Cleaning with Kids: 21 Hacks for Making it Fun!

Last Updated on 11/19/2024 by Nell Marie

Getting kids involved in cleaning is a win-win for everyone. This article is all about cleaning with kids and how to make it fun and enjoyable for the whole family.

It helps them learn responsibility, time management, and how to keep things organized—all important skills they’ll use their whole lives.

Plus, working together on chores teaches them the value of teamwork and that everyone’s effort counts in keeping the house tidy.

It can even be a fun way to sneak in some learning, like sorting laundry by color or counting toys while putting them away.

Chore Charts for Kids

Affiliate links may be used in this post and if so I will receive a commission at no extra cost. I’m also part of the Amazon Affiliate (Associate) program where I earn a commission from sales made through my affiliate links. Read the full disclosure policy.

On top of that, kids feel pretty great about themselves when they finish a task and see how their hard work makes a difference.

It’s a real confidence booster and helps them become more self-reliant.

And let’s be honest, it’s also a nice way to spend some quality time together as a family, making those everyday chores a bit more fun.

By making cleaning part of their routine, you’re helping them build habits that will stick with them and keep your home looking good.

Related reading:

Pin It

Cleaning with Kids

Cleaning with kids can be fun and educational!

Here are 21 tips to keep your house tidy while involving your children, each explained in more detail.

1- Make it a Game

Turn cleaning tasks into games or competitions.

For instance, you can have a race to see who can pick up the most toys or make a scavenger hunt out of finding items that are out of place.

By making it playful, children are more likely to stay engaged and enjoy the process, viewing cleaning as an enjoyable activity rather than a chore.

2- Set a Timer

Use a timer for short bursts of cleaning, such as a 10-minute sprint to tidy up.

This can make the task feel more manageable and less overwhelming for kids.

Knowing that there’s a clear end in sight helps maintain their focus and motivation, and it can turn cleaning into a fun, time-bound challenge.

3- Use a Chore Chart

Create a colorful chart with stickers to track completed tasks, giving kids a visual representation of their achievements.

This not only motivates them to keep up with their chores but also provides a sense of accomplishment.

Rewarding them with stickers or stars can make the process more exciting and give them something to look forward to.

4- Involve Kids in Sorting

Let children help sort laundry by color or type.

It’s a simple task that teaches them organization skills and can be an opportunity for learning colors and categories.

By involving them in this way, you’re also instilling a sense of responsibility and teamwork.

5- Teach by Example

Clean alongside your children to show them how it’s done and make it a bonding activity.

Kids often mimic their parents, so demonstrating good cleaning habits will encourage them to follow suit.

It’s also a great way to spend quality time together and reinforce the value of maintaining a clean space.

6- Reward System

Implement a reward system with small incentives like extra playtime or a special treat for completing chores.

This positive reinforcement helps motivate children to participate in cleaning and establishes a direct link between effort and reward, encouraging them to continue helping out.

7- Sing Cleaning Songs

Create a cleaning playlist or make up fun songs to sing while cleaning.

Music can make any task more enjoyable and energizing.

Singing together can lighten the mood and transform cleaning into a lively and fun activity, making the time pass more quickly.

8- Use Kid-Friendly Tools

Provide child-sized brooms, dustpans, or cleaning cloths so they can easily handle the tools.

Having their own set of cleaning supplies makes kids feel more involved and capable, and the appropriately sized tools ensure they can effectively participate without frustration.

9- Incorporate Learning

Turn tasks into educational moments, such as counting toys or sorting by shapes and colors.

This way, cleaning time doubles as learning time, helping children develop cognitive skills while also contributing to household chores.

10- Clean as You Go

Teach kids to put things away after they use them to reduce mess buildup.

This habit of tidying up immediately prevents clutter from accumulating and makes cleaning less daunting in the long run.

It also instills a sense of responsibility and orderliness.

Assign Age-Appropriate Tasks: Tailor chores to your child’s age and abilities, such as dusting lower shelves for younger children or wiping surfaces for older ones.

This ensures that tasks are manageable and safe for them, fostering a sense of independence and competence.

Use Safe Cleaning Products: Opt for non-toxic, child-safe cleaning products, or make your own with vinegar and baking soda.

This not only ensures your child’s safety but also teaches them about environmentally friendly cleaning methods and the importance of using safe products.

Create a Cleaning Caddy: Put together a small caddy with all the necessary cleaning supplies for easy access.

Having a dedicated caddy makes it easier to move from room to room, and children can learn to take responsibility for their cleaning tools, ensuring everything is in its place.

Label Storage Bins: Use labels or pictures to help kids know where to put things back.

This visual aid makes it easier for children to understand the organization and helps them quickly find and return items, reducing the likelihood of clutter.

