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10 Genius Cleanup Hacks Every Toddler Mom Should Know

Let’s face it — toddlers are tiny tornados. Between snack explosions, muddy shoes, and mystery smears, it’s easy to feel like you're losing the daily battle with mess. But good news: a few clever habits (and the right gear) can make cleanup so much faster — even during the chaos of early walking.

Whether your little one is just finding their balance or running through puddles, here are 10 sanity-saving tips to keep your home and routine feeling (mostly) under control.

1. Stick a laundry bin in every main room

Toddlers are outfit-changing machines. Place a small, soft-sided laundry bin in your most-used rooms — especially near play areas and the kitchen. You’ll corral mess-makers without trekking all over the house.

2. Choose washable toddler shoes

Lightweight, machine-washable baby boots are a total game changer. Look for early walker boots or barefoot first shoes that clean up easily with a rinse and air dry — no scrubbing needed.

🧼 We designed HARTS boots to be fully washable and sock-free for easy cleanup days.

3. Use a daily catch-all basket by the door

Keep a bin for rogue shoes, snacks, and mini disasters waiting to happen. Include a cloth for quick wipes, a few extra wipes, and a spare pair of best infant slippers or size 0 sneakers for the grab-and-go moments.

4. Do one 15-minute power clean each evening

Set a timer and involve your toddler if they’re walking. It becomes a rhythm, not a chore. Pro tip: play the same cleanup song each night for a built-in signal that it’s time to help.

5. Keep an emergency cleaning caddy in your car

Because the mess will travel with you. Stock it with wipes, a roll of paper towels, an old t-shirt, and even a backup pair of newborn sneakers (size 0) or cozy socks in case shoes get soaked.

6. Choose gear that’s easy to rinse, not just cute

High chairs, bibs, and especially shoes — skip anything you can’t wipe clean in under 10 seconds. Bonus if it's cute and functional, like flexible 2C shoes or waterproof mats that double as a splat zone.

7. Limit the toys (and rotate them!)

Fewer toys = less mess. Keep a bin in storage and rotate items weekly. Bonus: your toddler will act like it’s Christmas every time you reintroduce an old favorite.

8. Skip socks indoors

Socks collect lint, crumbs, and who-knows-what. In many cases, your toddler is better off barefoot or in soft first walking shoes designed to mimic barefoot movement.

👣 Tip: HARTS are barefoot-style and meant to be worn sock-free — even indoors.

9. Make cleanup part of the routine, not a surprise

Toddlers love predictability. End each meal or playtime with a simple “Let’s clean this up together!” and hand them a tiny cloth. It's not perfect — but it builds habits that pay off later.

10. Go for stay-on shoes you don’t have to chase

Shoes that fall off just add to the clutter (and chaos). Look for the best shoes for new walkers — flexible soles, easy slip-on design, and elastic holds that actually stay on.

💡 Many moms love HARTS because even 16-month-olds can’t kick them off.

🧼 Final Thought

No home with a toddler will ever be mess-free — but with a few intentional habits and the right gear, cleanup doesn’t have to be stressful. Choose simple tools, washable materials, and minimalist routines that work with your toddler, not against them.