Jaclyn Sgro, owner of OCD Cleaning Service
Parenting is messy in the most literal sense. Between snack crumbs, mystery stains, bath-time floods, and toy explosions, keeping a clean home can feel impossible. But with a few realistic habits—and maybe a little help—you can keep your space fresh without losing your mind. Here are the top recommendations from Jaclyn Sgro, owner of OCD Cleaning Service.
1. One thing in, one thing out When something new comes into the house, something old goes out. This simple rule helps prevent toy and clothing overload before it starts.
2. One load of laundry a day, start to finish Instead of letting laundry pile up until it becomes overwhelming, run one complete load daily—wash, dry, fold, and put away. It just became much more manageable!
3. Keep cleaning supplies handy Stash supplies in each room for quick cleanups. A caddy under the bathroom sink or wipes in the playroom means you can tackle messes the moment they happen.
READ MORE: Go green with home cleaners
4. The 10-minute nightly family reset After dinner, set a timer and turn cleanup into a game. Put on some music and have everyone race to put things away. You'll wake up to peace instead of chaos—and kids learn that tidying up can actually be fun.
5. Tackle one larger task daily Clean the bathroom sink and toilet during bath time or wipe down the kitchen while dinner cooks. These small daily efforts prevent the need for exhausting weekend deep-cleans.
6. Call in backup when you need it There's no shame in asking for help, whether it's from family, friends, or a professional cleaning service. Sometimes the best thing you can do is give yourself a break.
Remember: a lived-in home isn't a dirty one. Kids grow fast—don't miss the memories because you're chasing perfection. After all, perfection is overrated.
Jaclyn Sgro started OCD Cleaning Service after hiring cleaners for her own home and still felt like she had to redo everything. As a mom, she didn’t have time for that. Knowing other families felt the same, Sgro created the kind of service she wished existed. What began with just her, and a high standard has grown into a fully insured team serving residential, commercial, and Airbnb clients across the Hudson Valley. Their mission is simple: give parents back their time and peace of mind with a cleaning service that truly delivers.
Other articles by HVP News Reporters