Cleaning when you have kids around can be an uphill battle – but there is one vital germ hotbed you are likely missing in your weekly schedule.
While toys and floors are obvious hotspots, as a professional cleaner, I consider disinfecting remotes, knobs, and controllers to be the most vital cleaning task in a home with littles.
That’s why sanitizing these areas at least every other day in a house with children is one of the disinfecting golden rules I never break. Here’s why.
Why disinfecting remotes, knobs, and controllers is a must for homes with kids
I’ve got three nieces and four nephews who are in and out of my house all week long, so snacks and grimy hands are really just part of the deal. Whilst cleaning the floors is important, they’re cleaned regularly as standard, with or without kids, and most parents are already extra mindful when there’s a crawler in the house.
That's why my top cleaning tip is for remotes, door handles, cabinet pulls, and controllers to get wiped down at least every other day, or immediately after family visits. It’s a cleaning non-negotiable.
Target hygiene, focusing on remotes, handles, and controllers, on the other hand, often slips under the radar.
This is despite these areas being high-touch spots worth cleaning as they're handled daily by practically every single member of the family, but rarely disinfected with the same regularity.
And when you’ve got seven kids in the mix like I do with my nieces and nephews, these areas can quickly become ground zero for every cold, flu, or stomach bug that's circulating through the family.
3 kid-safe disinfecting methods
When disinfecting a house with children, it is best to avoid astringent commercial cleaners. After all, you do not need harsh chemicals to clean well (especially around young children), and they could risk making you and your family sicker.
I keep it simple with DIY cleaning solutions, but I rotate them:
- My primary cleaner is a 1:1 mix of white vinegar from Walmart and distilled water in a little spray bottle, also from Walmart. It’s safe, has no harsh fumes, and it cuts through sticky fingerprints surprisingly well.
- My second option is a mix of water and rubbing alcohol, available at Target, which I use when someone’s been sick in the house. It’s strong, dries quickly, and I feel confident it kills off the germs.
- My third blend is my sister-in-law's go-to. It's a simple mix of gentle Castille soap [Homes & Gardens recommends the almond-scented Dr. Bronner’s Castille Soap, from Amazon] in warm water with just a splash of lemon juice. It smells amazing, cuts through grime, and is so gentle that we even allow the kids to help wipe down the remotes with it to help introduce children to chores safely.
For me, this is really one of those cleaning tasks I don’t debate with myself about. It’s just as non-negotiable as cleaning my floors or washing the dishes every day!
What to shop
Distilled white vinegar is one of the best options for cleaning around children. It is non-toxic, and capable of killing bacteria and mold while lightening stains and deodorizing. You just have to make sure to leave it on surfaces for at least 30 seconds before wiping.
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has certified Attitude products as non-toxic, meaning they contain no harsh chemicals or artificial compounds, making them perfect for cleaning a house with young children.
Microfiber cloths are machine washable, making them a fantastic reusable option for busy households. Simply wash on a hot cycle with detergent and dry, ready to use time and time again. It's an easy way to be more sustainable at home.
Sponge cloths are plant-based, meaning they are free from plastics and decompose in compost heaps in around 10 months. They can also be sanitized in a dishwasher, giving them a quicker turnaround than microfiber cloths for busy households.
Designed for first-aid kits, these alcohol wipes provide perfect, quick cleaning solutions when someone is sick in your household.
Deionized and distilled for pharmaceutical purity, this water contains no minerals or impurities, making it ideal for precise cleaning without leaving watermarks.
This essential task doesn’t just have to fall on you, however. There are several great methods to motivate your family to clean, too, to help share responsibility.
