Back to School, Back to Germs: Natural Ways to Keep Kiddos Clean After the School Day

Back to School, Back to Germs:

The backpacks are packed, lunches are made, and the kids are finally out the door. But when they come home… so do the germs! Let’s face it—schools are breeding grounds for dirt, grime, and mystery stickiness. While we can’t bubble-wrap our little ones, we can set up easy, natural routines that help them clean up without exposing them to unnecessary ingredients.

Here’s how to keep after-school cleanup simple, safe, and gentle—with a natural touch parents can feel good about.

1. Take off Shoes and Socks

First stop after the front door? Take the shoes and socks off. Have "inside" shoes and/or socks at the door ready to switch out. (See #4, which can be done before putting on the "inside" shoes.

2. Handwashing, Naturally

Next stop - the sink. Encourage kiddos to wash their hands with a gentle, fragrance-free soap made from plant-based ingredients. Look for soaps made with nourishing oils like olive or coconut oil and without synthetic dyes or preservatives.

• Why it matters: According to the CDC, handwashing is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of germs (CDC, 2023).

• Tip: Make it fun by giving them their own foaming soap pump or letting them choose the scent (hello, lavender and orange!).

  

3. A Fresh Face = A Happy Kid

After a long day of close talking kiddos, sweating, and playground dust, a quick face wipe-down can feel amazing. A soft cloth and gentle hydrosols (floral waters) like chamomile or rose water can help remove dirt and sweat without stripping skin. These are designed to cleanse and refresh the skin but do not treat or prevent any illness or condition (FDA Cosmetics Guidelines).

4. Feet First! Natural Foot Sprays or Soaks

Those socks went through a lot. Give those tootsies some love with a simple warm water soak with Epsom salt and a few drops of kid-safe essential oils like lavender (Lavandula angustifolia). You can also mist their shoes with a natural shoe spray made with at least 28% 100 proof alcohol and antimicrobial essential oils like tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) and lemon—both well-loved for their cleansing properties.

• Caution: Essential oils should always be properly diluted and used according to safety guidelines for children 6+ (Tisserand Institute).

5. Clothes Off, Comfy Clothes On

You don’t need to go full-on quarantine mode, but getting kids into fresh clothes after school helps limit how much of the outside world comes into your home. Toss their school outfits in a basket and let them get comfy—and cleaner.

• Bonus Tip: Use a natural laundry detergent made with biodegradable surfactants to keep clothes fresh without harsh chemicals.

6. Immune-Boosting Smells (Without the Claims)

While we can’t say that essential oils will prevent illness, many parents enjoy diffusing immune-supportive blends after school. Think of it as creating a fresh-smelling, calming after-school zone.

• Bonus: Make a personal aromatherapy inhaler with a blend of kid-safe oils like:

  • Lavender – calming

  • Cedarwood – grounding

  • Ravintsara – fresh and clearing

• Remember: Inhalers and diffusers are for aromatic use only and should be kept out of reach of small children. Learn more about Essential Oil Aroma Inhalers.

Natural Doesn’t Mean Complicated

Your after-school routine doesn’t need to be over-the-top. With a few thoughtfully chosen natural products, you can create habits that help kids transition from the school hustle to home sweet home—clean, refreshed, and smelling amazing.

Remember, natural doesn’t mean ineffective—it just means choosing options that work in harmony with your family’s wellness values. Looking for natural ways to clean? See our blog post on Natural Cleaning DIY Formulas.

What are your go to routines to protect your kiddos after school?

Share your ideas below and let us get a long list going of things we can do to protect our kiddos from the Back to Germs days of School!

References:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Handwashing: Clean Hands Save Lives. https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/

• U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2023). FDA Authority Over Cosmetics. https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics

• Tisserand Institute. (2023). Essential Oil Safety Guidelines. https://tisserandinstitute.org/safety-guidelines/