Having kids is amazing, but as parents we all know what it's like to live in a chaotic environment with clothes, toys, half-made projects and goodness knows what else everywhere!
If you're house proud, forget it!
Or is there a way to keep your home clean and tidy when you have kids?
Right now I'm squeezed on one end of our sofa, with a selection of Baby Annabels and other dolls next to me, and a pile of cars at the other end!
Trying to work, let alone keep the house clean and tidy when you have kids, is a challenge to say the least...
It's hard to maintain the house while you're running around picking up after the kids all day long.
But, are you wondering if it is possible to maintain a clean sofa?
The answer is yes, it is possible.
Here are some tips that will help you keep the your sofa clesn - even when you have kids diving around on it!
Choose a Suitable Fabric
There are a lot of fabrics available on the market that has different strengths and weaknesses.
It's better to choose an easy to clean fabric if you have children as it's less stress and more comfortable for everyone.
When you have young babies, there will be a lot of mess all over the place.
We suggest you use cotton fabric as it's easy to clean and marks should clean straight off using regular cleaning products.
Cotton is known to take stains well, and is a fabric that will improve the softness and comfort of the couch too.
Also, you can use upholstery fabric if you want to keep your sofa in the best condition for a long time.
Always Have a Fabric Cleaner on Hand
If you have kids, you need to have a fabric and upholstery cleaner on hand at all times.
It is much better than using a regular spray cleaner.
If you're going to use a fabric spray cleaner, make sure it's free of any colour that can stain the fabric.
You could also try making a homemade fabric cleaner that is very effective.
All you have to do is mix one part of liquid soap with two parts of white vinegar and stir it well.
You can use this solution in a spray bottle to clean any sofa fabric.
You may also like: Green Cleaning: How to Clean Your Home Without Using Chemicals
No Food or Drinks On The Sofa
Kids love to eat, and they are always thirsty but you might want to set some rules about where the eat and drink.
It's almost inevitable thathey will spill the food or drink on the sofa at some point.
One of the most common things to happen when you have kids at home is that your sofa will get dirty because of food or drink spills.
It can be very frustrating to keep cleaning up spills and marks so you may want to set soem rules.
If you want to keep your sofa clean, don't allow your kids to put their food and drinks on it.
They might think it is okay to eat or drink on the sofa, but this can create severe stains that are very difficult to clean off.
So, if you don't want to start thinking of buying a new one after every two years, you're going to have to be strict!
Use a Non-Slip Rug
Spills can be an issue, so have a non-slip rug under the sofa to help keep your furniture clean.
Another simple way to keep it clean is by using a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment for cleaning up any spills on the couch.
If the spill is small, you can use an ordinary vacuum cleaner without the brush attachment for cleaning up larger spills.
Set Some Rules
Setting some rules for your kids is one way to keep your sofa clean.
Beyond having a rule that they don't have food and drink on the sofa, you could insist that they don't play on the sofa or use the cushions for pillow fights, for example.
Better though to lead by example and with positive actions, so everyone eating at the dining table to eat meals, for instance.
Create a family ethos that involves spending time being active together and getting outdoors, rather than lying around on the sofa watching TV or playing video games.
Use Ice Cubes
When you see that something is sticky, spray it with iced water or use ice cubes.
Sweets, snacks, drinks, sticky messes happen.
Use icy water or ice cubes to remove stickiness.
Ice cubes are really effective at getting rid of any sticky messes you find on your sofa.
Just move the ice cubes over the stain, and wipe it off with a paper towel after it melts.
It sounds simple - and even unlikely - but it works!
Keeping a clean sofa is indeed tricky when you have kids, but there are some ways you can keep it clean without compromising their freedom and happiness.
Children should have fun, but at the same time, you may be concerned about your expensive furnishings.
Don't forget these tips if you want to keep your sofas clean and nice looking for longer.
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