We get it, motivating kids and teens to clean their rooms can be a challenge, so we compiled some helpful tips for you. Between the clothes on the floor to the mountain of toys, books, and gadgets scattered around, it’s no surprise that cleaning can seem like a daunting task for everyone in the family. You can help your children take pride in their spaces while fostering responsibility and good habits.
Any positive encouragement goes a long way and each of your children may benefit from a different approach. What matters is they understand once the room is clean, it becomes a more comfortable environment for everyone.
1. Make Cleaning a Routine, Not a Chore
One of the best ways to encourage kids and teens to clean is to make it a regular part of the daily or weekly routine. When cleaning becomes something that happens consistently—rather than something that’s only expected when the room is in chaos—kids and teens are more likely to keep up with it.
For younger kids, a daily tidy-up time of just 10 minutes before bed or dinner can make a big difference. For older kids and teens, a weekly deep clean that includes laundry chores may prove more effective. Consistency is key! If cleaning becomes a habit, kids will understand that it’s not a burden but a routine part of their life that reaps rewards such as fewer items that get misplaced.
2. Break the Task into Smaller Steps
Cleaning a room can feel overwhelming, especially for younger children or teens who might not know where to begin. Break the task into manageable steps that feel less daunting. Instead of saying “clean your room,” try setting specific goals, such as:
- Pick up all the clothes from the floor
- Put away all the toys, books, and video games
- Dust and organize the desk or dresser
- Vacuum the floor and make your bed
For older kids and teens, consider encouraging them to do the cleaning in stages—start with one section of the room and move on to the next. Breaking it down like this makes cleaning less intimidating and more achievable. Certain areas have varying cleaning needs. If they have their own closet area check out our advice on how to efficiently organize a closet in your home.
3. Make It Fun and Engaging
Cleaning doesn’t have to be a boring, dreaded task. There are plenty of ways to make it fun and engaging for kids and teens. For example, you can:
- Play Music: Create a cleaning playlist with energetic, upbeat songs to keep the mood light. Encourage silly dancing or singing while working on cleaning tasks to lighten the mood.
- Set a Timer: Challenge kids to clean a section of their room in a set amount of time. This can turn cleaning into a fun race against the clock. If you have kids that are close in age, make it a friendly competition.
- Use Rewards: Offer small incentives for a job well done, like extra screen time, a special treat, or a family outing to a favorite restaurant. Positive reinforcement helps kids understand that cleaning has its rewards.
4. Lead by Example
Children often mimic the behaviors they see in their parents, so it’s important to set a good example when it comes to cleaning and tidying up. Demonstrate that you also take pride in maintaining your own spaces. Get involved by tidying up together. For younger kids, make it a bonding activity by cleaning side by side. For older kids, respect their independence and encourage them to take ownership of their space. If cleaning feels like a shared responsibility rather than a chore assigned to them, it’s more likely to stick.
5. Teach Organization Skills
Part of helping kids and teens clean their rooms is teaching them organizational skills that will make cleaning easier in the future. A messy room often stems from a lack of structure, so teaching kids how to organize their belongings can go a long way in preventing clutter.
- Use Storage Bins: Help them find a system for sorting toys, books, clothes, and school supplies. Clear, labeled bins are a great way for younger children to organize their belongings, while older kids might prefer shelves, drawers, or closet organizers.
- Create Zones: Encourage kids to set up specific areas in their room for different activities—like a reading nook, a homework station, and a play area. This makes it easier to clean because everything has its place.
- Teach the One-In, One-Out Rule: For older kids and teens, introduce the idea of decluttering. To make room for a new wardrobe or new trendy toy, have them pick a couple to donate that have been sitting unused for more than three months. By donating gently used items to other families or a charity you’ll teach your children to be generous and appreciate their new items.
If you have very young children, the challenge may be more about keeping rooms from becoming a playground since they are too young to help clean. They can still learn the basics such as putting toys back and picking up clothes to throw into a hamper. When they start to develop these habits it will be easier for routines to stick as they get older.
Professional Cleaning Services For Your Family
Daily and weekly cleaning routines are important for everyone in your home. An organized space results in better time management and less stress. To spare you the stress of tackling problem areas or the time-consuming tasks of routine cleaning, call the professionals.
At Kathleen’s Cleaning Service, our focus is on eco-friendly products and reliable, friendly service. We bring experience and the right tools and products to effectively clean your home. Our customized cleaning plans will accommodate your specific needs. Virginia residents can call (804) 729-7401, and residents in Florida can call our Pinellas County location at (727) 377-5522 or fill out our contact form to get started.