{UPDATE: winner listed below, thanks to all who entered.}
Pssst: there’s a fabulous giveaway below… who doesn’t love free cleaning supplies – especially from Swiffer?!
Since we released our little tour of the Handmade Hideaway a few weeks ago, we received a few questions on how we a. keep bugs away and b. keep it clean.
And those are really good questions.
We’ll start with bugs: Our last hideaway had a little bit of a wasp problem. I think that depending on where you live, this is the case with all things pests and anything outside. So we decided to start by sealing up all the cracks, and screening it in. {Follow along on our tutorial series for all the how to’s on this – we’ll be covering it in greater detail.}
Then, we decided to be proactive about it, and when we began our pest control last month, also had them spray this puppy. Because where we live now, we have a bit of an ant problem. These are two things we’d really recommend if bugs are an issue for you…screens for an easy barrier and pest control. Our bug guy sprayed it when he came, free of additional charge. It’s been a game changer.
As far as cleaning, our kids are big enough to really pitch in around the house. As in, if they get an allowance, they’re going to seriously earn it. And they don’t always get an allowance. Sometimes, they help because they live here and we let them do the living in this place. That’s an entirely different topic, so mom rant/digression.
And since we built them a large and in charge structure on its own, guess who’s cleaning it?
Sorry. I say it in that voice when something isn’t my job. Or when one child in particular does a little hardcore parenting of their own with the siblings. ;}
But as I was saying…
The older the kiddos get, the more wonderful I realize that it is to have them. And I don’t just mean that on a I-love-my-kids-level, because of course that’s true. It’s just that we’re starting to see the benefits of kids who pitch in- We really enjoy it when they help out. I mean, they actually become self-sufficient in a lot of ways. Buckling themselves in when we traveled in the car, and bathing were game changers alone. And now, they actually help take care of the house, and their things.
Can I get an AMEN?!
And a double hallelujah, too.
So one of the biggest deals was deciding that once we built the hideaway, who was taking care of it. I mean, these things do take regular maintenance and you have to occasionally clean them out. And by occasionally, I mean once a week. Because we intend to stay on top of it. We want it to feel like a getaway… not a gross, neglected kid-sty.
So, as you can see, we come back again, to the whole Swiffer thing.
Honestly, like moths to a flame, it’s just such a no-brainer choice.
They make cleaning so easy inside the house and in the handmade hideaway, the kids fight over who gets to do what. We even use it for our back porch and all the things that find their way there, too.
No lie. They actually argue over who gets to vacuum and who gets to dust.
Now if only they would fight over who gets to clean the toilets?!
The Swiffer Vac is so lightweight, it’s simple for them to use without bothersome cords. We can carry it into the hideaway and lower it through the trap door with ease.
Bonus. Winning. And all that other celebratory stuff.
And we love how these dusters are perfect for picking up all the things. See: pollen. And dirt. And the occasional rogue {read: dead} bugs. Ew.
So once again, it’s back to swiffer.
I mean, why reinvent the wheel when it’s working oh so perfectly?
No worries… they totally tackled our house after this shoot. We’ve already covered how much we love it there, especially for our dogs. Because those fur babies mean a little extra work… but they’re worth it.
Too bad it wasn’t the toilets. We’re still working on that one. ;}
Our goal, is to keep it looking new and fresh. So far, so good.
So that’s how we handle it. It truly is low maintenance, and it teaches our children self-sufficient, proactive work when it comes to the value of caring for something. Swiffer has made cleaning fun for them. Especially in the hideaway. Now if only I could get them out of the hammock…
Pssst… want to know the best part? Swiffer is giving away one of their oh-so-fabulously coveted green boxes! What it includes:
Swiffer 360 Duster + Swiffer 360 Duster refills + Swiffer Sweeper + Swiffer Sweeper Refills Wet + Swiffer Sweeper Refills Dry
– Yes, please!
Want to win???
• Leave a comment.
• Share on any social media format, and leave a comment each time you do. As often as you like.
Each comment counts as an entry, and we’ll pick the winner at random – announced here Monday 7.17.17!
Have an inspired day!
:: This post was brought to you in partnership with Swiffer. All opinions are 100% ours. Please read our full disclosure pertaining to partnerships here ::
We just moved into a new house a couple weeks ago, so the free Swiffers would be a big help in keeping the casa in tip top shape! Our kiddos are also reaching the age where they can actually help rather clean rather than just make messes and it’s SO WONDERFUL. My 5 year old even said he loves to clean toilets. Of course, now he denies it, but I have picture evidence!
I could use that green box so much! I’m a trrrible housekeeper, but trying to keep up and be better! My 3 kids are required to help out too, although the 5 year old (youngest) still puts up a stink about it. Maybe a new box full of cool cleaning stuff will change his attitude! Haha. Thanks!
