Tag Archive for: House Cleaner

Age appropriate chores for children

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Our tips for responsible and age-appropriate chores for your little ones. 

Teaching children to pitch in and help with housekeeping at a young age is vital.

After all, they have to start learning responsibility to succeed in life, but how do you know which chores young kids will be capable of handling?

If only you had an age-appropriate chore list to check…

Oh, look: our cleaning experts at Merry Maids UK have produced one just for you!

Use the following chart to assign chores for kids by age, whether a parent, grandparent, teacher or babysitter.

We also give you a few tips on how to keep your children motivated and chores fun.

Children Age 2 – 3

  • Pick up toys
  • Help set the table
  • Throw trash away when instructed
  • Place their clothes in a laundry basket
  • Wipe lower cabinet doors

Tip: Kids this age love to use their imagination, so think of ways to turn chores into fun and imaginative games.

Children Age 4 – 5

  • Put toys and books away
  • Set and clear the table
  • Pick out clothes for the next day
  • Sweep small areas with a handheld broom
  • Fold towels

Tip: Children aged four to five can get overwhelmed with too many instructions.

Ensure you assign one task at a time. To de-stress, consider singing silly songs as you work.

Tip: With a tiled kitchen, you can use a bit of masking tape to make a square, then get your child to sweep everything into this small square.

Children Age 6 – 7

  • Put away clean silverware
  • Help clean the bedroom
  • Wipe down bathroom surfaces
  • Unload the dishwasher
  • Load and unload the washing machine and tumble dryer

Tip: Give six and seven-year-olds plenty of recognition for how well they are doing as their confidence develops around this time.

You can make chores more enjoyable by turning them into games.

Children Age 8 – 9

  • Help prepare meals with supervision
  • Dust and vacuum
  • Feed, brush and walk pets
  • Empty trash cans
  • Fold towels and put clothes away

Tip: Consider buying kids this age their own brightly coloured, child-friendly kitchen utensils and get them to wash these up after every meal.

This will ramp up the fun factor and make them feel more independent.

Children Age 10 – 12

  • Laundry and ironing
  • Gardening jobs
  • Cook simple meals
  • Wash dishes by hand or load the dishwasher
  • Clean the kitchen

Tip: Start incentivising kids at this age.

Devise a routine list of chores for kids by age and reward them with weekly pocket money, extra screen time, and a trip to get ice cream or see a movie.

Children Age 13 and up

  • Make full meals
  • Clean the shower, tub, sink, and toilet
  • Clean out the refrigerator
  • Babysit for younger siblings

Tip: Rewards and incentives still work well.

Ensure you continue to recognise the additional responsibilities your children can take on so they know their help is appreciated.

There may be a little trial and error involved with different age groups.

Every child’s development is different, so give kids a new task if they have difficulty completing the original assignment.

Remember, when dealing with children and chores, there is no such thing as too much praise.

Let kids know you’re proud of their efforts.

It will make them feel good, and they’ll want to keep helping to get more positive feedback.

Learn More

Looking for more insights on children and chores?

Check out our post on fun cleaning games with kids.

And if you’re finding that life has you too busy to even think about cleaning your home, contact your local Merry Maids or book online today!

We’re happy to lend a hand so you can free up more time to do what you love with the people you care for the most.

Merry Maids Manchester’s Life-Saving Cleaners

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Two cleaners from Merry Maids Manchester have been thanked by a customer whose life they saved when attending a regular cleaning at his house.

Danielle Holain and Leah Taylor, two domestic cleaners from Merry Maids North and Central Manchester, have received thanks from a regular customer and his family for saving his life while cleaning.

The Incident

Danielle Holian and Leah Taylor attended a cleaning for a regular 74-year-old epileptic customer, only to find him lying on the floor of his kitchen, where they later were told by paramedics he had been for several days.

The customer, who lives alone, receives a cleaning service from Merry Maids every four weeks and was not due to be seen at the time. But unusually, and luckily, the cleaning had been moved to earlier than usual due to a bank holiday weekend.

Danielle says she knew something wasn’t right when they first arrived, as the flat was incredibly warm, which they later realised was due to the heating being left on for days.

“Leah and I had obtained the customers’ key from the key box outside, as we always let ourselves inside,” she says.

