Household Chore Descriptions

Get the kids involved in household chores to help them learn family responsibility.

Household chores consist of a variety of tasks performed on a routine basis to maintain order and cleanliness. In busy households, chores typically fall to the bottom of everyone's to-do list. One easy method to help stay on top of housekeeping duties involves breaking chores down into categories based on how often they are performed. Chores can then be divided into manageable segments and assigned to specific family members.

Daily

Start the day by making the bed and tidying up the bedroom. Place dirty clothes in the hamper and pick up toys and clutter. Try to do laundry and ironing on a daily basis. A daily vacuuming will reduce particulates and allergens like pet hair and dander. Enlist the help of family members to prepare and cook meals, plan weekly menus and compile grocery lists. Wash the dishes as they are used. Empty the kitchen trash can daily. Institute this simple household rule: if someone uses an item, he must put it back in its place when finished.

Weekly

Weekly chores take a bit more time but can still be accomplished efficiently when split among several people. The kitchen and each bathroom should be thoroughly cleaned. Dust household surfaces and electronics. Vacuum carpets, shake area rugs, then sweep and mop hard-surface floors. Clean all mirrors. Take the trash out for pickup.

Monthly

Once a month, expand the dusting duties to include ceiling fans, window blinds, shutters, molding and wall art. Also dust lamps, lampshades and ceiling light fixtures. Launder bath mats and area rugs. Clean out vacuum cleaner bags or bins. Check and replace air conditioner and furnace filters. Clean telephones, light switches and doorknobs with antibacterial wipes, especially during cold and flu season. Clean and wipe down the refrigerator. Clean out the kitchen pantry and wipe down cabinet fronts. If necessary, wash blankets and comforters.

Biannually

Clean appliances, such as the washer and dishwasher, by running a vinegar-and-water mixture through the wash cycle. Wipe ceiling light fixtures and chandeliers with soap and water. Shampoo carpets to extend their life and remove embedded dirt. Vacuum curtains and drapes. Thoroughly wash windows inside and out. Clean or replace exhaust filters in the bathrooms and kitchen. Check gutters to ensure they are free of leaves and debris. Change out seasonal clothing. Clean out the freezer, throwing away expired food items. Clean the garage floors. Organize tools, gardening items and sporting equipment.

Annually

Eliminate clutter by sorting through unused or ill-fitting clothes. Go through closets, drawers and cabinets and remove toys, books and household items that are no longer wanted. Conduct a yard sale or donate the discards to a charitable organization. Launder or take curtains and drapes to the cleaners. Wash window blinds, waterproof shades and shutters.

References

• Household Management 101: Daily Household Cleaning Schedule for Homes With Children
• Kristin's Guide: Weekly Chores; Kristen Brook Beck; July 2007
• Families.com: Monthly Cleaning Chores; Mary Ann Romans
• Organized-Living-Solutions: Household Chores Checklist
• Home Organization Help: Free House Cleaning Checklist

Resources

• Organized Home: Speed Cleaning Tips From the Professional Cleaners
• Mrs. Clean: How to Deep Clean Your Home
• Baby Center: Ending the Chore Wars
• Empowering Parents: 6 Ways to Get Kids to Do Chores Now