Winter Cleaning Tips for Parents

Winter is here, and with it comes the season of sniffles, sneezes, and staying indoors. As parents, it's crucial to maintain a clean and germ-free environment for our little ones (and ourselves!). Here are some essential winter cleaning tips to help your family stay healthy and happy all season long.

Why Winter Cleaning Matters for Families

Winter often means more time spent indoors, increasing the risk of germ spread. Good cleaning habits can help reduce the chances of illness and create a healthier environment for your family. During the colder months, windows are often closed, reducing ventilation and allowing germs to linger in the air for longer periods.

The flu virus and other respiratory infections tend to thrive in these conditions, making it even more important to maintain a clean home. Regular cleaning and disinfecting can significantly decrease the number of germs on surfaces, reducing the likelihood of your family members catching a bug.

Germ hotspots to tackle more often

Babies and young children are particularly vulnerable to germs. They often put toys in their mouths and crawl on the floor, exposing themselves to a variety of bacteria and viruses. Pay extra attention to these high-touch, high-risk areas:

- Door handles: Everyone touches them multiple times a day, making them a prime spot for germ transmission.

- Light switches: Similar to door handles, light switches are frequently touched and often overlooked during cleaning.

- Highchairs: Food spills and sticky fingers can make highchairs a breeding ground for bacteria. Clean them thoroughly after each meal.

- Toys: Toys, especially those shared among children, can harbour a lot of germs. Regularly disinfect them, paying close attention to those that go in the mouth.

- Nappy changing areas: These areas can be contaminated with harmful bacteria. Clean and disinfect them after each nappy change.

- Clothes, taps, and buttons: These items can also harbour germs, especially if someone in the house is sick.

Safe, kid-friendly cleaning products

When cleaning around babies and toddlers, it's crucial to use non-toxic, baby-safe cleaners, especially on surfaces they touch (or lick!). Harsh chemicals can be harmful to young children, causing skin irritation, respiratory problems, and other health issues. Look for products labelled "non-toxic" and "baby-safe."

Consider using natural cleaning solutions like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice, which are effective and safe for use around children. Another great option is our Pigeon Liquid Cleanser; this is a popular choice that is specially formulated to safely and effectively clean baby accessories, toys, and surfaces without leaving harmful residues. You can even use it to wash your fruit and vegetables!

Our reviewer, Chelsi, left us a review on our Pigeon Liquid Cleaner, saying: 

“I was generously given a sample of this cleanser from Pigeon, and overall I am quite happy with it! The formula my son uses can leave a bumpy film on the glass bottle, and usually takes a good scrub to come off. This cleaner cuts through the film much easier than dish soap and cuts down on washing time. I found the smell a little strong at first, but it didn’t leave a smell on his bottles after rinsing. Great product and would buy in future!”

Daily & weekly cleaning tips:

Staying on top of household hygiene can feel overwhelming—especially when you're juggling work, kids, and everything in between. Here’s a realistic cleaning routine that helps busy parents keep germs at bay:

- Daily Disinfection Routine:
Focus on high-touch surfaces that collect the most germs. Wipe down doorknobs, light switches, kitchen counters, and remotes with disinfectant wipes or spray. Keep cleaning supplies in a central, easy-to-reach spot to make this task quick and convenient.

- Weekly Deep Clean Schedule:
Set aside time each week to disinfect shared items like toys, bathroom surfaces, and high-traffic areas. Break the tasks into manageable chunks—spread them over the week or tackle them all on the weekend, depending on your schedule.

- Laundry Tips for Germ Control:
Wash frequently used items like daycare blankets, jackets, and hats at least once a week. These often-overlooked items can harbour bacteria, especially after outdoor play or daycare use.

- Improve Airflow Naturally:
Ventilate your home by opening windows during dry, sunny weather. A few minutes of fresh air each day can reduce stuffiness, help control indoor moisture, and minimise germs in winter.

What to do when someone's sick?

When a family member gets sick, it's important to take extra precautions. Try flu season home cleaning to prevent the spread of illness. The annual flu vaccination is also recommended for everyone over 6 months old. Vaccination is a safe and effective way to protect against the flu and can significantly reduce the risk of severe illness (Australian Government Department of Health & Aged Care).

Here's a short "cleaning when unwell" checklist:

- Isolate the sick person if possible: This can help limit exposure to other family members.

- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily: This includes doorknobs, light switches, remote controls, and bathroom surfaces.

- Wash bedding and towels used by the sick person in hot water: This helps kill germs and prevent them from spreading. Our Pigeon Baby Laundry Detergent and our Pigeon Baby Fabric Softener are great, safe cleaning options ideal for babies and those with sensitive skin.

- Ventilate the room regularly: Opening windows can help remove airborne germs and improve air quality.

Teaching kids to help with household cleaning (even toddlers!)

Involving children in cleaning not only helps keep the house tidy but also teaches them responsibility and good hygiene habits. Here are some age-appropriate ways to keep the home clean with kids:

- Toddlers: Have them put toys in a basket or wipe down surfaces with baby-safe wipes (under supervision). You can make it a game by singing a song or turning it into a race. We love this Pack Away Song by Sing & Learn Australia.

- Preschoolers: They can help with dusting, sweeping, or sorting laundry. Provide them with child-sized cleaning tools and make it a fun activity.

- School-age children: Can take on more responsibility, such as vacuuming, cleaning bathrooms, or doing laundry. Assign them specific tasks and create a cleaning schedule.

By incorporating these winter cleaning tips into your routine, you can create a healthier and more comfortable home for your family during the colder months. Remember, consistency is key! Regular cleaning and disinfecting, along with practising good hygiene habits, will go a long way in keeping everyone healthy and happy. For more information on baby-safe cleaning products for your little ones, check out our Pigeon Baby Cleaning & Sterilising Products Page.