“He usually meets us at the top of the stairs, so we instantly thought it was strange that he didn’t.”

“We walked up the stairs, and I immediately saw [the customer] lying on the kitchen floor face-first, looking at me. I made sure he was breathing and called emergency services straight away, requesting an ambulance.”

While waiting with the customer for the ambulance, Danielle and Leah found his phone to notify his family, packed a bag of essentials for him to take to the hospital and later showed the ambulance crew how to access the property when they arrived.

“It was a real shock to see him like that, as it was so unexpected. I have met him a few times, so I know what he’s like. I was aware that he is epileptic as he has told me in previous conversations while cleaning his flat, but this day was the first time Leah had been to the property,” Danielle says.

“We were just glad to get him the help he needed as quickly as possible and make sure he was okay.”

The Aftermath

Now recovering in the hospital, the customer is in good health and was incredibly grateful to Danielle and Leah for their quick thinking and help, sending them flowers to say thank you.

Back at the office, Leah and Danielle have been supported and commended by their fellow maids and business owner Theresa, who all continue to offer their time if any of them needed to talk.

Danielle says the experience has been eye-opening for her as she has been made more aware of how much their presence can mean in the lives of their customers, brought into sharp focus by how the day started as normally as one would expect.

“[Before the incident,] it was just a pretty normal day,” she says.

“We now see it fortunate that our first clean was cancelled that day because we got to him around 50 minutes earlier than we normally would. We are more aware of how important it is for our vulnerable customers who can count on us for more than just doing their cleaning, we’re always there for them. We are not just cleaners.”

Discover the value of a cleaner who cares

If you or someone you know would benefit from a professional and compassionate, regular or one-off, home cleaning service from the local experts at Merry Maids, contact Merry Maids Manchester on 0161 864 4480 for a free, no-obligation quote.

Or nationwide, find your nearest Merry Maids business or book online today.

Merry Maids’ Pre-Christmas Cleaning Checklist

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Our guide to getting all your pre-Christmas cleaning done. 

Christmas is on its way!

Are you planning to host a Christmas party or spend Christmas Day with the whole family?

If you are, you may want to tidy up before the guests arrive.

But with so much to do, Christmas cleaning can feel overwhelming.

That’s why we’ve made a list (and we’ve checked it twice) of handy pre-Christmas cleaning tasks to ensure your cleaning and home can stay in order this festive season.

Guest Bedroom Pre-Christmas Cleaning

If you have a spare or guest room, the temptation may be to use it for… “storage”.

However, around this time of year, ensure your spare bedroom(s) are cleaned for any unexpected overnight guests.

Just in case a white Christmas or extra glass of sherry mean that driving home for Christmas home becomes inadvisable.

When cleaning your spare bedroom, remember to:

  • Change the sheets/bedding & duvets so they are clean and fresh for your guests. A quick tip to make them even fresher smelling is to wash them separately from any clothes
  • Vacuum and polish the guest room to ensure the room has a welcoming scent

If your guest room isn’t used that often, it may not be as welcoming as other rooms.

  • You can potentially get a few paintings or photos up in the room, maybe a houseplant or anything else you may feel is welcoming

Your guests are likely to be staying more than one night. Therefore, they’ll need space for their clothes and other belongings. So:

  • Empty the wardrobe and drawers of usually all of your summer clothes or the: “I’ll take these to a charity shop one-day” clothes. This will ensure your guest has sufficient space and will feel more at home instead of living out of their suitcase

Kitchen Pre-Christmas Cleaning

The kitchen is usually the centre of the action at Christmas.

Especially with the mulled wine brewing on the stove, it makes it feel warm and festive!

First, your oven should be clean to ensure it’s ready for the juicy turkey or tasty nut roast!

  • Buy an oven cleaning product and follow the instructions on the label, as there are lots of different products you can use
  • A clean oven will make your food taste better and won’t produce smoke that would float around the house and make it smell unpleasant.

You’ll probably have to put LOADS of food in your fridge and freezer, so it’s time for a clear-out.

A clean and less cluttered fridge will allow space for all pigs in blankets, wine and pudding!

