Key Highlights

• Learn how daily cleaning habits can greatly help keep your home clean.
• Discover useful morning and night cleaning routines to make your day easier.
• Explore effective weekly cleaning plans so your living space stays clean.
• Find simple and practical cleaning tips to keep your home spotless in Ocala, FL.
• Use easy cleaning routines that are simple to follow without being too much to handle.

Introduction

By adopting these simple cleaning strategies, you can keep your home in Ocala, FL, clean and organized, leaving you with more time to enjoy the Sunshine State lifestyle. These strategies are designed to save you time and make your cleaning routine more efficient.

Daily Habits for a Spotless Home

• Being consistent helps make cleaning easier.
• Add simple habits to your daily routine to prevent dirt and clutter from piling up.
• Instead of doing many chores all at once later, take a little time each day to keep your home clean.
• Try to tidy up while you use things.
• Clean surfaces right after using them, put away your items, and fix spills immediately.
• These little tasks take just a few minutes, but they help your home stay clean.

Starting Your Day with a Clean Slate: Morning Cleanup Routines

Start your day off right with these simple morning cleaning tasks. Incorporate them into your routine and enjoy a clutter-free home.

These cleaning tips will help you feel good and ready for your day:

• Make your bed. This simple task helps your bedroom look tidier.
• Wipe down the counters and sink. A fast clean after breakfast keeps spills and crumbs from sticking later.
• Deal with the dishes. Loading the dishwasher or washing the breakfast dishes prevents a big mess from building up.

Starting your day in a clean space helps you feel calm and organized. This makes it easier to go out and enjoy the beautiful sunshine in Ocala, FL.

Nightly Tidying Rituals to Wake Up to a Clean Home

Just like a morning routine helps you start your day well, a nightly cleaning routine ensures you wake up in a tidy and inviting space. Doing a few easy chores at night will make a difference.

• After you finish dinner, take a few minutes to do some chores.
• You can load the dishwasher or wash the dishes.
• Wipe down the kitchen counters and clean up any mess in shared areas.
• Completing these tasks will leave you feeling good about your work.

Waking up to a clean home in cleaning Ocala, FL, helps you feel fresh and organized at the start of every day.

Weekly Cleaning Strategies That Work

Daily habits help keep your home clean. Adding weekly tasks will ensure a deeper clean. This method saves you time and prevents dirt, grime, and germs from building up.

Follow this simple plan for efficient cleaning:

Conclusion

Maintaining a clean house in Ocala, FL, is simple. You need to develop some daily habits and good weekly routines. These strategies are straightforward and easy to follow, giving you the confidence to keep your home neat and organized.

Sometimes, keeping a home clean becomes difficult, so it is wise to use the expertise of professional cleaners. For folks living in Ocala, Florida, or surrounding areas, including Orlando, Gainesville, and The Villages, the professional cleaning service Cassie’s Meticulous Touch, with over 20 years of expert service, is there to help. For more information and to make an appointment for a free estimate, call the office at 352-216-0513. You can also visit their website at https://cleaningservicesocalafl.com

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Advanced Disinfection Techniques to Combat Illness

Electrostatic spraying is good for covering surfaces, even hard-to-reach areas. It uses an electrostatic charge to pull the disinfectant onto the surfaces. In contrast, deep cleaning is more thorough. It focuses on removing dirt and bacteria from every tiny spot.

With these advanced methods, commercial cleaning services can create a cleaner space. This helps reduce the risk of spreading illnesses and leads to a healthier work environment.

Regular Cleaning Schedules for Consistent Hygiene

Consistency is very important for a healthy workplace. With their adaptability, commercial cleaning services create schedules that fit your business, reassuring that every part of your space gets the attention it needs.

These schedules usually show daily tasks like emptying trash bins and wiping down surfaces many people touch. They also plan for deep cleaning in restrooms, break rooms, and other shared areas each week or month. This practice helps keep everything clean and reduces germs. A cleaner place can lead to a healthier workplace.

