9 DIY household hacks every parent should know

As lovely as our kids are, there's no denying that they can get a tad grubby (understatement!). So, we've rounded up our favourite hacks to make cleaning and parenting a teensy bit easier.

Read more: DIY decor: 13 easy and trendy home hacks>

Individual cleaning cloths are über useful, but not so friendly on the wallet or the environment. Try your hand at these DIY wipes using an old T-shirt and some cleaning products around the house. Perfect for cleaning up grubby fingerprints, craft time messes, greasy surfaces, and the list goes on. 

Get the instructions here: Homemade Ginger

P.U.! No matter how diligently you clean your water bottle, chances are it'll start to smell a little funky over time. Combat the stink with these simple tricks. A bit of baking soda and vinegar will go a long way. 

Get the instructions here: Instuctables

OK, so potty training has its ups and downs and a yellow-stained mattress at the end of the journey isn't very appealing. Eliminate the stain (and any remaining stink) by using common household items. 

Get the instructions here: Inspired Housewife

Turns out the hours of painstaking detangling sessions (or haphazardly cutting Barbie's hair into a bob) were all for naught. There is an easy solution to taming a wild mane: liquid fabric softener.

Get the instructions here: OurKidsMom

If your kids are always clamouring for a glass of water, allow them to help themselves. Attaching magnets to a kid-friendly cup close to the refrigerator water dispenser teaches kids the importance of staying hydrated while also cutting down on dishes and misplaced cups. Of course, this only works if you have a built-in water dispenser. Got a stainless steel fridge? Try attaching Velcro. 

Get the instructions here: Adventures in Pinteresting 

Bid adieu to the stinky—and potentially dangerous—black mildew that lurks in your little one's bath toys. The solution is simple: plug the hole using a hot glue gun.

Get the instructions here: Momma's Fun World

Summer calls for frozen treat to help mitigate hot sunny rays, but sometimes more of the ice pop ends up on your child's face and shirt than in their mouth. Problem solved with these easy-to-make, virtually un-meltable, healthier-than-store-bought homemade frozen pops. The secret ingredient is Jell-O!

Get the instructions here: The Paisley Cupcake

Your kids' germy LEGO™ collection can be shiny, new and clean once more thanks to a go in the spin cycle. Be sure to invest in a quality mesh laundry bag for the task as sharp LEGO™ pieces have the potential to escape thiner bags. Helpful hint: LEGO™ and your dyer are not friends. 

Get the instructions here: Gettin' By 

No need to dread organic carpet messes from pets, kids or that salsa you ate in the living room ever again (though if the stain is ink, this probably won't work). All you need is water, vinegar, a spray bottle and an iron to tackle the grime.

Get the instructions here: DIY & Crafts 

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