  • Have a clean fridge for all of your Christmas food
    – Remove all food, drawers and shelves
    – Soak drawers and shelves in washing up liquid
    – Use warm water and washing-up liquid to wipe the interior
    – Wipe outer surfaces and dry inside with kitchen roll
    – Dry and return the drawers/shelves
    – Wait until the temperature has returned to 5°C

Bathroom Pre-Christmas Cleaning

The wintertime is the time of year when people get horrid colds that they can’t shake.

That’s why pre-cleaning the bathroom and maintaining the cleanliness throughout the time your guests are here is vital.

  • Clean the bathroom from top to bottom, including the bath, shower, sink, toilet, carpet, cupboards and anything else you may have in there.
  • Tidy up your bathroom to leave space for your guest’s toiletries, or if you have two washrooms, move all your toiletries to the bathroom your guests won’t be using. This will again make them feel at home.

Living Room Pre-Christmas Cleaning

Your living room is the social and board gaming hub, with the fire roaring in the background and the smell of Christmas all around. Lovely!

  • Vacuum your living room carpet before your guests arrive and during their stay, depending on how long they’re there for
  • Vacuum all of your upholstery and cushions before guests arrive
  • Have a general tidy-up and, if you have time, a bit of a declutter of things you don’t need during the winter period

Home Exterior Pre-Christmas Cleaning

Ensure the outside of your house looks welcoming for your guests and any neighbours that might pop around to wish you a Merry Christmas.

  • Clean your outside decorations just by wiping them with a dry cloth
  • Clean your windows on the inside and outside
  • Ensure, if you have a drive, you’ve left enough space for your guest’s car/s or, if it’s on-street parking, there is enough space for them. If necessary, remember to sort out their on-street parking permits.

A bit much?

All this cleaning might seem like a bit much, especially with all the extra Christmas prep.

If you don’t feel like you have time to clean your home, find your nearest Merry Maids business to do it all for you!

We carry out all the services listed above and more, so you can focus on the stuff that matters at Christmas and not do the cleaning.

To learn more about our services and how we can help you, call 0800 021 3072 today.

Merry Maids of Sutton Coldfield Celebrates 25th Anniversary

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Merry Maids of Sutton Coldfield is celebrating a quarter of a century of exceptional cleaning as a community-conscious family business.

For a quarter of a century, Merry Maids of Sutton Coldfield has been at the forefront of the cleaning industry, bringing joy and cleanliness to homes across Sutton Coldfield, Lichfield, Tamworth, Walsall, North Birmingham, and beyond.

What began as a vision to provide exceptional cleaning services with a personal touch has blossomed into a legacy of trust, dedication, and excellence.

Led by co-owners Helen Bielby and Becky Hewitt, the business’s team of skilled professionals work tirelessly to ensure that every home they touch shines.

The History of Merry Maids of Sutton Coldfield

The business is a family affair for Helen and Becky.

Helen’s parents purchased the business in 1999 after her parents had owned a ServiceMaster Clean business under the same franchisor for nearly 2 decades.

At the time, Helen was at university and would support the cleaning and running of the business on her break days.

When Helen’s mum passed away suddenly in 2010, Helen had to take on responsibility for Merry Maids. She also needed help to run the ServiceMaster Clean business with her father.

But Helen knew she couldn’t sustain and grow both businesses, quickly realising that she and her dad needed a secretary to help with the administration of the businesses.

Luckily, she learned from a friend that Becky was looking for a new challenge and wanted to join the team to help run the businesses.

So, when it came time for Helen’s father to sell the business, he suggested that Helen and Becky take it over together.

And the rest, as they say, is history!

Family Matters

Since 1999, the team have remained steadfast in their commitment to delivering high standards and customer satisfaction.

As Helen says:

“At Merry Maids of Sutton Coldfield, we are more than just a cleaning service – we are a family.

Our journey over the past 25 years has been marked by the strong bonds we’ve formed with our team members and customers.

Throughout our 25 years of service, our customers have always been at the heart of everything we do.

We are deeply grateful for the trust and loyalty they have shown us over the years.

Whether it’s a regular cleaning service, a one-off deep clean, or a special occasion clean, we strive to exceed our customers’ expectations at every step.”

For the community, for the future

As a locally owned and operated business, the team are deeply rooted in the communities we serve.

Over the years, they have had the privilege of giving back to our community through various initiatives and sponsorships.