Customized Cleaning Solutions for Various Business Types

Commercial cleaning companies in Ocala, FL, understand that each business differs. They offer cleaning services designed for various sectors. A healthcare center needs to follow detailed cleaning rules. Meanwhile, a school needs safe cleaning supplies for kids.

This special method ensures that the cleaning plans fit the needs of each business, helping create a safe and healthy environment for everyone.

Specialized Services for Healthcare Facilities

Healthcare places need to be very clean. This is important because some patients are weak and can get sick easily, and these facilities can also catch infections easily. Cleaning services that focus on healthcare know how to follow strict rules. They use disinfectants made for hospitals to keep things safe and free from germs.

Deep cleaning is very important in hospitals and clinics. It focuses on areas where germs and viruses can hide, including operating rooms, exam rooms, and waiting areas. A good commercial cleaning service can keep patients and healthcare workers safe by cleaning these spots carefully. This helps reduce the risk of infection and creates a healthy environment for healing.

Tailored Cleaning Protocols for Educational Institutions

Schools must create a safe and healthy place for students to learn. Cleaning services play a big role in this, using safe products that remove germs and provide a secure environment for children’s well-being.

They pay attention to cleaning areas that many people use, including desks, chairs, doorknobs, and toys. This helps stop the spread of common illnesses among students. They also have special cleaning times that fit the school day, so there are fewer interruptions. Students get to learn and play in a clean and healthy environment.

Conclusion

In conclusion, taking care of employee health with cleaning services is a good choice. A clean workplace means fewer sick days and can boost morale and productivity. Regular cleaning and good disinfection are very important for a healthy work environment. Custom cleaning plans are important for businesses like healthcare facilities and schools to meet cleanliness standards. By choosing commercial cleaning services in Ocala, FL, you show that you care about a safe and healthy place for your employees. We encourage you to invest in commercial cleaning services today and see the positive impact on your business.

Are you looking for an outstanding commercial cleaning service in Ocala, Florida? Cassie’s Meticulous Touch has been successfully cleaning commercially for over twenty years. Visit the website https://cleaningservicesocalafl.com to learn about how Cassie thoroughly cleans, disinfects, and sanitizes. You can also read customer’s comments. For more information and to schedule an appointment for a free estimate, please call the office at 352-216-0513.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Makes Commercial Cleaning Essential for Businesses in Ocala, FL?

Ocala, FL, commercial cleaning services are not just about maintaining a clean office. They play a crucial role in creating a healthy workplace for your employees, which can boost productivity and employee morale. By investing in a professional cleaning service, you show that you care about the well-being of your employees, which can contribute to your business’s success in Florida’s competitive business environment.

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Key Highlights

• Healthier workforce: Regular cleaning keeps germs away. This means fewer sick days and a healthier team.
• Enhanced productivity: A clean workspace helps people focus better. This increases overall efficiency and productivity.
• Positive brand image: A clean workplace makes a good first impression on clients and visitors and instills a sense of pride and confidence in your brand. It helps boost your brand image and sets a high standard for your business.
• Customized solutions: Cleaning services are not one-size-fits-all. They are tailored to fit the unique needs of many industries, including healthcare, education, and more. For instance, in a healthcare setting, the focus might be on disinfection and sterilization, while in an educational institution, the emphasis might be on maintaining a clean and safe learning environment.
• Peace of mind: By hiring professionals, you can rest assured that your cleaning needs will be met with high standards. This ensures a clean and healthy workspace and gives you the peace of mind to focus on your business priorities.

Introduction

A clean and healthy space is essential for success in today’s challenging business world. That’s why commercial cleaning services in Ocala, FL, are essential. A tidy and sanitized workplace helps protect the health of your employees. Studies have shown that regular cleaning can reduce sick days. A clean environment also fosters a positive feel that can boost productivity and lead to your business’s success.

