1.Keep Your Cleaning Supplies Handy-On every floor of your home, keep a caddy stocked with an all-purpose cleaner,sponges,soft cloths,rubber gloves,paper towels and any other supplies you might need.
2.Clean A Little Every Day-Wipe up spots around the kitchen sink. Pick up clothes off the bedroom floor and toss them into the hampers or back in the closet.
3.Weekly Wipe-Down-Vacuum rugs and under sofa cushions and the kitchen table. Rinse off items that get covered in sticky fingerprints, like booster seats and toys.
4.Find Little Helpers-At age 3 or 4, they can start matching socks on laundry day or putting toys away. By age 6, kids should be ready for bigger chores like setting the table or folding laundry.
5.Kid-Level Storage-Put storage bins for their books or toys on low shelves or the floor. Install hooks for little hands to hang jackets and backpacks.
6.Chores That Pay Off-Create a chart of chores with each child's name on it and let them choose a chore of the day. Tasks can include setting the table, making their bed, or washing dishes.
7.Seasonal Cleaning-Once every six months, plan a day to declutter your house. Get rid of outgrown clothes and shoes, and books, toys, and household items you haven't used in more than a year.
8.Greener Cleaning-Combine equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle to scrub stains off surfaces like countertops.