Busy Mom's Guide: Tackle Kids' Messes without Breaking a Sweat

by Best Of Hometalk

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$10

2 Hours

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Rewarding as it is, life with children can be quite the challenge, and keeping up with their messes might be the most difficult part of the whole deal. Use this guide to make even their toughest messes disappear ASAP so you can get back to the more enjoyable parts of child care, like park trips and nap time.

Speaking of families, if you are looking for a collaborative project to do with your kids, then be sure to check out our awesome lists of DIY projects for kids. And if your kids are a bit older, then we've got a nice list of DIY projects for teens!

1. Melted crayon

Use a low-heat setting on your iron and cover the problem area with a paper towel or brown paper bag. Apply the iron to melt the hardened crayon, and there's no stain reign of terror.

busy mom s guide tackle kids messes without breaking a sweat

Photo via Ellora @ Creatively Southern

2. Dirty and sticky toys

Hydrogen peroxide is a safe, natural disinfectant -- perfect for your children's toys. Simply place the toys in a bucket or bowl and cover them with hydrogen peroxide. Once the toys dry, they'll be ready for more action.

Photo via Anna @ Ask Anna Moseley

3. Melted plastic (on cookware)

Who hasn't had a little chef make this mistake before? Well, luckily damage control will be a breeze with this tip: Put the pot or pan in the freezer. After a thorough overnight freezing, large chunks of the plastic should pop off with ease. For the remaining scraps, boil water in the pot or pan to soften the plastic. Finish the whole operation with a good wire-brush scrubbing.

Photo via Cynthia H

4. Bed-wetting stains

Hometalk member Christine from First Home Love Life has cracked the code on this tricky mess once and for all. You'll just need to mix one part mouthwash with two parts water and blot with newspaper. It's that easy, and based on Christine's 35,000 repins, it's definitely tried and true.

Photo via Christine @ First Home Love Life

5. Tiny fingerprints and smudges

Whether your little ones are leaving their fingerprints on the walls or kitchen appliances, vinegar's natural degreasing abilities will clean it all. First, wipe down the affected area with warm water, lemon and vinegar. To prevent the fingerprints from coming back, give your appliance (not your walls) a finishing coat of car wax (like Turtle Wax). Shine, buff and enjoy.

Photo via Melissa @ The Happier Homemaker

6. Nail polish on the floor

For carpets and hardwood floors, rubbing alcohol is your secret weapon. You'll need to dab and blot more with carpets, but it will reverse the damage. Remember, with nail polish stains, the sooner you can get to them, the better.

Photo via Anna @ Ask Anna Moseley

7. Unwanted drawings and doodles

For crayons depictions on the wall, just mix some cornstarch and water into a paste. Apply this simple, yet magical, paste to the affected area, allow it to dry, and be prepared to be amazed when you wipe it away.

Photo via Anna @ Ask Anna Moseley

8. Overall carpet and upholstery spills

In 10 minutes you can whip up the best carpet and upholstery cleaner out there -- using everyday kitchen ingredients. Not only does it clean, but it will also deodorize.