The Importance of Commercial Cleaning for Employee Health

A healthy workplace helps keep employees feeling good. Cleaning services are very important for this. They kill germs, allergens, and dirt that can make people sick.

Regular cleaning, especially disinfection of all frequently touched areas, is crucial. It’s a proactive measure that helps prevent the spread of diseases, ensuring a healthier team and fewer sick days. By investing in professional cleaning, businesses show they care about their employees’ well-being, which can also improve morale and loyalty among workers.

How a Clean Workplace Reduces Sick Days

Think about the busy areas in your office. This includes things like door handles, light switches, and shared workstations. These places can become homes for germs. Cleaning services watch these spots closely. They use strong disinfectants to keep them clean. This helps stop the spread of common illnesses such as colds, flu, and stomach bugs.

A good cleaning plan is not only about disinfecting common areas. You also need to clean surfaces, carpets, and restrooms well. This can lower the number of germs. When germs are reduced, employees feel healthier. This means they are less likely to get sick and miss work.

The Link Between Workplace Cleanliness and Employee Productivity

A clean workspace is important for several reasons. It not only helps keep people healthy but also helps workers do their jobs better. When the area is neat, organized, and clean, employees feel less distracted, which helps them focus more and work faster.

Research shows that using commercial cleaning services can improve employees’ feelings. A clean and fresh workspace makes employees feel proud and happy, leading to more motivation and satisfaction at work.

When workers feel happy in their workspace, they can focus better and feel more involved in their tasks, which helps them be more productive. This happens because they feel comfortable and appreciated at work.

Key Components of Effective Commercial Cleaning Services

Effective commercial cleaning is more than just cleaning. It is a smart way to keep a healthy environment. This includes better disinfecting methods and fighting germs that can make people sick. It is also important to stick to regular cleaning routines. This helps ensure everything stays clean and hygienic all the time.

Commercial cleaning services can make the workspace cleaner, healthier, and more productive by focusing on these important areas.

Conclusion

In today’s competitive business environment, maintaining a clean and healthy workplace is not just an option but a necessity. Commercial cleaning services in Ocala, FL, provide the expertise and tailored solutions businesses need to ensure employee well-being, reduce sick days, and boost productivity. By investing in professional cleaning, you safeguard health, enhance your brand’s image, and create an environment where employees and clients thrive. Choose commercial cleaning services to show your commitment to excellence and create a lasting positive impact on your business.

Cassie’s Meticulous Touch has been servicing commercial cleaning in Ocala, Florida, and surrounding areas, including Orlando, The Villages, and Gainesville, for over 20 years. Visit the website https://cleaningservicesocalafl.com to learn how Cassie helps commercial businesses stay clean and healthy. You can also read customer reviews. For more information and to schedule a free estimate, please call the office at 352-216-0513.

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• A clean office helps people work better and creates a good brand image for your clients.
• This guide shares expert tips to keep your office clean and at a higher standard.
• We discuss everything from daily cleaning plans to eco-friendly products.
• Find out how to train your staff well and focus on busy areas for cleaning.
• These tips aim to help commercial cleaning services surpass clients’ expectations.

Introduction

For cleaning services, offering a higher standard for office cleaning goes beyond just tidying up. It means creating a healthier and more productive workplace. A great-looking office can impress clients and enhance your brand. Achieving this requires careful planning, using good practices, and focusing on details. When you pay attention to every area of the office, it can shine. By applying the right methods, you can establish a strong reputation for excellence in the office cleaning market. Remember, a clean office is not just a visual treat; it’s a productivity booster!

Expert Tips for Successful Office Cleaning Services

Running a successful office cleaning service requires attention to cleanliness, efficiency, and lasting client satisfaction. It’s about doing a good job of cleaning and making sure the workspace is healthy, not just neat.

This easy guide gives expert tips. These tips will help you achieve a higher standard of office cleaning. They will also make your business stand out. When you follow these strategies, your clients will receive more than a clean office. They will benefit from increased productivity, a healthier team, and a strong brand image.

