Games and strategies to turn chores into playtime!
Number of players: 1+ In this game, players must clean in alphabetical order. The first item they pick up should start with an “A.” The next item should start with a “B” and so on until they have gone through… Read moreThe Alphabet Cleaning Game
Classic Cleaning Games: Red Light, Clean Light – Choose a player to be the first “traffic controller.” The traffic controller calls out “clean light” and all players start cleaning the room as quickly as possible…
Give each player a cloth or a paper towel (the cloths should be about the same size and color). Players should get their cloths slightly damp or apply a safe non-toxic cleaning solution to them (our family prefers Method cleaning products). Then set a timer for 10 minutes. On the count of three, players race to see…
This has been the staple of our family’s cleaning approach for many years. If you are looking for a strategy that gets straight to the point, and leaves the room thoroughly tidy, then this is the place to start. One… Read moreThe Middle Thing Pick Up
Number of Players: 2+ (see below for rules for two players) How to: All players stand in a circle. One player starts by secretly choosing an item in the room that needs to be put away and pretends to hold… Read moreHands
Improv Cleaning Game: Skits – How to: Have all players gather five or ten items that need to be put away and place them in a bag or a box. The players then stand in a circle…
Cleaning games for kids: Charades. In charades, players take turns silently acting out an object in the room…
Improv Cleaning Games: Props – Each player gathers 10 things that need to be put away, puts their collection of mess in a cardboard box (or any large container – bag, bin, etc) and passes their box to another player. The players then stand in a large circle and…
Number of Players: 1+ How to: Players pretend to be Cinderella (or Cinderevan for the boys) trying to finish all of their chores quickly enough that they can make themselves a beautiful gown (or a handsome suit) and be able to attend the ball. The room… Read moreCinderella
Number of Players: 1+ How to: Players pretend to be Princess Snow White (boys can use the name: Prince Ice Grey). The room(s) that need to be cleaned are the room(s) of the dwarves’ cottage. Tips: As they are picking up… Read moreSnow White and the Messy Dwarves