Set your timer and ... GO!
1. Start a Load of Laundry
- Save time by letting your children sort the laundry while you work on a different chore.
- After the laundry is sorted, throw a load of messy kid clothes into the washing machine.
- If you don't have a washing machine, have the kids sort the clothes and bag them for your next trip to the laundromat.
Tip: Spray stain remover on the clothes needing extra attention first. While it's working, move on to another chore so you don't have to wait.
2. Straighten Up the Family Room
- Have your children arrange the magazines and books.
- Kids can dust with socks on their hands.
Time Limit for You: 0 Minutes - No time investment for you. The children are doing the work.
Tip: Your family room touch up can be left to the kids so you can focus on other areas of the house. Give them age-appropriate chores to keep them safe.
3. Pick Up the Toys
- Have your children pick up their toys as fast as they can.
- Hold a contest to see who can put away the most toys.
- No losers in this game. Choose a prize everyone can enjoy when time's up.
Time Limit for You: 0 Minutes - No time investment for you. The children are doing the work while learning how to pick up after themselves.
Tip: Baskets and bins make toy pick up easier and more fun for children.
4. Make the Beds
- Start with your own bed. You deserve a made bed to crawl into at the end of the day.
- Pull the top sheet and comforter back in place. Straighten up the pillows.
- Older kids can make their own beds to help save time.
Time Limit for You: 4 Minutes
Tip: Wrinkle-resistant sheets make your bedroom look cleaner than crumpled up sheets.
5. Vacuum Daily
- Vacuum high-traffic areas every day.
- Alternate vacuum days between the kitchen and bathroom.
On kitchen days:
- Start with the area around the table, sink and dishwasher where crumbs accumulate the most.
- Have extra time left on your timer? Vacuum the rest of the kitchen.
On bathroom days:
- Move the bathmats and vacuum the floor.
- Vacuum the bathmats before putting them back in the bathroom.
Time Limit for You: 5 Minutes
Tip: Use a handheld vacuum cleaner for spot cleaning without having to drag out the big vacuum cleaner.
6. Wipe Down the Kitchen
- Use a disinfectant wipe to clean the counters, fixtures and sink.
- Don't forget to wipe the refrigerator handles little hands have been touching.
- Take a quick swipe inside the microwave with a damp cloth.
Time Limit for You: 2 Minutes
Tip: If you have a lot of counter space, only clean the counter areas where you prepared your children's food for the day.
7. Disinfect the Bathroom
- Clean all bathroom fixtures with a disinfectant wipe.
- Wipe the bathroom counters
Time Limit for You: 2 Minutes
Tip: Add an automatic toilet bowl cleaner to keep the inside of the toilet clean for 2-3 months.
8. Load the Dishwasher
- Put the day's dirty dishes into the dishwasher.
- Start the dishwasher at the end of the night.
Time Limit for You: 3 Minutes
Tip: Use downtime while you're cooking to put the dishes away.
9. Freshen Up Your House
- Use air freshener throughout your house.
- Spray fabric refresher on your furniture, especially those areas where the kids hang out.
Time Limit for You: 1 Minute
Tip: Open windows on a sunny day to remove odors with fresh air.
Time's up! You and your family just tidied up the house in 20 minutes.