Tidy Before Bed: Make tidying up toys a part of the bedtime routine to wake up to a clean house.

This habit not only keeps the house in order but also sets a calming tone for the end of the day.

It helps children develop a routine and understand the importance of daily maintenance.

Encourage Responsibility: Give older kids responsibility for their own rooms or specific areas of the house.

This fosters a sense of ownership and independence.

They learn to manage their space and take pride in maintaining it, which are valuable life skills.

Host a Clean-Up Dance Party: Play upbeat music and dance around while cleaning.

This turns cleaning into a fun and energetic activity, making it feel less like a chore and more like a party.

It also provides a bit of exercise and boosts everyone’s mood.

Practice Sorting and Matching: Use laundry time to sort socks and match pairs, turning it into a fun activity.

This not only helps with the chore but also develops sorting and matching skills, which are important for cognitive development.

Use Visual Schedules: Create a visual schedule with pictures showing what tasks need to be done and in what order.

This helps children understand the sequence of activities and builds a sense of routine.

Visual schedules can be particularly helpful for younger children who are not yet reading.

Teach Recycling: Involve kids in sorting recyclables, teaching them about recycling and environmental responsibility.

This activity educates them about sustainability and the importance of taking care of the planet while also contributing to household tasks.

Celebrate Achievements: Have a mini celebration or acknowledge a job well done with praise or a family movie night after a big cleaning day.

Celebrating their efforts reinforces positive behavior and makes them feel appreciated, encouraging them to keep up the good work.

By incorporating these tips, you can make cleaning a more enjoyable and educational experience for your kids while keeping your house in order.

17 Chores for Kids

Assigning age-appropriate cleaning chores to kids can help teach responsibility, organization, and life skills.

Here are 17 cleaning chores you can give your children, suitable for various ages and abilities:

Toy Pick-Up: Have kids pick up and put away their toys in designated storage bins or shelves. This helps them learn to keep their play area tidy.

Dusting Low Surfaces: Give younger children a duster to clean low surfaces like coffee tables, baseboards, and shelves they can reach safely.

Wiping Down Surfaces: Teach kids to wipe down surfaces like kitchen counters, bathroom sinks, and dining tables using a damp cloth and non-toxic cleaner.

Sorting Laundry: Involve children in sorting laundry by color or type (whites, darks, towels). This task helps them learn sorting and organization skills.

Folding Towels: Younger kids can start with simple tasks like folding towels and washcloths. This helps them practice fine motor skills.

Putting Away Laundry: Older kids can put away their clean clothes in drawers and closets. This task fosters independence and personal responsibility.

Making the Bed: Encourage kids to make their beds each morning. This simple task can set a positive tone for the day and promotes neatness.

Vacuuming or Sweeping: Depending on their age, children can vacuum or sweep floors in common areas or their own rooms. Use lightweight, kid-friendly tools.

Cleaning Windows and Mirrors: Provide a spray bottle with water or a safe cleaner and a microfiber cloth for children to clean windows and mirrors.

Loading and Unloading the Dishwasher: Teach kids to load and unload the dishwasher, sorting utensils and placing dishes in the correct cabinets.

Watering Plants: Assign the task of watering indoor or outdoor plants. This chore teaches responsibility and care for living things.

Taking Out the Trash: Older children can take out the trash and recycling, learning the importance of proper waste disposal.

Cleaning Pet Areas: If you have pets, kids can help clean cages, litter boxes, or pet bedding. This teaches them to care for animals responsibly.

Setting and Clearing the Table: Involve kids in setting the table before meals and clearing it afterward. This helps them understand meal preparation and cleanup.

Organizing Books and Toys: Periodically, have kids organize their bookshelves and toy storage, deciding what to keep and what to donate or discard.

Sweeping the Porch or Patio: Outdoor chores like sweeping the porch or patio can be enjoyable and give kids a sense of pride in maintaining their home’s exterior.

Helping with Yard Work: For older kids, tasks like raking leaves, pulling weeds, or planting flowers can be both fun and educational, teaching them about nature and hard work.

Assigning these chores to your children not only helps keep your home clean but also teaches them valuable skills and instills a sense of responsibility.

Make sure to provide guidance and encouragement, and adjust tasks based on their age and abilities.

Final Thoughts for Kids Cleaning

Involving kids in cleaning chores is a smart and rewarding approach that benefits the entire family.

It instills essential life skills such as responsibility, teamwork, and organization, while also boosting their confidence and independence.

By turning chores into fun, educational activities and working together as a family, you create a positive and collaborative home environment.

Not only does this approach help maintain a tidy household, but it also fosters strong family bonds and prepares children for a responsible and self-sufficient future.

Embrace the process, and watch as your kids grow and contribute meaningfully to your home.

Pin It for Later Reading

Facebook Pin Print Email