When you have kids, so much changes. You don’t get to sleep quite like you used to, your schedule is probably more packed with things to do and places to visit, and it can be more challenging to keep things as neat and tidy as they were pre-kids.

When my kids were younger, it seemed like we were living in a perpetual state of “clean up”. Every time I turned around there was something smeared, something broken, and another child who needed a bath. It’s good though—a sign they’re having a fun-filled childhood, but it’s messy all the same.

Now that they’re a bit older and can help with chores around the house, it’s gotten easier to try to keep things clean. I think my handle on the mess also has to do with the fact that I’ve found some really amazing products that speed the clean and help make the place (and kids) look more presentable.

If you have kids, here are 5 products you should have within reach:

1. For dirty faces

My kids’ faces always seem to end up with ketchup, toothpaste, or some other kind of sticky substance all over them and it’s a real struggle to get them to wash their faces in the bathroom without spewing water all over the counter. I love using baby wipes for these cleanups because it’s gentle on their skin, does the job well, and it won’t leave a watery mess behind.

My go-to: Baby Free & Clear Wipes from Seventh Generation

 

2. For dirty floors

I have three kids running around the house at all times and a fourth one who isn’t too far behind them which means the ceramic tiled floors in my house are well worn. Because I have a baby who is crawling and have to worry about the cleanliness of the tile, I like to make sure the floor is clean—and I use organic cleaning supplies since baby always has his hands in his mouth. It’s simple to use, does the job well, and it doesn’t smell too strong.

My go-to: Organic Pure Castile Liquid Soap from Dr. Bronner’s

 

3. For germ-covered toys

We’re in the germ-filled season where kids are coming home with colds and flus passed around at school and that means we have to be diligent about disinfecting to help stop spreading of the flu. I like using wipes because they’re easy to use for all types of toys and work for other surfaces as well.

My go-to: Disinfecting Wipes from Seventh Generation

 

4. For harder to remove dirt

My daughters are big into colouring and even though my house has a lot of books, paper, and journals they can colour in, they have taken to the wall more than a few times to show off their artwork. Add in toothpaste-covered bathroom walls, mud at the front door, and that’s where a tried-and-true product can be your saving grace.

My go-to: Magic Eraser from Mr. Clean

 

5. For those soccer practice grass stains

My kids don’t play soccer, but they love to roll around on the hills outside and now that it’s getting muddy again, that means their clothes are coming in with fun stains all over the knees and elbows. Using a laundry product that helps get those dark marks out is essential to keeping their clothes presentable and I try to find products that don’t have too many chemicals.

My go-to: Natural Laundry Stain Remover from Seventh Generation

 

Photo credit: adapted from Jenny Lee Silver | Flickr