10 Ways to Get Your Kids to Help with Spring Cleaning (And They Really Work)

Spring cleaning – or any kind of cleaning, really – is one of my least favorite things to do. I get a kick out of the quote I’ve seen floating around on Facebook saying that “good moms have sticky floors, dirty ovens and happy kids” because I’ve managed to totally nail all three.

But, as much as a dislike any chore that has to do with a mop or a bottle of Lysol, there comes a time when every house needs a thorough cleaning. And since spring is the season when we’re traditionally supposed to spruce up our homes, now is as good a time as any to get down on my hands and knees and finally scrub that kitchen floor.        

It’s not all bad news, though, because if you’ve got kids, you’ve got an army of minions at your disposal. They may grumble, but kids can be a major asset when it comes to spring cleaning. They’re small enough to fit into tight spaces, and when they’re young enough, you can convince them that it’s all one big game. Plus, they can be bribed with ice cream at any age.

Not sure how your kids can help with spring cleaning? Here are 10 ways to get them involved:

1. Play Spring Cleaning Tic-Tac-Toe. When siblings compete to see who can complete a row of tasks first with this free Spring Cleaning Tic-Tac-Tie printable, mom is the one who really wins.

2. Break out the Swiffer. I don’t understand the fascination, but my 7-year-old thinks the Swiffer is the greatest invention ever. As a result, he’s willing to dust just about anything: blinds, fans, spindles, light fixtures, picture frames, etc. Be sure to get the extendable version so kids have a further reach.   

3. Send them under the beds. If your house is anything like mine, this area is a black hole of missing socks, old homework papers, gum wrappers and anything else my children shove under there when they are supposedly “cleaning their rooms.” They created the mess, now they get to go clean it up.

 4. Go skating for dust bunnies. Have hardwood floors? Let your kids put on old socks and go “skating” for dust bunnies. Be sure to throw away the hair and dust that they collect – and maybe the socks too.   

5. Host a family fashion show. Here’s a fun way to clean out those closets. Let kids model their clothes so you can determine what needs to go. Turn up the music and encourage everyone to be silly, then donate the “no” pile to your to your favorite local charity.

6. Collect loose change. Does loose change accumulate in strange places at your house too? Go on a hunt to find it (and clean as you go, of course). For example, you’re sure to find a few loose coins while vacuuming the couch cushions or cleaning out the car. Take the money to a free coin counting machine and then spend it on a treat for the whole family.

7. Practice the ABC’s by alphabetizing your spices. I’ll be honest; this is one thing I never do. But if you like to keep your spices organized and have a preschooler learning about alphabetical order, it’s a great task to pass along.

8. Create a Spring Cleaning Checklist. My tween daughter hates cleaning as much as I do, but since she has no choice in the matter, she likes having a checklist where she can cross tasks off after completing them. She says it makes her “feel more productive,” and I have to agree. This is a fairly thorough Spring Cleaning Checklist you can adapt to your needs, or Cozi’s Spring Cleaning Chore List is helpful for families with younger kids.

9. Mix up your own cleaning products. I avoid bleach and chemical-filled cleaners at all costs, so my kids get a kick out of mixing up our own cleaning products. It sort of feels like a science experiment, and since we’re using natural ingredients, they can do most of the work themselves. Orange All-Purpose Cleaner is one of our favorites.   

10. Clean as you go. Nobody wants to be stuck indoors cleaning when there’s a beautiful spring day waiting outside. By assigning routine chores to kids throughout the year and using one of these chore apps to keep them motivated, parents can lighten everyone’s load when spring cleaning season rolls around. And anything that keeps my house relatively clean – without me having to do much of the work – is a huge win in my book.