1. Establish a Daily Cleaning Checklist

A daily cleaning checklist is very important for keeping an office clean. It gives your staff a clear plan to follow each day, so they clean everywhere the same way every time. A good checklist helps ensure that no key areas are forgotten, keeping the office looking clean and nice overall.

Your daily checklist should include these tasks:

• Emptying trash cans and recycling
• Wiping desks and surfaces touched by many people
• Sweeping or vacuuming the floors
• Cleaning phones, keyboards, and mice
• Restocking supplies in the bathroom

This clear system saves time. It helps everyone understand their daily jobs, resulting in a better and more effective office cleaning process.

2. Prioritize High-Traffic Areas for Frequent Sanitization

High-traffic areas in an office, such as conference rooms, break rooms, and restrooms, require extra attention. These shared spaces tend to gather more germs and, therefore, need deeper cleaning—the spread of germs, creating a healthier workplace for employees. When you pay attention to these common areas, your commercial cleaning services can provide more safety from germs. This shows you care about keeping a clean and healthy office.

3. Use Eco-Friendly Cleaning Supplies

Many people today think about the environment. Because of this, using eco-friendly cleaning supplies is now necessary, not just an option. These cleaning products help lower harmful chemicals use, promoting a healthier office environment. They also answer the increasing demand for solutions that are good for our planet. By choosing eco-friendly products, you’re not just cleaning; you’re contributing to a healthier planet and a healthier office.

Using eco-friendly cleaning products shows that you care about social responsibility. These items can also be healthier. They are less likely to cause allergies or sensitivities. This helps everyone in the office feel better. Switching to green cleaning methods is a smart decision. It benefits your business, your clients, and the Earth.

4. Implement a Clutter-Free Policy

Cleaning is your main job. However, if you can get everyone to help keep the office tidy, it will improve how well you work. A clean space is easier to maintain.

• Talk to your clients about keeping their areas tidy.
• Simple things, like cleaning desks every day, can support your cleaning routine.
• This can also help create a more organized and professional space.

You get a more efficient space, it creates less stress, and it is simple to keep tidy.

5. Schedule Deep Cleaning Sessions Regularly

Daily office cleaning helps keep things clean. However, it’s important to plan deep cleaning sessions every now and then. These deep cleanings can reach dirt and grime you might not see daily. A deep clean gives a complete clean to places that often get ignored.

• A deep clean should take place at least once a year.
• The best time to schedule this is in the spring or fall.
• Make sure to choose a time that works for all concerned.
• Breaking deep cleaning tasks into smaller parts over several days is okay.
• Don’t forget to plan for a little extra time for each task.
• Remember, deep cleaning is important for a healthy environment.

This makes sure your office is very clean. It also helps the furniture and fixtures last longer.

6. Train Your Staff on Proper Cleaning Techniques

Investing in your cleaning staff by giving them proper training is crucial for better office cleaning. When employees know what they are doing, they work better, do a complete job, and can manage many cleaning tasks. Training should show them how to use cleaning tools and solutions and follow best practices for different surfaces. A skilled staff member looks professional and feels valued. This also shows that you care about providing high-quality services.

Don’t just tell your team what to do. Show them the right way to do it. Hands-on training with good cleaning techniques will yield better results and help your team feel proud of their work.

7. Focus on Air Quality Improvement

Keeping things clean is essential, but good air quality is also very important. Bad air can affect people’s health and comfort in an office. Dust, allergens, and poor airflow can harm employees’ health and prevent them from being productive.

• Think of ways to improve the air.
• Use HEPA filter vacuums.
• Ensure there is good ventilation.
• Suggest air-purifying plants to your clients.
• Working on air quality goes beyond just cleaning.
• You help build a healthy and positive work area.

Fresh air makes the workspace feel nicer, helps people concentrate better, and reduces sick days. A healthier environment leads to a more productive team.

