Back-to-School Cleaning: Reset Your Home for the School Year

As summer winds down and the school year approaches, many families focus on shopping for supplies and organizing schedules. But there’s another important way to prepare: a thorough back-to-school cleaning. Resetting your home before the school year starts helps create a calm, organized environment that supports learning, reduces stress, and keeps everyone healthier during the busy months ahead. Here’s a guide to help you tackle the key areas.

  1. Declutter Bedrooms and Study Spaces

Kids’ bedrooms and study areas often accumulate toys, books, and clothes over the summer. Take time to:

  • Clear out old school supplies and broken toys.
  • Sort and donate clothing that no longer fits.
  • Organize desks, ensuring kids have a clutter-free workspace.

A tidy, organized space makes homework time easier and helps children stay focused.

  1. Deep Clean High-Traffic Areas

Hallways, entryways, and living rooms get more use once school starts. These areas quickly gather dirt from backpacks, shoes, and daily comings and goings. Focus on:

  • Vacuuming and mopping floors.
  • Wiping down walls, light switches, and doorknobs.
  • Organizing shoe racks, coat hooks, and storage bins.

This not only keeps your home looking great but also cuts down on germs.

  1. Refresh the Kitchen and Pantry

The kitchen becomes a central hub during the school year for breakfasts, packed lunches, and after-school snacks.

  • Empty and wipe down the refrigerator.
  • Toss expired pantry items.
  • Organize lunch-making supplies so mornings run smoothly.

Consider creating a dedicated snack station or lunch prep zone to make school days more efficient.

  1. Sanitize Bathrooms

Bathrooms see increased traffic during the school year, with rushed mornings and evening routines.

  • Disinfect sinks, toilets, and tubs.
  • Replace old toothbrushes and bath towels.
  • Stock up on soap, toothpaste, and other essentials.

Keeping bathrooms clean ensures a fresh, healthy start each day.

  1. Clean and Disinfect High-Touch Surfaces

With kids in and out of school, germs travel quickly. Prevent illness by disinfecting:

  • Doorknobs, light switches, and remote controls.
  • Tablets, laptops, and other electronics kids use for homework.
  • Backpacks and lunchboxes (wipe or wash weekly).

Regular disinfection keeps colds and flu from spreading through your household.

  1. Tackle Laundry and Linens

Fresh bedding and clean clothes set the tone for the year ahead.

  • Wash all bedding, including comforters.
  • Deep clean mattresses and vacuum upholstered furniture.
  • Organize school uniforms or outfits to save time on busy mornings.

A clean, organized laundry routine helps reduce daily stress.

  1. Create a Family Cleaning Routine

Once your home is reset, keep it that way by setting a family cleaning schedule:

  • Assign age-appropriate chores to kids.
  • Set daily or weekly cleaning tasks to stay on top of clutter and mess.
  • Make it a family effort to maintain order during the school year.

Reset Your Home for Success

Back-to-school cleaning isn’t just about appearances—it’s about setting your family up for success. A clean, organized environment reduces distractions, supports healthy habits, and makes busy mornings smoother. If managing it all feels overwhelming, consider hiring professional cleaners who can give your home a fresh start.

Ready to reset your home for the school year? Contact The Purple Maids today for expert cleaning services that make your home sparkle and your school year stress-free.

The Purple Maids