“We believe in the power of community and are committed to making a positive difference wherever we can,” says Helen.

“As we celebrate this significant milestone, we are excited about the future of Merry Maids of Sutton Coldfield.

With 25 years of experience behind us, we are poised to continue setting new standards of excellence in the cleaning industry.

We remain dedicated to providing top-notch cleaning services while upholding the values that have guided us since day one.

To our incredible team, loyal customers, and supportive community – thank you for 25 amazing years!

Your trust and support mean the world to us, and we look forward to many more years of serving you with excellence.

Here’s to another 25 years of making homes sparkle and spreading joy through cleanliness!”

Need a new cleaner?

If you’re in Sutton Coldfield and the surrounding areas and would benefit from professional domestic cleaning services from an award-winning family business, contact the team on 0121 313 1005 or find your nearest Merry Maids business to see how we can help you today.

Or book your clean online in a few clicks at shop.merrymaids.co.uk.

Cleaning in the new year

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Is your New Year’s resolution a clean home?

Happy New Year!

It’s on occasions like the new year when it becomes clear how much time flies.

But often, this means that the time for cleaning flies away with the fairies.

However, now many of us may find ourselves coming out of a mince-pie-induced haze and realising the house looked cleaner before Santa came crashing down the chimney!

It’s in times like this that a little extra guidance can help.

Our cleaning experts at Merry Maids UK have put together some pointers to revitalise your home this new year.

Wash Your Windows

Windows are a component of your home that probably doesn’t get much TLC. But we’re not passing judgment.

Window washing only needs to be completed once a year at least.

However, we recommend a window cleaning schedule of every six months as this will ensure the glass panes are cleaned.

This will be doing you favours for the rest of the winter months, as it improves the insulation of your windows by ensuring the seals are intact.

Clean Behind Appliances

We’re all guilty of letting crumbs and other food particles fall between or behind appliances and counters.

What’s worse is that these areas barely see the light of day once everything is in place.

So, a new year cleaning routine wouldn’t be complete without cleaning behind appliances and bulky electronics.

This is a big one of those forgotten tasks that have an impact, and by resolving it this year, you can begin to make it a part of your annual cleaning regimen.

Tackle Elevated Areas

When did you last clean the ceiling or the tops of your upper kitchen cabinets?

The beginning of the year is the perfect time to start making those cleaning duties a part of your routine.

Dust and dirt collect in those areas all year and could negatively impact your air quality and make it difficult for your loved ones to breathe easier.

Instead of a conventional duster, use a dry microfiber cloth to attract dust and keep from leaving residue behind.

Want to start this year off with a clean?

If you resolved to tidy up around the home but can’t find the time or energy amongst everything else happening in January, don’t worry.

Your local Merry Maids business can carry out a professional one-off or regular cleaning service to get your home fresh and sparkling this new year.

Find your nearest Merry Maids business to book a free, no-obligation quotation with your local cleaning specialists, or book online today to get that fresh New Year feeling in your home this January without lifting a finger.

4 Habits of New Year’s Resolution Keepers

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How to stick to your resolutions this new year.

Have you ever wondered how some people actually stick to their New Year’s resolutions? Or why some resolutions fail?

The answers aren’t as simple as, “some people are just more motivated to reach their goals.” Motivation doesn’t always yield fruitful results.

In fact, across the pond, Ohio State University psychology professor Steven Reiss argues that “there is no real evidence that intrinsic motivation even exists.”

This is to say that motivation can’t be packaged in a neat little box and sold as a one-size-fits-all.

When you resolve for the New Year, usually it’s to make positive changes in your life. And many who are successful in that endeavour are creatures of particular habits.

But if you’ve found yourself only in the third week of January and already struggling to stick to your resolve, we’ve put together a guide on how to stick to your resolution.

  1. Keep It Real

To avoid resolution failure, an important habit is staying grounded.

It’s never a good idea to set an unattainable goal or one outside your means to complete it.

For instance, if you resolve to travel internationally but are in enormous credit card debt, that’s probably not the most realistic (or financially savvy) resolution for you at this point.

Strive for something you’ll be able to achieve, like spending more time with your family, reading more books, or drinking more water.

Most significant change happens incrementally, so keeping your resolutions achievable in the short term will help you in the long run.

Remember, there are many days in the year – it’s a marathon, not a sprint.