Conclusion

Now that you have learned what steps a professional cleaning service should take to provide the best possible cleaning, you can better seek out the right cleaning service for your cleaning needs. Be office, business, or home. The above information will give you ideas of what questions to ask when interviewing a potential cleaning service. Live in Ocala, Florida, or surrounding areas, including Orlando, Gainesville, or The Villages. You will be wise to check out the expert professional cleaning services or Cassies’s Meticulous Touch. For over 20 years, this service has provided outstanding service to residential and commercial environments. To learn more and to make an appointment for a free estimate, please call the office at 352-216-0513. You can also visit their website: cleaningservicesocalafl.com

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Benefits of Using Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products?

Eco-friendly products are better for the health of your staff and clients. They reduce the risk of being around strong chemicals. These products are also good for the environment. They break down naturally and do not have harmful pollutants.

How Often Should Deep Cleaning Be Conducted in an Office?

The need for deep cleaning depends on a few important factors. These factors include the size of the office, how often people use it, and the specific rules for that industry. Usually, doing a deep clean every 3 to 6 months helps keep the space clean and healthy.

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Save Time and Energy

Moving involves a myriad of tasks that demand your time and energy, from packing and organizing to coordinating logistics. Cleaning your previous and new home can be time-consuming and physically draining. By entrusting the cleaning responsibilities to professionals, you can focus your efforts on other essential aspects of the move.

Professional cleaners are equipped with the knowledge, experience, and efficient cleaning techniques to tackle the cleaning process swiftly and effectively. They have the tools and expertise to handle various surfaces and areas, ensuring thorough cleaning and leaving you with more time and energy to devote to settling into your new space.

Thorough and Detailed Cleaning

Professional move-out and move-in Cleaning Services Ocala fl are designed to provide a comprehensive and detailed cleaning experience. When you hire experts, you can expect every nook and cranny of your previous home to be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized, leaving it in impeccable condition for the next occupants. From deep cleaning carpets and upholstery to scrubbing bathrooms and kitchens, professional cleaners pay meticulous attention to every area.

Similarly, professional cleaners ensure a fresh and inviting space for your new home by meticulously cleaning all surfaces, floors, and fixtures. They remove dust, grime, and any residue left behind by the previous occupants, providing you with a clean slate to make your new house feel like a home.

Peace of Mind and Health Benefits

Knowing that professionals are taking care of the cleaning during your move can provide you with peace of mind. Professional cleaners have the expertise to handle various cleaning challenges and are well-versed in using appropriate cleaning agents and techniques for different surfaces. They understand the importance of hygiene and sanitization, particularly in high-touch areas such as kitchens and bathrooms. By entrusting the cleaning to experts, you can rest assured that your new home is a clean and healthy environment for you and your family.

Professional cleaners also use high-quality, eco-friendly cleaning products that are safe for you and the environment. They are equipped with the necessary tools and supplies to tackle even the toughest cleaning tasks, ensuring a thorough and safe cleaning process.

Customized Services and Flexible Scheduling

Professional Cleaning Services Ocala fl companies offer customized services tailored to your specific needs. Whether you require a basic cleaning or a more comprehensive deep cleaning, professional cleaners can accommodate your preferences. They understand that every move is unique and adapt their services to meet your specific requirements.

Furthermore, professional cleaning companies offer flexible scheduling options to fit your moving timeline. Whether you need cleaning services before you move out, after you move in, or both, they can work around your schedule to ensure a smooth transition.

When it comes to moving, professional move-out and move-in cleaning services can make all the difference. From saving you time and energy to providing thorough and detailed cleaning, these services streamline the moving process and allow you to focus on other important aspects of your move. Enjoy peace of mind, a clean and healthy environment, and a fresh start in your new home by entrusting the cleaning responsibilities to professional cleaners.

Cassie’s Meticulous Touch is an outstanding professional cleaning service serving Ocala, Florida, and surrounding areas, including Orlando, Gainesville, and The Villages. For over 20 years, this company has provided move-out and move-in cleaning services. You can call their office at (352) 216-0513 with any questions and to ask about their free estimate offer. To learn more about Cassie’s Meticulous Touch, please visit their website at https://cleaningservicesocalafl.com.

