What To Put In A Cleaning Caddy For Everyday Kid Messes

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Since I've become a parent, I don't think I've ever made it through a single day without cleaning something. Let's face it, life with kids means spills, dirt, and crumbs are a constant. But I have managed to not lose my mind with all the cleaning by making sure I'm always stocked up with a cleaning kit that is ready to go and filled with items for multiple types of messes.

One of my favorite items is CleanSmart Daily Surface Cleaner. I can use this Hypochlorous Acid spray to sanitize nearly anywhere: kitchen, bathroom, and toys. I'll wipe up a mess with paper towels, then spray this cleaner and leave it on, no rinsing required. I often also use it on surfaces after playdates. Parent reviewers on Amazon also like this product. "Here's what I use it for in a typical week: my toddler's high chair and any food contact surfaces, kitchen countertops, and the inevitable moments when my older dog gets sick on the rug," shares one buyer. The second must-have is a stain remover. My kids are notoriously messy eaters, either spilling on themselves or furniture. I prefer stain removers that are gentle because they can be used on clothes or fabric, and are free of chemicals that may not be safe for their skin. Finally, I always have a pack of all-purpose cleaning wipes ready to go. These are ideal for wiping off mud on shoes, food messes, and art projects gone awry.

Along with cleaners, there are some tools that are also always in my kit. I can't live without Mr. Clean Magic Erasers. I use these white sponges for everything from pencil and paint stains on furniture and walls to juice spots on my white counter. Parents on Reddit are also fans of these truly magic cleaners. "Works great for lots of kid related messes; crayon on the walls, stubborn 'I don't even know what happened here,' all that,"  says one commenter. I keep a bunch of super-absorbent microfiber cleaning cloths on hand to wipe spills up, then use the eraser to scrub any leftover staining.

Additionally, my cordless vacuum is always within reach for any messes on the floor or carpet and crumbs within the sofa cushions. A vacuum like the Cordless Vacuum Cleaner that can be shortened to handheld and has attachments for getting into crevices is a must-have. I also always keep some garbage bags in my caddy. When big spills or messes happen, it's so convenient to have the bag right there to toss the mess into. I keep everything in a container similar to the Casabella Cleaning Storage Caddy. This makes it much less frustrating when messes happen, since all I need is in one easy-to-grab spot. It's good for kids to use too. "We have kids, so we wanted to make it as easy as possible for them to have no excuses for their chores," says a parent reviewer.