  1. Plan Ahead… (And Back)

Poet Robert Burns coined the phrase, “The best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry.”

This means even with a there’s no guarantee of success.

However, there’s a much higher chance you’ll accomplish a New Year’s resolution when you plan in reverse.

But what does that mean?

In a 2017 study, researchers at the University of Iowa, Peking University HSBC Business School, and the Korea University Business School found that goal-planning methods amongst students were more comprehensive when done backwards.

To put things in perspective, start with your end goal.

Then, work backwards to develop a plan to achieve your realistic resolution. Make sure to set a due date if a schedule drives your goal.

Remember, reverse planning doesn’t mean you follow your steps backwards. It’s simply a way to help you map your goal if you’re unsure of your first step.

  1. Incentivise Resolutions

Keeping New Year’s resolutions can be challenging if you set your sights too high and don’t reward yourself throughout the process.

Sure, the reward is accomplishing your goal, but you deserve mini rewards here and there to keep you inspired.

Ways to incentivise your resolution:

  • Buying yourself something small anytime you reach a mini-goal
  • Book a staycation to a part of the country you’ve never been
  • Treat yourself to your favourite dessert or tasty treat
  • Invite a good friend to watch a movie you’ve been waiting to see

Whatever the incentive, make sure the reward doesn’t contradict your resolution.

For instance, if you’re working toward cutting back on sweets, the best prize probably isn’t a box of chocolates.

Your incentive should be something in line with your goal.

  1. Give Yourself Some Grace

Sometimes, resolutions don’t always work out the way you planned because various factors obstruct you or other things take precedence.

In those cases, give yourself grace.

Don’t beat yourself up about any missteps you may have. There is, quite literally, always tomorrow.

But that’s not to say you should continuously give yourself a pass on the things you aspire to achieve.

Whether you resolve to stop a bad habit or pick up a healthier routine, continue to focus on reaching your goal.

Want a cleaner home this year?

If your New Year’s resolution is to have a cleaner home, give yourself some grace by contacting your local cleaning professionals.

While you’re taking on the world and your resolutions, we’ll be here to maintain your home.

With over 30 years of experience as experts in home cleaning, all of our cleaning professionals are best equipped to take care of the everyday messes in your home while you take care of what matters to you.

To find out more about our services, find your nearest Merry Maids business or book now through our online shop.

5 Ways To Upgrade Your Cleaning Routine

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Now that the holidays are over and the New Year is upon us, it’s the perfect time to start upgrading your daily cleaning routine!

Whether you’re a queen or king of cleaning checklists or just looking to get more organised in 2020, our cleaning experts at Merry Maids can help you stay on track with your goals, by providing regular cleaning services to supplement your everyday efforts.

Here are 5 great ways you can upgrade your home cleaning habits for 2020 ­– and beyond!

#1: Introduce one simple daily cleaning habit

Nowadays the majority of us are always on-the-go, it can be hard to find time even for a 15-minute daily cleaning ritual, let alone a rigorous cleaning schedule. When you’re not sure where to begin, we would recommend starting small and master a single daily cleaning habit that will make a difference to you.

To get started, make a list of all your cleaning pet peeves – in other words, those tasks that drive you crazy when you can’t complete them.

Whether on your own or with a partner, pick out the top chore and complete it daily until it becomes a habit, which typically takes 21 days to form as a habit. From there, you can introduce new habits as and when needed!

#2: Create a defined house cleaning schedule

Again, the key here is to start small, build on your existing efforts and hold yourself accountable to whatever tasks you add onto the schedule.

Here are a few methods you might like:

  • Theme up your cleaning – If you hate repetition more than anything else, try giving each day a cleaning theme. Maybe Monday can be your washing day and Tuesdays can be for cleared for kitchen clean-up. Whatever you decide, make sure it’s something you can and will follow!
  • Set a specific time aside for your top 10 tasks – Instead of taking it one day at a time, create a list of the top 10 small cleaning chores that you would like to accomplish by the end of each night. Then give yourself a consistent time to accomplish them, whether in the morning or the evening.
  • Pick one day to be your cleaning day. Prefer to take care of everything all at once? Select a day to designate as your “cleaning day” and take care of key high-traffic areas at the same time. Give yourself at least 2-3 hours to complete the task!

