Summer is already knocking on our door and it’s time to consider where you will be heading for this year’s family vacation. Travelling can be a good deal fun, but when one is planning their kids to join them on the trip, things can easily go out of hand and turn your vacation into a disaster of major proportions. We have compiled a short list of tips on how to keep it clean while on the road with your kids. Just stick to them to prevent any mishaps from spoiling your vacation.
Don’t Forget to Pack Toiletries and Other Cleaning Essentials
Please note that by cleaning essentials, we don’t mean only your child’s tooth brush. Of course, that is an absolute must, but packing a bar of soap and some laundry detergent is equally important. Messy accidents and kids often go hand in hand, so you can expect beverage spills and ketchup stains aplenty. Some soils are impossible to remove when you allow them to dry out on your child’s tee or skirt. That is why it is always a good idea to go on the road well-prepared. Don’t skip on antibacterial wet wipes, either. You can use them to wipe clean a variety of surfaces from restrooms’ door handles to your hands.
Use Plastic Zip-Lock Bags
When you help your child prep up for the trip you’re about to embark on, you can pack their clothes and undies in plastic zip-lock bags. It would be an even better idea to combine the kid’s outfits by day and place each complete outfit in a separate bag. This will make your life so much easier as it will enable you to grab a bag with everything that you need – skirts, pants, t-shirts and socks. The zip-lock bags also help prevent the suitcase’s musty smell from transferring to your kid’s clothes. The same, of course, applies to your own luggage.
Pack Dryer Sheets to Keep Musty Odour at Bay
Dryer sheets have tens of alternative uses, from reducing static in your hair to removing dry sand from your body when at the beach. It is hardly surprising they can also save you (and your luggage) from that stale odour, suitcases tend to acquire over time. Before you head on your trip, leave your child’s suitcase open overnight to air it well, allowing most of the musty odour to escape. Tuck several dryer sheets in the compartments of your suitcase. This will absorb the unpleasant, stale odour from the fabric. You can also tuck a few pieces between the towels in your hotel room or spread them in the drawers or wardrobe.
Use Food and Drink Containers in Your Car
If you intend to use your own car for the trip, you should consider taking some preventive measures against food soils and liquid spills as we all know removing those from your car’s upholstery is anything but fun. This is especially important if you are travelling with a toddler. You can buy several spill-proof snack containers to use in the car. This can prevent Cheetos and chips from ending up on your car’s floor. Another good idea provided by Domestic Cleaning in SE10 is to enforce a rule, allowing the children to consume only food that can be vacuumed from the car’s upholstery or floor, which means no yoghurt, ice cream, and sticky chocolates.
Prevent Motion Sickness
Do you remember how taxing travelling by car used to be when you was a child? Many young children tend to get sick when travelling, so it’s important to do your best to make yours comfortable during the trip. This will not only prevent your upholstery from getting soiled, but will render the trip far more enjoyable for both you and the child. You can ask your child’s doctor for an over-the-counter medication, but make sure you give it to the little one before the start of the trip. Proper air ventilation can also be of great help and reduce nausea in small children.
Travelling with kids does not necessarily have to be a nightmare. On the contrary, with proper preparation, your family vacation can easily become a source of memories you will cherish and remember for life. Try out these five tips on keeping it clean while on the road with kids and you are guaranteed to have a good time.
