Getting kids involved in cleaning can feel like herding cats, but trust me, it doesn’t have to be a struggle, especially on Mondays when you can kick off the week with a fresh start. A general room clean-up is the perfect task for kids of all ages to do on Monday, giving them responsibility over their space while teaching valuable life skills. (Pssst! Girl, if you’ve been ON the struggle bus trying to get your kiddos to do chores, check out my post here on how to get kids to do chores without a fight!)
Here’s a simple, step-by-step cleaning routine your children can follow, with some helpful tips to keep things as easy as possible.
Step 1: Airing the Bed
Start by having your kids wrangle air or make their beds. This is a quick, easy win that will instantly make their room look tidier. Older kids can smooth their blankets and arrange pillows, while younger ones can at least pull the covers back to let the bed air out. Need a little extra motivation for them? Play an episode of Wild Bill Hickok from my Cowboy Cleanup Radio Cleaning Routines for Kids so they can stay engaged while working.
Step 2: Trash Pickup
Next, it’s time for a trash roundup. Loop a small grocery sack through the string of your child’s apron or their pant belt loops. This makes it super easy for them to move around and collect all the stray bits of garbage from their room. Wrappers, old scraps of paper, pencil shavings… it all goes in the sack. The grocery bag trick is simple yet effective, and younger kids especially love the feel of “having tools” like grown-ups.
Step 3: Put Toys Away
Once the trash is gathered, it’s time to corral all those toys. Teach your kids to think of their toy box, bins, or shelves as their toys’ “home.” Encourage them to return each toy to its proper spot. For kids who are naturally resistant to this step, you can make it a game or race to speed things up with a timer.
Step 4: Laundry
Now it’s time to round up the laundry! Encourage your kids to gallop around their room (a little exercise doesn’t hurt!) gathering all the dirty clothes to put in the laundry basket. Teach older kids to put away their clean clothes and put the dirty ones in the hamper.
Step 5: Wipe Down Surfaces
The last step is all about wiping surfaces that collect dust and grime. Give your kids a microfiber cloth or damp rag and have them lightly wipe down areas like their dresser, nightstand, light switches, door handles, and windowsills. You can frame this as a treasure hunt for hidden dust and dirt to keep it imaginative and exciting.
The Cleaning Routine That Works for Every Family
This step-by-step routine is simple, effective, and adaptable for kids of all ages. Younger children can do the basics like picking up and sorting, while older ones can manage more detailed tasks. Not only does it make Monday less chaotic, but it teaches your kids the value of responsibility and taking pride in a clean and organized space.
If you want to make cleaning even more enjoyable (and automated!) for the kids, try adding Cowboy Cleanup to your child’s schedule. This guided kids’ cleaning routine combines fun and functionality, featuring classic 1950s Wild Bill Hickok radio stories to keep your little ones entertained while they tidy up. It’s an excellent way to turn chores into a positive experience for children.
And for you, Mom, there’s Domestic Daydreams Radio, where you can enjoy lively 1950s-inspired morning (try some episodes here) and evening cleaning routines (free episodes here), leaving your own home sparkling in just 30 minutes. Both routines bring structure, charm, and a dash of vintage flair into modern homes.
Ready to Transform Cleaning Time?
Try a free episode of Cowboy Cleanup or Domestic Daydreams Radio and see how they can revolutionize cleaning in your home. With a little help from routines that are practical AND entertaining, you’ll have your house (and your sanity) in tip-top shape in no time! Would you rather just have a printable cleaning routine for kids? Check out my kids cleaning routine printable here!