I love using my Swiffer, especially on my banister.
Yes, please indeed! I’d love to see those green boxes sitting on my porch. Thanks for the chance. And for the entertaining blog.
My Swiffer is ancient and it’s falling apart. I need to invest in a new one (maybe 2). They are great for sweeping up the kitchen floor in between vacuuming and deeper cleaning.
Would love to try swiffer products out! We built our house 2 yrs ago and are adding on now and any help I can get to keep it decent here would be awesome! Love your hideaway! We have 5 kids who would love one. Maybe after the house is all done.
Thanks for the chance to win!
Yes, the Swiffer dusters for pollen! I keep one in the glove compartment in my car to quickly clean dust and pollen. Game changer!
I’d love to win!!!
I can’t imagine anything more exciting than getting a green Swiffer box unless it’s Christmas morning or a new car with a big red bow on it. Actually the green box just might be as exciting! Now if I could only come up with your fresh, clever ideas and work ethic!!!
It is good that they are proactive in helping. I have a friend who cannot even get her daughter to clean her own room so her solution is to keep the door closed with a biohazard sign on it! It is horrible in there (I peeked).
Seriously, Swiffer products have been a huge part of our cleaning regimen since they arrived in stores. I won’t ever exclude them…from dusters to every type of floor cleaner.
I’d like to win. But I think you need to correct the date you’ll announce the winner. It says June. 😉
You had me at dog hair! Thanks for the chance to win a swiffer box!
Love me some Swiffer! We’ve been on the fence about pest control, but I think we’re going to have to go for it. We moved only one hour east, but the bug difference is crazy!
Thanks for the opportunity! I love Swiffer!
I love your outdoor getaway.
Love swiffer products! Especially the mop! I basically follow our almost two-year-old around with it all day.
Love swifter products and I could use some new ones!
All the Swifter products I use, I like a lot.
Oh we are a Swiffer family too! Those Swiffer dusters are kind of like my magic wand before guests come over. Thanks for the giveaway and your wonderful blog!😀
Love Swiffer products! The dusters are my favorite.
Love the Handmade Hideaway and LOVE seeing the kids cleaning it! 😉 Thanks for all the great ideas and the chance to win the Swiffer products!
this would be nice to have wouldnt have to clean so much once you had these
i shared on pinterest
I love the hideaway…it is great the children are learning responsibility of “taking care of” what they have.
What an awesome giveaway! Thank you
I love that your kiddos take good care of the clubhouse! Here ALL the housework falls to me so I’d sure love to win!
This is great! I think its so important for kids to be able to keep their living areas clean. It will make them better adults!
I would love to see that green Swiffer box at my door. I have a husband, 2 boys and a dog so a Swiffer would be a great addition to our home:-) Y’all did a fantastic job on your Handmade Hideaway 2.0! I really enjoy reading your blog. Thanks!:-)
I want to win! And I love the hide-away!
i shared again today
I love Swiffer! Just got the Swiffer sweeper vac, my new favorite!
I’ve never had a Swiffer but I’d love to. I’d put it to really good use in my kitchen and den which have laminate floors.
Gorgeous playhouse! Your choice of colors are always so perfect and whimsical. Thanks for sharing.
Oh my word! Winning a green Swiffer box would be amaze Balls!!!
What a gorgeous little hideout! And it’s fantastic your kiddos are learning the important skill of tidying up early 🙂
Shared on Twitter here —>
https://twitter.com/bohofoxbabe/status/886047580475473920
Awesome! We have 4 kids, ages 8-1, and getting them to think cleaning is fun? A HUGE win!
I really need this and planning on getting a swifter mop for my hardwoods soon!
Swiffer, my new floor thanks you for all you do!
I would love to win a Swiffer green box, it would be like Christmas in July! Thanks for the chance to win one.
I would welcome these really nice Swiffer supplies! May I borrow your kids too?? They look super handy! 🙂
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I would love to win! LOVE Swiffer products :))
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I love your hideaway and love the fact that the kiddos help! 🙂
A Swiffer Give-a-way! You are the best! Your kiddos are precious!
Thanks for the chance to win with Swiffer!
Me please…
Your blog is so colorful and encouraging.
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I can’t get enough of your play house. It’s amazing and so beautiful! Also, LOVE Swiffer, they make the best products and would love to win!!
I have needed these for so long just would not break down and buy them. My apartment has wood floors and not as easy to clean with just a vacuum.
Great opportunity! I love Swiffer! Beautiful outdoor area!
My 3 kids need this to clean. 😉 love you guys.
What an incredible pr idea, indeed. Many kudos Swiffer ~ 🔥🌌👑🎶🎆🎶👑🌌🔥