Must-Do Back To School Cleaning Hacks for a Stress-Free Start
- Katie
- Jul 27
- 4 min read
As summer comes to a close, many Ontario families are gearing up for the return to school. Whether your kids are entering kindergarten or heading back to high school, preparing your home can make a world of difference. A clean, organized space helps improve focus, saves time in the mornings, and reduces stress for both parents and children.
In this post, we’ll explore must-do back to school cleaning hacks to help Ontario families start the school year with ease. Much like our Spring Cleaning tips, these tips are also simple, effective, and perfect for busy households.
Why Back to School Cleaning Matters
Starting the school year with a clean and organized home provides several benefits:
Improved focus: Less clutter means fewer distractions during homework time.
Better health: A sanitized home helps prevent the spread of germs, especially when kids are back in classrooms.
Less stress: A place for everything (and everything in its place) makes mornings and evenings smoother.
Teaches responsibility: Involving kids in cleaning builds healthy lifelong habits.
Back to School Cleaning Hacks Every Parent Should Try
These easy and effective strategies will help you stay ahead of the school-year chaos.
1. Declutter Before You Buy
Before stocking up on school supplies or new clothes, go through what you already have. Toss broken items, donate outgrown clothes, and clear out old papers. This helps reduce waste and prevents duplicate purchases.
2. Create a Family Command Center
Set up a bulletin board or dry-erase calendar in a central area of your home. Use different colours for each family member to track school events, sports practices, and appointments. This one step will drastically reduce forgotten activities.
3. Set Up a Homework Zone
Designate a quiet, well-lit space for schoolwork. It could be a desk in a bedroom or a corner of the living room. Add shelves or bins for books and supplies. A pegboard or organizer can keep things neat and accessible.
4. Sanitize High-Touch Surfaces Regularly
Especially during back to school season, cleaning high-touch areas is key. Disinfect doorknobs, light switches, remote controls, and handles often. If your child wears a mask to school, have a clean one ready daily and wash them weekly in hot water.
5. Organize Entryways and Closets
Use hooks, cubbies, or baskets to keep backpacks, jackets, and shoes off the floor. Label bins or shelves to help kids know where things go. A tidy entryway makes mornings much easier.
6. Create a Chore Chart for the Whole Family
Children of all ages can help keep the home clean. Assign age-appropriate chores like wiping counters, sorting laundry, or vacuuming. Make it a habit to clean together as a family before bedtime - 15 minutes is all it takes!
7. Establish a Quick Evening Routine
Right before bed, have everyone tidy their space and prep for the next day. Lay out clothes, pack lunches, and check backpacks for permission slips or homework. This habit prevents morning panic.
8. Nanocoat High-Maintenance Surfaces
For busy parents, applying a nanocoat to surfaces like tile, glass, and bathroom fixtures can make cleaning easier. It repels grime and reduces how often you need to scrub.
9. Set Up a Craft or Art Station
If your kids love crafting, create a specific area for it. Use plastic drawers or labeled bins to contain supplies. Keeping craft messes in one place means less cleanup across the rest of the house.
10. Make “Unpack Before Play” a Rule
Backpacks collect more than just school supplies; they bring home crumbs, wrappers, and mystery smells. Set a rule that kids unpack their bags before they start playing.
Stay Organized Year-Round
Here are a few habits that will help maintain your clean space:
Daily Cleanups: Tidy as you go throughout the day.
Weekly Maintenance: Dedicate one day each week to deep cleaning.
Monthly Purges: Go through closets, toy bins, and drawers to get rid of what’s no longer needed.
Keep Communicating: Regularly talk with your family about the importance of keeping shared spaces clean.
FAQs About Back to School Cleaning in Ontario
When should I start back to school cleaning in Ontario?
Begin at least two weeks before school starts. This gives you time to declutter, deep clean, and get supplies without feeling rushed.
What are Ontario families doing to prepare their homes for back to school?
Most families focus on organizing school supplies, deep cleaning common areas, setting up homework zones, and creating family calendars or command centers.
How do I keep my Ontario home clean during the school year?
Stick to a regular cleaning routine. Daily tidy-ups, weekly cleaning tasks, and monthly organization checks help keep things manageable.
Is professional cleaning recommended before the school year starts?
Yes, many Ontario families hire professional cleaning services like Scrubly for a deep clean before school begins. It’s a great way to start fresh.
Where does Scrubly operate?
We proudly serve Hamilton, Burlington, Oakville, and surrounding areas in the Greater Hamilton Area.
Can I book a one-time clean for back to school season?
Absolutely. We offer customizable one-time cleans to get your home in shape for the school year. You can book directly on our Booking Page.
Final Thoughts
Back to school season can feel overwhelming, but with a little planning and the right cleaning hacks, your home can be a calm, organized space that supports your family’s success. Whether you do it all yourself or get a helping hand from a professional cleaning service like Scrubly, starting the school year with a clean slate sets the tone for what’s to come.
Ready to book your back-to-school clean? Visit Scrubly's booking page or call 289-681-7282 to schedule your cleaning today.
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