With the summer months, comes summer time clean up. I know that I am not alone in this one. I have asked several of the WonderMoms family about the types of cleaning and the frequency of the cleaning they do for the family during the time when the kids are home. We are all of the same belief, "there is simply more to keep clean during the summer." With outdoor play sets, patio tables and sandboxes, it is easy to see why we feel that way. Whether you are spending time in the backyard or at the local waterpark, germs are everywhere. You can never be too careful with germs. Not that I am advocating keeping your little ones in the house for the summer away from their friends and toys. It just may take a little extra effort to make it safer for them, not only from a germ and dirt aspect, but also from a safer area to play in.

With outdoor play comes an increase in the possibility of other problems. Be sure to check for seasonal allergies like bees and wasps. You never know how a simple bee sting will affect your little ones. It can be life threatening.

One of the outdoor problems that I personally struggle with is the patio table and chairs. Living in a relatively new neighbourhood, we are subjected to the dust and dirt that gets stirred up by the construction going on around us. Couple that with the dry air and the lack of rain, the dirt settles nicely on the furniture on a daily basis. I find myself having to clean the tabletop and the seating surfaces of the chairs before every sitting. We love to enjoy the outdoors and eat lunches and dinners out there several times a week.

I just wish the maintenance mode were not as labour intensive. The kids just think it happens by itself. The cleaning fairy must stop by daily to make a difference.

That is where Lysol® and their family of universally available cleaning supplies comes in very handy. Whether I am spraying the chairs with a cleaner to remove the dust or sanitizing the tabletop, I know I am making it safer and cleaner for the kids.

Lets not forget about the summer clothing. I have my favourites, light coloured pastel pants and shorts. When in my backyard, I know I can sit down in the patio chairs without fear of standing back up and having dirty lines all up and down the seat of my pants. The things us moms have to deal with to enjoy the summer months.

So far, this summer my favourite item is still the Lysol® No-Touch Hand Soap dispenser. The kids love to use it, because it is magic. Anything that works without actually having to touch it is, cool! Small miracles.

I can't wait to see what the rest of the summer has in store. So far, so good though.

Until next time, play safe and keep your little ones entertained. Your mind will thank you for it later.

"Disclosure: I am part of the Lysol® Healthy Families Ambassador Program by Mom Central. I received compensation as part of my affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog are my own."