Kitchen Cleaning Checklist for Kids

I don’t think anyone would argue that making a mess is more entertaining than cleaning up after a mess. Helping with household chores is a normal part of family life. Encourage participation when children are young by divvying up the responsibility. Ask your child, “Would you like to put away the dishes or wipe down the counters?” Then let them check it off the list! Use the strategy of pairing to create a habit. Just like your kids know their bedtime routines include brushing their teeth, being consistent about when you clean the kitchen trains them to move from one event to the next without as much friction. They will fall into the routine and realize that after we finish eating, we set the timer and clean the kitchen.

If you don’t know where to start, we created this general cleaning checklist for the kitchen.

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1. Set a timer. Making tackling tasks feel like a game is a great way to motivate kids and adults alike. Plus it is helpful to know how much time a task actually takes. We often overestimate the amount of time chores take and procrastinate completing the job. When you know it only takes 15 minutes to clean the kitchen, it is much easier to get started. Younger kids might enjoy “racing” adults to complete their assigned chores.
2. Start by putting away clean dishes. Return them to their proper places. 
3. Load the dishwasher. Rinse dishes in the sink, and place them in the dishwasher. 
4. Clear the counters. Put away anything that is out of its proper place. Return the ketchup to the refrigerator and the potholders to the drawer.
5. Wipe down counters. Use cleaning cloth and a multi-purpose cleaner to wipe all the eating and work surfaces in the kitchen.
6. Wipe out the sink. Rinse your cleaning cloth and use a multi-purpose cleaner to give the sink a quick swipe.
7. Clean the floors. Use a broom and dustpan to collect any debris. Then mop to take care of anything sticky. Or use a one-step floor cleaner like a Swiffer. 
8. Take out the trash. Empty the trash can and replace the liner.
9. Toss dish towels in the washing machine. 
10. Check your timer! Did you best your personal record? Pat yourself on the back and admire your hard work.

Subscribe to our email list to download a version you can print and hang on your refrigerator.