From long days at the pool to spontaneous water fights, summer brings a unique set of challenges for keeping your home clean and organized. Here are some practical tips to help manage the summertime mess while ensuring everyone has a great time.

The End of the Day Pile

Remember those long, glorious days spent at the pool or zoo, only to come home and be faced with the dreaded end-of-the-day pile? Wet towels, swimsuits, and gear often end up in a heap, either left in the car or dropped in the foyer. To manage this, establish a designated spot for the pile and a quick process to deal with it:

• Create a drop zone: Designate an area near the entrance for wet and dirty items.
• Immediate action: Have a laundry basket or bin ready to collect wet towels and swimsuits for quick transport to the laundry room.
• Quick clean-up: Encourage everyone to spend a few minutes sorting their belongings before crashing on the couch.

Water Fights and Sprinkler Fun

Summer fun often involves water fights, sprinklers, and impromptu dips in the pool. While these activities are fantastic for cooling off, they can lead to wet footprints, fingerprints, and drips all over the house. Here are some tips to manage the wet mess:

• Door mats and towels: Place absorbent mats and towels by entrances to catch water before it spreads.
• Quick wipes: Keep a spray bottle and cloth handy to quickly clean up wet, slimy prints on glass doors and windows.
• Bathroom prep: Lay down towels in the bathroom to handle wet toilet seats and floors, making cleanup faster and easier.

Beware of Burning Seats

Summer heat can turn car seats into burning surfaces, especially if your kids are in swimsuits. To avoid burns and discomfort:

• Seat covers: Use cloth seat covers that stay cooler than leather or vinyl.
• Towels: Keep a towel in the car to cover seats when they are not occupied.
• Ventilation: Crack windows to allow airflow and reduce seat temperatures.

Reduce Energy Use: Hang Items to Dry

One of the best ways to reduce energy use during summer is to take advantage of the warm weather to dry items outside. Instead of using the dryer, hang things like dog beds, blankets, and pool towels outdoors:

• Patio drying: Use patio chairs or a clothesline to air dry items.
• Fresh air benefits: Enjoy the added benefit of fresh, sun-dried scents on your laundry.
• Energy savings: Save on electricity and reduce your carbon footprint by opting for natural drying methods.

Sticky Messes from Refreshing Snacks

Summertime snacks like watermelon, popsicles, and other juicy fruits can lead to sticky messes. Here's how to manage:

• Snack stations: Set up a designated snack area with easy-to-clean surfaces.
• Wet wipes: Keep wet wipes or damp cloths nearby for quick cleanups of sticky fingers and faces.
• Trash and recycle bins: Ensure that popsicle sticks and snack wrappers end up in the trash or recycle bin by placing bins in convenient, easy-to-reach locations.

Summertime with children can be a whirlwind, but with a few simple strategies, you can keep the chaos under control and enjoy the season to its fullest. Embrace the fun, stay organized, and make the most of these precious summer days.