From drool and baby food to snacks and sippy cups, your little ones can make some seriously hard-to-clean messes. The high chairs, car seats and baby gear they live in during these early months and years are prime targets. No matter what type of cleaner you use—whether you try soap and water, vinegar and water or even diluted bleach—that grime can be tough to get off.   

While it can be an ongoing battle to keep those items clean and germ-free, experienced moms recommend these quick and simple ways to keep their gear sparkling – or at least not sticky!:

Wipes. What more can we say – is there anything they can’t help clean? Savvy moms keep a pack of these easy cleaners not only at the changing table and in the diaper bag, but also near the high chair, in the stroller and in the car. They make keeping on top of messes easy and hassle free.

Swipe some swabs. Try keeping some cotton swabs handy wherever messes are typically made. A dip in some soap and a quick swipe while the grime is fresh can make easy work of a mess that could be the consistency of cement a day later.

Hook up your hose. Every once in awhile, some moms like to bring out their stroller, high chair, booster chair and activity center into the driveway and give it a powerful hose-down. Wiping it down and letting it dry in the fresh air will make a big, refreshing difference.

Do more than dishes. Your dishwasher is a great place to clean and sanitize plastic toys, teethers and even portable high chairs. Most moms have found that it’s best to stick to the top rack when using the dishwasher for plastic items.  

If your baby gear is still in good shape, there are some smart ways to give it a second life once your little ones outgrow it.

• Cloth diapers make great cleaning cloths, especially for windows, since they keep things streak free.
• Tiny baby clothes can be reused as a complete wardrobe for your little one’s favorite doll or bear.
• Teething rings and toys (the liquid-filled type) can be kept in the freezer to make great little ice packs for lunch boxes.
• Baby food jars make great storage for nails, rubber bands, paper clips, etc.