You find all sorts of things on, behind, in between and around the seats. Basically, if you have kids and get lost in the middle of nowhere, you will more than likely be able to survive for weeks on the stuff you find in your car.
You don’t have to have a filthy car though. Just because you have kids doesn’t mean you have to deal with the dirt and yucky mess they seem to bring with them. Here are seven ways to keep your car clean if you have kids:
1. Hold kids responsible
This is one of my best! You have enough on your plate to then have to clean the entire car yourself. Get the kids involved. A lot of stuff can be what the kids insisted on bringing along, such as toys, crayons, etc. Like a mom friend of mine said, “If they are old enough to carry it to the car, they are old enough to carry it back inside the house.” Of course there is a way to get them to do this. Make it in to a game or challenge them with things such as, “Who can collect the most things from the car?” or “Who wants to use the vacuum?”
2. Vacuum often
You can even make this a weekly chore for the kids. If you can afford it, but one of those handheld ones which makes it easier to take to the car. You could then even keep it in the boot for when you need it. Otherwise, a good old plug in works just as well.
3. Avoid snacking in the car
This is a tough one. So it doesn’t need to be a hard and fast rule, but perhaps try and limit the amount the kids eat in the car. Avoid things that can melt or are sticky. Opt for veggies like carrot sticks or celery or even fruits such as apples etc. It can be the difference between a peanut butter stain and a quick pick up of fallen carrot sticks.
4. Keep cleaning supplies in the car
This can also second as a bin. You can place it under the front seats and tell the kids that all trash needs to be placed in it. You can also keep cleaning products such as upholstery cleaner (if you don’t have leather seats), a cloth and some wet wipes.
5. Have one spot for all things
Keep stuff you regularly use, such as books, sun bloc, hats, nappies, snacks etc, in a designated bin or basket. That way when you bring other stuff in to the car such as boogie boards, flippers, towels etc, you know what needs to come out of the car after the trip.
6. Do a clean up each evening
I know this is easier said than done, but it’s better than cleaning the car after every trip. If you know you are not getting back in to the car again that day, do a quick squiz and clear out all the rubbish from the day. Ask each child to grab one or to things to make the load easier.