Back-to-School Cleaning Hacks Every Parent Needs

We’re well into Back-to-school season. As exciting as it is, let’s be real, it’s also hectic. Between school supply lists, new schedules, and after-school activities, keeping the house organized can feel impossible. The good news? With a few smart systems (and some Shine Bright cleaning hacks), you can set your family up for a smooth and stress-free school year.

1. Create a Clean & Functional Entryway

The first five minutes after kids walk in the door can set the tone for the whole evening.

• Set up a drop zone – Use baskets, bins, or cubbies for each child’s shoes, backpack, and jacket.
• Add hooks at kid-level – Encourage independence (and tidiness) by giving kids a place to hang coats right away.
• Trap dirt at the door – Place a washable mat or rug by the entryway to catch dirt before it spreads through the house.

2. Sanitize Backpacks & Lunchboxes Weekly

Backpacks go everywhere, school hallways, buses, even gym floors, before landing on your kitchen counter.

• Backpacks – Wipe down with disinfecting wipes weekly, or run through a gentle machine wash if possible.
• Lunchboxes – Wash the inside daily with warm, soapy water.
• Reusable containers & water bottles – Sanitize nightly to prevent bacteria and keep them fresh.

3. Keep Mudrooms (and Drop Zones) Tidy

Mudrooms are lifesavers during the school year—if you keep them organized.

• Label storage bins – Give each child one for sports gear, gloves, or hats.
• Use a shoe rack – No more morning shoe hunts or messy piles.
• Do a quick daily tidy – A 2-minute reset at the end of each day prevents clutter from piling up.

4. Stay Ahead of Laundry Chaos

Between school uniforms, sports gear, and after-school outfits, laundry adds up quickly.

• Separate bins by child – No more digging through one giant laundry pile.
• Pre-treat stains immediately – Keep a stain remover spray handy for grass, food, and marker mishaps.

5. Build a “Sunday Reset” Routine

A weekly family clean-up is the ultimate sanity-saver.

• Check backpacks – Toss old papers, clean out snack wrappers, and restock supplies.
• Wipe high-touch areas – Disinfect doorknobs, light switches, and desks.
• Prep for Monday – Pack lunches, lay out outfits, and line up backpacks by the door to avoid morning chaos.

Make Back-to-School Easier with Shine Bright

A little planning goes a long way, but sometimes, life’s busyness calls for extra help. Shine Bright Cleaning Services can take care of the heavy lifting so you can focus on what matters most…your family. From deep cleaning to recurring cleaning services, our team keeps your home organized, sanitized, and stress-free all school year long.

Contact us today at (508) 654-2535 or click here to get a custom quote for our cleaning services.