By nature, I tend to be someone who pays attention to the systems that keep our home running smoothly. With six kids, homeschooling, and running a business, I’ve learned very quickly that the little things matter. The routines, the products, and the shortcuts all add up.
When it comes to cleaning, I don’t approach it from a place of perfection. I approach it from a place of sustainability. I need solutions that are practical, safe for my family, and easy to maintain day after day.
Over time, I’ve found myself leaning more and more toward plant-based, non-toxic cleaning products. Not because everything has to be perfect, but because I want to be mindful of what we’re using in a home where we are learning, living, and spending so much of our time together.
So today I’m sharing a few of the cleaning supplies I genuinely love, along with some simple mom hacks that make keeping our home clean feel a little more manageable.
1. A Simple Dish Spray That Works Every Time
One of the easiest cleaning hacks I use daily is something I started doing out of convenience, and it has stuck ever since.
I mix three parts water with one part dishwashing liquid in a spray bottle to create a foaming dish spray. It is simple, effective, and perfect for quick cleanups throughout the day.
With a large family, dishes are constant. Having something ready to spray, rinse, and move on makes a difference. It keeps things from piling up and helps me stay ahead without feeling overwhelmed.
I typically use plant-based dish soap, and one of my favorites is from Sprouts Farmers Market, especially their lavender dishwashing liquid.
2. A Go-To Surface Cleaner for Everyday Messes
Another thing I rely on heavily is a simple surface cleaner that I mix myself. I combine a small amount of dishwashing liquid, water, and a bit of multi-purpose cleaner to create a solution that works for counters, tables, and everyday spills.
With kids moving through the house all day, especially during homeschool hours, surfaces are constantly being used. Between snacks, crafts, and school materials, there is always something to wipe down.
This mixture gives me something quick and effective that I can grab without thinking too much about it. It keeps the flow of our day moving without stopping everything for a deep clean.
For multi-purpose cleaning products, I often reach for Seventh Generation because I trust their plant-based options, and the scents are light and clean.
3. Laundry That Feels Fresh Without Being Overpowering
Laundry in a house of eight is never-ending. I have learned to focus less on trying to eliminate it and more on building a routine that makes it manageable. To that end, I try very hard to do a load a day, or at least every two days, to keep it from piling up.
One thing I love adding to our laundry routine is a plant-based fabric softener. It gives our clothes a light scent boost without feeling overwhelming or too heavy.
I tend to stick with plant-based detergents and softeners, and again, Seventh Generation and Sprouts Farmers Market are my go-to brands.
It is a small detail, but it makes a difference when you are folding laundry for a large family and want things to feel and smell fresh and clean.
4. Keeping Floors Clean Without Extra Effort
Floors are one of those areas that can quickly make a home feel either clean or chaotic.
With kids constantly moving from room to room, I need something that can keep up with real life. I love using my Tineco mop vacuum because it allows me to clean and refresh our floors simultaneously.
Adding a plant-based cleaning solution to the water tank helps lift dirt while also leaving the house smelling fresh. It is one of those tools that saves time and simplifies the process.
For rugs and carpets, I rely on my Bissell vacuum. It makes it easy to stay on top of things without feeling like I need to dedicate an entire day to cleaning.
5. Clean Air Matters Too
One thing I did not always think about early on was the quality of the air in our home.
With so many people living, learning, and moving through the same space every day, air quality matters more than I realized.
We use an AirDoctor air purifier, and it has made a noticeable difference. It helps create a cleaner atmosphere, especially during seasons when we are spending more time indoors. It is not something we can see, but we definitely feel the difference.
6. The Products I Reach for Again and Again
Over time, I’ve stepped away from the habit of trying every new product that promises better results. Instead, I’ve focused on what consistently works for our home.
I tend to return to a small handful of brands that meet that standard. Seventh Generation is one I reach for often, especially their lavender line. Their hand soap and cleaning sprays are part of our everyday routine, and I appreciate the reliability of their plant-based formulas.
I also keep Sprouts Farmers Market cleaning products on hand, particularly their laundry detergent and dish soap. They’re straightforward, effective, and easy to trust.
Keeping things this simple has made a noticeable difference. There’s less second-guessing, fewer unnecessary purchases, and more space to focus on everything else that matters in our home.
A Final Thought
Cleaning, like homeschooling and motherhood, is not about getting everything perfect.
It is about creating systems that support our home and family in a way that feels sustainable.
Some days, everything is clean and in its place. Other days it is not. But having tools and products that make the process easier allows me to stay consistent without feeling overwhelmed.
This is the principle I come back to again and again: I don’t have to be a perfect homeschool Mom, and my home doesn’t have to be showroom sparkling- my best effort is sufficient.
And in a home full of life, learning, and growing, that is more than enough.
Gervase Ware is a homeschool mom of six, educator, and motherhood and lifestyle creator who shares real-life homeschool routines, curriculum reviews, family systems, and trusted resources for intentional living at GervaseWare.com.
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