How to Keep Playrooms Clean

Develop an organization system for the playroom so everything has its place. Use clear, shoe box size storage containers to store toys with small pieces and place the boxes on an open shelf, closet or bookcase. Use a large bin or toy chest to throw larger toys into. A dresser also works well in a play room where kids can easily open up the drawers to put out similar items, such as toy cars or board games. Hooks also work well to hang backpacks and dress-up clothes. Label containers and other storage areas clearly. Draw or print pictures of the toys as well, especially for non-readers.

Establish a house rule that states children must clean up their current toys before getting out new ones. Reward and praise children when they follow through with this rule.

Assign jurisdictions in the playroom when a thorough cleaning is in order. If toys are mixed up or a large group of kids made a mess in the room, have each child search out and clean up his particular type of toy or area. For example, one child can be in charge of finding all the building blocks to put away and another in charge of cleaning the bookcase area.

Store a portion of the toys in another location if your children own so many toys that they can't manage them. Keep them in boxes in a storage area and switch them out every few months with toys from the playroom. This trick helps reduce clutter in the playroom. When children lose interest in a batch of toys, switch them out.

Give toys away as you get new toys. This habit helps keep the number of toys under control and it teaches children the life skill of keeping a manageable home. Before birthdays and holidays, have children go through their toys to get rid of some to make room for the new ones.

Store stuffed animals in a hamper or install a netting system in a corner designed just for stuffed animals. You can also put up shelves and line the walls with the stuffed animals that are more for show than play.

Clean toys and surfaces with an antibacterial spray that does not need rinsing and is safe for children. You can also soak plastic toys for 10 minutes in a bleach solution made with 1 gallon of water and 1 tbsp. of bleach. This is especially important when a child is sick.