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Libraries: Almost all communities have the advantage of a public library. Here young children can find age-appropriate books, CDs, DVDs, and magazines. These items can be enjoyed on the premise or checked out and taken home for further pleasure. Exposing children of all ages to books, even in the electronic age, can open a world of opportunity and enjoyment. Children who only receive an introduction to books at school often see reading and learning as a negative, tedious, difficult activity. Even in the early grades failure in all subjects has been directly related to poor reading skills. Libraries also may provide learning activities such as computers, board games, puzzles, learning games, crafts, and storytimes for toddlers through teens.

Museums: While not every community hosts a museum, there is usually one within a decent driving distance. Some do require an admission fee, but often children are free, especially young children. Here the world of art, history, nature, science, and human accomplishments can educate and open young minds. Sometimes a museum has many diversified exhibits while other museums focus on one central theme, such as dinosaurs, ships, or paintings. Here is where most grownups can gain enjoyment and learning, too which can later be shared as a family.

Aquariums and the beach: the world of sand, water, and marine life is fun and fascinating for all ages. Again, sometimes, a drive will be needed to reach these activities, but often even small communities have a community pool or nearby lake or river. Especially in summer water activities, especially swimming, fishing and shell collecting are a popular and well-received event.

Parks: Probably the most popular community activity for young children is a visit to a park, especially one with a special play area designed with age-appropriate activities. Usually, even the smallest town will have a public space set aside as a park where all are welcome to enjoy the shade, play equipment, and picnic tables. Here is where young and old can interact while enjoying nature. Children can be encouraged to bring a bag to collect interesting rocks, leaves, and twigs to take home to talk about and to use in a variety of craft projects. A picnic in the park has long been a favorite pastime going back hundreds of years.

 Special observation possibilities: All over America, there are zoos, farms, factories, and businesses that open their doors to adults and children to visit and observe together. Check with your local Chamber of Commerce or google your location’s open-door opportunities. For example, you might be able to view and pet farm animals, see animals from around the world, watch how candy is made, see behind the front desk of a post office, or visit a fire station. Community concerts provide musical learning, while age-appropriate movies and restaurants provide other fun ways to learn and enjoy life.

Opportunities for interacting in your community are there for the taking; you need only do a little research and set aside some time. If you live in a very rural setting it may be difficult to find local community opportunities, but even then there are likely community resources such as county fairs, town parades, agriculture extension centers, and water opportunities available such as ponds, rivers, and lakes. Learning about and enjoying one’s community is an essential and hopefully enjoyable part of a young child’s life, which can and should continue into and through their adult years.

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 Outside play:

First and foremost, young children need to be allowed to play outside with no particular purpose in mind. Of their own accord, young children will form friendships and begin to use their imaginations to create all kinds of play scenarios from superheroes to horses to circus animals. Favorite playground equipment including swings, slides, sandboxes, and climbing areas are great favorites and encourage the development of large muscles as well as a sense of self-esteem when a task such as pumping on a swing or climbing a difficult ladder is accomplished.

Adults can add items such as large rubber balls, hula-hoops, tricycles, ride-on toys, jump ropes, colored scarves, bubbles, and a variety of sand toys including trucks, cars, shovels, sieves, large spoons, and various sized containers. For very young children plan to be involved and interact with them as sometimes they need help in areas such as pushing a swing,  throwing a ball, building a sand structure, and managing the bubble wands. Letting young children do for themselves is important, but not allowing a child to become too frustrated by not knowing quite how to do a task is important too.

