College month is over and it’s Family month now! I’ll be going over the do’s and don’ts of families and your home.

KIDS

Babies are a blessing. They really are, but man can they be destructive. From birth to 18 they can wreak all sorts of havoc on your home. Now before you go and  return your kids (I’m kidding), read on to figure out some how-tos on living with your little ones but keeping your house from looking like disaster struck.

~Crayons

There’s nothing better than posting those beautiful creations that your children have colored for you on the fridge, however the couch maybe not so much. If you are looking to avoid that situation follow these simple steps:

1. Take a sharp object such as scissors or a knife and scratch off any wax that has formed on the couch.
2. Use any crayon remover spray such as Mr. Clean Magic Eraser or Clorox Stain Removal and let the spray sit for approximately ten minutes.
3. Now use a small brush of any kind (toothbrush or nail preferably) and scrub the stain. Wipe off excess cleaner with a washcloth.
4. Take some regular hand soap and clean the spot one last time with a wash cloth.
5. Let air dry.

~Spills

Spill – no big deal. Spill that was hid because your kid was afraid you’d be mad – big deal. Water damage on wood can make an accident permanent. The best way to handle finding a spill that has been there for a while is by dabbing the stain with a cloth covered in white vinegar. After doing that for a while the stain should disappear. Don’t forget to let air dry.

~Permanent Marker

The dreaded permanent marker is the object that parents fear most when they see their toddlers with it. So what do you do when your toddler succeeds in coloring on your furniture with the permanent marker?

1. Take some rubbing alcohol and dab it onto the stain with either a household sponge or washcloth.
2. Alternate this process with dabbing with a dry paper towel. You should start to see the permanent marker being removed.
3. Wash the stain with cold water.
4. Cover stain in laundry detergent and cold water.
5. Dry stained area with a dry wash cloth.
6. If stain has not been removed by now, repeat the process starting with step 4.

~Gum

All kids love it, and all parents hate it – Gum. Personally, I have gotten gum on my bed, on my clothes, even in my hair. It is a pain in the you know what to get out, however with this cheat sheet, it’ll be far easier for you.

1. Apply and ice pack to the stained area and let it harden.
2. Use any sharp object such as a knife or scissors to scrape off the hardened gum.
3. Rub the remainder of the gum off with white vinegar using a wash cloth.
4. Finally, clean the excess with cold water.
5. Let air dry.

~Baby food

I swear some babies should be in the MLB with how they throw their food. If you have one of these athletic babies, here are a few steps on how you can remove stains from your furniture:

1. Soak the stain with spot stain remover for a few hours.
2. Let it air dry. DO NOT use a hair dryer on it or the stain will set permanently.
3. If that did not do the trick, rub the stain with rubbing alcohol then let air dry.

Those were just a few helpful tips on keeping your house in order with kids. Stay tuned for my next post on 3/27. In the meantime, make sure to check out some of our kids furniture options at the links below!

http://alreadyfurnished.net/product-category/bedroom/beds/bunkbeds/

http://alreadyfurnished.net/product-category/bedroom/beds/trundle-beds/

http://alreadyfurnished.net/product-category/accessories/storage-trunks/