#3: Make an organisation checklist

No matter what cleaning schedule you prefer, it’s a good idea to build out an organisation checklist, which should include every cleaning and organising task that you’ll ever need to do. Keep this list somewhere handy, for example, stuck on the fridge and check it often to make sure you’re covering everything.

Just follow these simple steps to create your own checklist:

  1. Walk around your house and list all areas that need to be cleaned (usually everywhere, unfortunately!)
  2. Within each area, write down all the cleaning and organisational tasks that need to be completed during the year
  3. Assign each task to a sub-list, depending on whether the chore should be done daily, weekly, monthly, or seasonally
  4. Create an easy system to check these items off your list

#4: Find creative ways to remind yourself about cleaning tasks

Even when you have a clear direction for your daily cleaning rituals, you’ll need lots of reminders to stay focused on each task. By finding a creative and colourful way to remind yourself, you’ll be more likely to get everything done!

Here are a few ideas:

  • Make a DIY corkboard and tack up notes about your daily and weekly tasks, you could even add how many calories you’ll burn off for each task!
  • Keep an extra calendar on the wall just for your cleaning checklist

#5: Get the whole family involved

As the old saying goes, two heads are better than one or three or four, depending on how many are in your household! Enlisting your spouse, your kids, or other live-at-home family members will make your life easier and give you more time to chill out and watch your favourite Netflix series. A chore chart is a time-honoured tradition for a reason – it allows everyone to participate in maintaining their own space.

Next Steps: Call in a Professional

Of course, the best way to elevate your cleaning routine this year is to bring in professionals, on whatever basis will work best for your needs. We offer weekly, bi-weekly, and monthly cleans, so you can choose the schedule that makes sense for you! Find your nearest Merry Maids here.

Fun Cleaning Games For Kids

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Entertaining kids in the evenings and weekends is a difficult task, but have you thought about making cleaning fun for the kids?

We’ve put our heads together and come up with a list of fun cleaning games that your kids will enjoy!

fun cleaning kids

 

Fill Up Fun

Fill Up Fun is all about recycling, although the first part of this game may be boring for the kids so you might want to do this!

  • Wash and dry the plastic and other recyclable items ready for recycling (Do this beforehand for the kids)
  • Split all the recycling into two equal piles
  • Place the recycling bin a short distance away from the piles
  • See who can get their recycling into the bin quick enough
  • Alternatively, see who can throw the plastic items into the bin from the greatest distance

This would be fun for adults, let alone the kids! Haha!

Spot The Recycling

Another bit of recycling fun for the kids is to firstly give them two bin bags each; one for recycling and the other for general waste.

Get your children to walk around the house and put in their bags what rubbish they think should be recycled and what should be thrown into general waste.

This can help with a bit of family exercise as well, especially if you do a timed race and see who has the most amount of items in the correct bags in the allotted time period.

Fold It Fast

This one is quite an easy one, but yet fun for the kids, as it doesn’t involve much setting up.

You will need:

  • A pile of clean, dry washing
  • Two or more enthusiastic children
  • A parent to supervise

All this game involves is for you to show the kids how to fold the laundry and then time them to see who can fold the most amount of items in the chosen time.

Kids Clear Out

A good clear out of old items needs to be done completed on a regular basis, especially with growing kids in the house.

As kids grow up they go off certain toys, books or games etc, and also as adults, we love to keep things we don’t need!

  • Go through the whole house putting items in three piles
    – Keep Pile
    – Charity Pile
    – Throw Pile
  • Get your kids to go through their old items and get rid of anything they don’t want anymore (if it’s broken throw it and if it’s still intact give it to charity)
  • While they’re doing this, you can go through some of your own things that you may not want to clutter the house with
  • Once all of the items have been put into piles, check to see if the kids have put things in the correct piles
  • Let your children bag the items and anything going to the local charity store, take them with you so they can hand over the bag

We’re sure there are plenty more cleaning games that can get kids liking cleaning, so if you know of any, let us know by sharing this post on social with your game idea!

If you’ve exhausted yourself and your kids playing all these games, then give your local Merry Maids a call to help with the housework so you can live life’s moments.

Tag Archive for: House Cleaner

Domestic Cleaning Services in Bromley & Orpington

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