Outside learning: The world around us is an entire classroom, one which is not only filled with wonders but is continually changing from season to season. Young children are observers of nature. The very fact they are so close to the ground makes them ready to learn about flowers, insects, leaves, rocks, and small animals. Make collections, point out similarities and differences in leaves, find the different shapes in nature, listen for sounds of birds and insects, explore textures of surfaces, discuss the colors or flowers and fall leaves, plant a garden, collect rain, feel the wind, and play the game “what shape are the clouds”. And whenever possible take field trips to a farm, zoo, park, or aquarium to further the “hands-on” aspect of learning. (more about this in part four of this series)

Allowing young children to enjoy and learn from the outdoors is essential to a child’s healthy development. While a large, fenced-in yard is ideal it is not a requirement. Even a small outside space can, with some creative innovations, become a world of fun and wonder for a young child. And, should you live in an apartment, find areas near you where you can take your young child to play and learn. Nature walks, observing what is around us, and cloud watching can take place in the inner city as well as suburbia or the country. When all is said and done you will likely enjoy being outdoors as much as your child, and together you can have fun, learn, and explore.

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Before listing some specific activities there are several ideas that will help eliminate a lot of set-up time as well as mess.

If possible, have an area (can be just a corner of a room) where young children can build, create, and imagine. A small table and pint-size chairs are nice but colorful pillows with clipboards for hard surfaces work well too. To make the area seem more private and special use low bookshelves or wooden crates (you can ask for crates n the produce department) to give the appearance of walls. Supplies and building toys such as blocks, Legos, and children’s books can be kept on these low shelves. It is important for children to have a place to “put things away” as well as to “organize” their belongings. Small bins or baskets are great for keeping groups of small toys such as mini-cars, Barbies, and plenty of paper, both plain and colored. Scrap paper with one side clear works well. It is helpful for each child to have their own small container (shoebox will do nicely) for their own box of crayons, glue stick, washable markers, blunt scissors, and pencil. Other personal items such as stickers, pencil sharpener, and ruler can be put in the box as well. Young children do better when they have their own supplies and can also be held more responsible for the care of items when the items belong to them.

Tips for keeping “mess” to a minimum include having an old shower curtain or sheet handy to put down in the play corner when something messy might happen such as playing with playdough or cutting paper. Just shake debris off when the project is finished. A container of wipes helps for quick clean-ups, especially of little hands. A small wastebasket should be handy and can be something as simple as a large chip can decorate with stickers which the children can do. And for the big “messy” projects such as brush, sponge or finger painting, have the child put on their bathing suit and use the bathtub or shower stall as their art room. When all is finished, just wash any resulting mess away. For sit down activities an old tee-shirt, backward buttoned shirt or child’s cover-up apron is a good idea.

Some fun inside activities include:

–playdough (see part one of this series for homemade recipe)

–collage with cut-up magazine pictures, paper scraps, ribbon material, and yarn pieces, stickers, fingerprints, and tissue paper pieces

–creations with crayons, chalk, washable markers, colored pencils, colored-pens, stamps, and washable ink

–glue creations with toilet and paper towel rolls, small plastic tubs such as yogurt or applesauce cups, paper or styrofoam cups, corks, thread spools, toothpicks, oatmeal and salt containers, coffee grounds, rice, and container lids

–pipe cleaners, straws, and twist ties,

–colored sand (use sandbox sand and mix with food coloring)

–baking, both cooking and no-bake recipes, try animal and face ideas for salads, sandwiches, and pancakes

–paint with watercolors, washable poster paint, fingerpaint, colored washable glue, and whipped Ivory Snow soap

The above activities are a start to help get your creative juices going as you enjoy indoor activities with young children. Be sure to read the next blog in this series to learn fun activities you can do outside with young children. And remember, the most important activity is to “have fun’ at any age.

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Decorating a home is fun. Children and adults can work together to decide on what to use for decorations. Dollar stores offer many inexpensive options for decorating, including theme-appropriate tableware such as tablecloths, napkins, plates, and cups. However, if your children enjoy the art they can use a variety of art media to decorate plain napkins, plates, and cups. A plain tablecloth, such as a white sheet, can be signed and decorated by all who attend the celebration. Flowers can be fresh or artificial, as can be the beautiful fall leaves.

