Every parent knows that, as toddlers begin to develop their motor skills, they have a tendency to be messy, especially when it comes to spilling food and drinks. Spilled or poured juice on the carpet can leave deep-set stains, which can fortunately be removed by a house cleaning service. However, there are steps you can take to prevent accidental or purposeful spills. Follow the tips below to guard your floors from dropped drinks.

How to Protect Your Floors From Spills

1. Serve Smaller Cups

Big cups can be difficult for tiny hands to hold, making it even easier for toddlers to lose their grip. If your child needs to use two hands to pick up a cup, try sizing it down. Plastic cups small enough to grasp one-handed are ideal, especially if they have a handle on each side.

2. Give Them Something Else to Pour

Some children dump the contents of their cups on purpose, but it’s not out of contempt for your carpet. Toddlers are inquisitive by nature, and many of them find the flow and splash of liquids fascinating. You can satisfy their curiosity by offering an alternative. 

Try giving them a watering can and have them help you out in the garden, or get them a set of children’s measuring cups to introduce them to fractions and measurements. When you ask your child to lend you a hand every time you need something poured, they might not feel the need to spill their own drinks.

3. Rein in Your Reaction

Many toddlers love big reactions, whether they're positive or negative. They may continue pouring out their cup just to get the same response. That's why it's best to display minimal emotions when this situation happens, and calmly say something neutral like, “Let’s clean this up. We won’t spill next time." When they take a drink without spilling, celebrate! Tell them they did a good job and offer plenty of praise. This will encourage proper drinking habits while ignoring and discouraging unwanted behaviors.

4. Stock up on Lids

When all else fails, put a lid on your child’s cups. Stock your cabinets with sippy cups, child-sized tumblers, and water bottles. Remember that they will eventually grow out of their clumsiness and desire to pour, and in the meantime, you can rely on a house cleaning company to take care of occasional spills.
 

If you need an expert to take care of big carpet spills and stains, reach out to Right Cleaning in Brooklyn, NY. This bonded and insured housekeeping company designs custom plans based on your needs, whether you want basic house cleaning or a deep clean. Their professional cleaners use high-quality, nontoxic products to leave your home spotless. To discuss your needs with a friendly team member, call (212) 655-7153. Visit their website for more information about home cleaning services.