Parenting Pointers: ABCs of Spring Cleaning

Taking out the trash, vacuuming, loading the dishwasher, these are all chores most children can complete with guidance.  Research even shows housework can help kids build responsibility, determination and independence.  

Two Maids & A Mop, the nation’s fastest growing residential cleaning franchise with a local office, is outlining three lessons parents can teach their kids about one of the biggest housework projects of the year: Spring Cleaning.  

The ABCs of Spring Cleaning are designed to help local parents and children jump into the project and spruce up their homes together as a family. 

ABCs of Spring Cleaning 

1. Assign tasks – Map out a game plan on a calendar. Spring cleaning on just one Saturday is no longer an option.   

• Assign activities to each child, give them a certain amount of time to complete each task. 
• Tackle one room a day. 
• Ask kids what spots in each room need the most attention? Their closets? Playroom shelves? Under beds?  Allow them to play a role in the decision making. 
• Set expectations for each task.  Make sure they understand how things should look when cleaning is done.   
•  

2. Be an example – Show children how to clean.  

• Don’t stand over them and bark orders.  
• Do demonstrate each task, whether it is as simple as wiping off a baseboard or more complicated like cleaning out the refrigerator.  

• Remember: Children mimic their parents. Show them the right way to get it done, avoid shortcuts. 

3. Celebrate when it is over – No matter if your cleaning plan covers five days or one month, identify a reward kids will love. 

• Family game night: Let the kids pick out their favorite game and food for a Spring Cleaning Celebration. 
• Ice cream for everyone:  As soon as the cleaning is done, everyone could hop in the car for a special treat at the neighborhood frozen yogurt or ice cream shop. 

• Go out to dinner:  Let your children pick the restaurant and anything on the menu to celebrate their hard work. 

“With the ABCs of Spring Cleaning, we are bringing local families together to work together as a team and make memories in the process,” said Two Maids & A Mop Home Office Director and mother of four, Joey Hunter. “We know the value of family time and the importance of Spring Cleaning, it’s another way Two Maids & A Mop is working to help local families restore their homes to top form after a long winter.”  

Spring Cleaning Tips: 

• Use a pillow case to remove dust and dirt from ceiling fan blades, empty pillow case in trash, follow up with a soft nozzle vacuum attachment, if necessary. 
• Coat bathroom shower walls and doors with a water repellent, like what you would put on a car windshield.  The repellent should help water and soap scum bead up, creating less for you to eventually scrub away.     
• Fluff up heavy traffic carpet areas by spraying stains with equal amounts of water and vinegar, wait for it to work, blot up the stain, then fluff the carpet fibers by swiping with the side of a spoon. 
• Try mixing dishwasher detergent with warm water to clean windows. Keep a window squeegee and plenty of microfiber cloths nearby. Remember, you must clean windows inside and out to get a crystal-clear appearance.