Colors for decorating a home for Thanksgiving are red, brown, orange, yellow, and green. These colors can be used in all kinds of decorating, including containers, furniture throws, posters, flower and leaf arrangements, streamers, centerpieces, and tableware. People can dress using these colors as well.

Of course, the main character of Thanksgiving is Mr. Turkey. It is always a Mr. Turkey as he is the plump one with colorful tail feathers. Mrs. Turkey is plain. Again, the dollar store has a wide variety of inexpensive turkey decorations. However, children may enjoy making their own turkey decorations using a pinecone for the body with colorful paper cut-out tail feathers or even real feathers. A cardboard cutout of the head and waddle appropriately colored is tucked in the front of the pinecone.  Another fun idea is to use a bright red apple for the turkey’s body. Fill toothpicks with raisins, a combination of black and yellow raising is fun, and use these for tail feathers. Keep one filled toothpick for the neck with a stuffed green olive for the head. Pull the red pimento filling out a bit to make the waddle. Turkey apples can later be eaten.

Food is likely what people look forward to the most. As mentioned above, turkey with all the trimmings is the traditional “feast.” However, in recent years many families have added their own traditional foods from their countries of origin. Being thankful can be done no matter what food is eaten. One of the best traditions surrounding Thanksgiving and food is the way most communities gather food to give to families who may not be able to celebrate with a feast of any kind. It is nice that many people who have much will share with those who have little. In itself, this fact makes many people thankful who otherwise may have little to be grateful for.

Over-all, the theme of Thanksgiving is one of joy and pleasure in appreciating all our many blessings. We in America should, if for no other reason, remember on Thanksgiving Day to be thankful we live in America with all the wonders, beauties, and opportunities this great land has to offer. Yes, truly we should be thankful on Thanksgiving, and in truth, on each and every day of our lives.

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• Playdough: Probably one of the most popular items for young children is playdough, the homemade kind, which is perfectly safe even for toddlers as it is made with cooking ingredients should the child take a bite. The following recipe is easy to make and can be stored in a covered container for a week or two.

Mix in a medium saucepan 1 cup flour

½ cup salt

2 teaspoon cream of tartar

Add to above a mixture of 1cup water

1 tablespoon salad oil

Food coloring

(Plain white play dough is fun, especially if the children plan on decorating items made after the items dry. Food coloring should be added to the water before adding the oil to better dissolve the color}

Cook the mixture over medium heat stirring constantly. The mixture will thicken quickly and soon form a ball of playdough. Remove from the stove and pop into a container. Let is cool a few minutes and then knead the dough until it is soft and pliable. It is fun to make several colors so children can create whatever their imagination suggests, such as a pizza, fish, animal, snake, or birthday cake.

Playdough can be placed in a covered container to be used again or the creations can be dried. Placing the creations on a cookie sheet in an oven at its lowest setting will speed the drying process. Paint using washable craft paint. Sparkles can be put on with clear, washable glue. If the children are making ornaments, make the hole for hanging before the ornament is dried. Cookie cutters, small lids, and any variety of small containers can be used to spur a child’s imagination. Save candles from birthday cakes to be reused as play candles for a playdough birthday cake.

Have the children use the playdough on plastic placemats, preferably at a child-size table. Place an old shower curtain or sheet under the table to catch playdough crumbs which can then be shaken off when playing is done. If playdough should get on the carpet, it will dry and can easily be scraped up using a dull, table knife.

You will be amazed at how much young children enjoy using homemade playdough. Interestingly, adults often find themselves playing with it too, and an enjoyable family event can take place.

While playdough is probably a young child’s favorite, there are other exciting ideas for developing young minds apart from technology. In Part 2 and 3, more ideas will be presented for both indoor and outdoor play.

The post Activities for Young Children Part One: Homemade Playdough appeared first on Cleaning Services Ocala FL.