While many hands make light work, this can lead to more mouths that make complaints. Your fam might groan when it’s time to tidy, but it CAN be fun. Get them excited about kitchen cleaning with these tips:

Make a checklist

If you have a large family, you can split up into teams. If your family is smaller, choose age-appropriate tasks for each person.

Give everyone a specific area to complete:

• Clean out the refrigerator and freezer
• Clean out and organize the drawers
• Clean out and organize the cabinets
• Pull out old and expired food and clean the pantry
• Wipe down countertops and appliances
• Clean the oven and cooktop
• Scrub the sink and empty and load the dishwasher

Create an age-appropriate checklist for each person or team to complete:

Ages 3 to 6

• Pick up clutter
• Wipe down cabinet doors and knobs
• Clean lower parts of windows and ledges
• Wipe down baseboards
• Find something to donate

Ages 7 to 12

• Empty and load the dishwasher
• Wipe down appliances
• Clean the inside of the microwave
• Sanitize light switch plates
• Clean the inside of the refrigerator
• Clean out and organize drawers
• Find something to donate

Ages 13 to Adult

• Clean the oven and cooktop
• Wash the inside of the trash cans
• Wash the windows
• Clean the top of the refrigerator
• Sweep and mop the floors
• Dust the ceiling fans
• Clear cobwebs from the ceilings
• Find something to donate

Write all of the tasks on slips of paper or popsicle sticks. When someone needs a new chore, just pull one out of the jar.

Get Ready

Here are some ways set yourself up for cleaning success!

• Put some good music on
• Make sure you have enough cleaning supplies
• If you have little ones, get some kid-sized tools, such as hand brooms and dustpans
• Have a few cleaning caddies loaded with supplies to carry from task to task
• Set up a large bag for trash
• Set up a box for items to donate

Earn Rewards

Make spring cleaning fun–offer fun food or prizes for various completed tasks.

Hand out stickers to kids for completed tasks. Offer a larger reward if they collect enough stickers.

• 10 stickers = a bag of fruit snacks
• 20 stickers = ordering a pizza
• 30 stickers = a new toy

Celebrate a job well done with a fun, no-mess snack or dinner:

Chicken Celebration Sliders

Parmesan Baked Chicken Nuggets

Chicken Marinara Pita Pizzas

And remember...the biggest reward is spending time as a family!