Spring Cleaning with Kids

Last Updated on December 18, 2023 by ellen

These tips for spring cleaning with kids will let you get the kids involved and have fun with household chores. Learn more about how to make spring cleaning fun.

Spring Cleaning with Kids

I know that fun and cleaning rarely go together. If you add children into this mix, you might wonder if you can do a simple cleaning checklist on your own.

Keep in mind that it’s important kids learn to help with household chores. It teaches them about responsibility and the importance of helping.

It’s also important to teach kids how to clean at a young age. Younger children love helping adults so let your child help with a chore or two while you’re spring cleaning.

Turn this into a lesson and donate anything you no longer need during the decluttering process. Grab one of these chore charts for kids before you get started.

What should I clean when spring cleaning?

Here is a list of common cleaning tasks to do when you are doing a deep clean:

• Vacuum all carpets and rugs.
• Wash all bedding including sheets, blankets, and pillows.
• Dust all surfaces including ceiling fans, light fixtures, and furniture.
• Wipe down walls, doors, and windows.
• Clean out all the cabinets and drawers.
• Remove all the trash and recycling.
• Sweep and mop all of the floors.

How can kids help spring clean?

Here are some ideas of ways that kids can help with the cleaning:

• Vacuuming – let them push the vacuum around or hold the hose while you do the hard work.
• Washing bedding – help them stuff blankets into the washing machine and add detergent.
• Dusting – let them use a soft cloth to dust surfaces or furniture.
• Wiping walls, doors, and windows – give them a slightly damp cloth to wipe down these surfaces.
• Cleaning out cabinets and drawers – have them help you sort through items and put things away.
• Removing trash and recycling – let them help carry items to the trash can or recycling bin.
• Sweeping and mopping floors – let them help sweep up dust and dirt or mop.
• Put their clothes away in their drawers. Remember, add clothing labels to jackets, boots, and shoes so they don’t get lost. Have you seen the cute clothing labels from Name Bubbles?

How to make spring cleaning fun

Here are a few creative ways to make spring cleaning more fun:

• Play music while you clean. It helps keep things fun.
• Set a timer and race to see who can finish their chore first.
• Make a game out of it – see who can find the most dust bunnies or who can put away the most toys.
• Make BINGO cards and let each child complete the card with cleaning tasks for a reward.
• Give each child their own small task to do.
• Take a break and rest. Have a snack or drink in between tasks.
• Offer a reward like a movie night or a trip to the store for a toy when it’s over.
• Let them label their belongings and put them in a special bag or bin rather than making a big pile in their closet. Keep small toys like action figures in bins with covers. Stacking bins really make organizing a breeze.

I love these adorable labels from Name Bubbles. They have such fun designs for the whole family. Get 20% off sitewide with code SPRING (one time use per customer)

What are age-appropriate tasks?

Here are some examples of age-appropriate tasks for children. Check out this age-appropriate chore list. Remember that a parent should supervise any house cleaning for very young children.

Learn how to clean the house with a baby. OK, let’s get started spring cleaning with kids:

Kids ages 2-3

Mom should always supervise at this age.

• Wipe up spills with a damp cloth
• Dust surfaces with a soft cloth
• Put away toys and throw away things that are broken.

Kids ages 4-5

• Vacuum rugs
• Wash and dry towels
• Wash windows

Kids ages 6-7

• Sweep floors
• Mop floors
• Wash bedding and basic clothes

Kids ages 8-9

• Clean toilets
• Scrub tubs and showers
• Empty garbage cans

Kids ages 10 and up

• Do laundry
• Fold and put away clothes
• Change sheets

In general, younger children can help with smaller tasks while older kids can handle more difficult tasks. Of course, you know your child best so adjust the tasks as needed.

When should I start teaching my kids to help with cleaning?

You can start teaching your children to help with cleaning tasks at any age. It’s never too early to encourage them to help the family. If you have younger kids, they might need more help and supervision.

Here are some back-to-school cleaning tips.

Kid-safe spring cleaning supplies

We use mostly vinegar, baking soda, and water to clean at my house. It does a great job of spring cleaning with kids and adults. And, it’s safe for the whole family and your pets. 

Learn how to clean carpet stains to deal with any messes.

Finally, don’t forget to pick up some of these labels from Name Bubbles to encourage your children to take care of their things. Kids love seeing their name on their stuff!

About Name Bubbles

Wherever your kids go — daycare, school, camp, or sports practice — labeling their gear with custom name stickers keeps it coming home again. Best of all, the waterproof labels — all dishwasher safe and laundry safe — will stick around for as long as you need them to.

So, that means when your kids need to get their camping gear out again or swap their winter coat for the rain jacket, Name Bubbles labels will still be there. 

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• How to label school supplies