I’m dreaming of a completely clean kitchen without the need for me to lift a finger. I’ve got five kids at home who take turns cleaning up after each meal, and each of them is old enough to do most of these tasks, although I don’t let my nine-year-olds wash the sharp knives yet.
My kitchen would be clean by the time I wander in there at night before bed, if everyone assigned the chore knew what defines a clean kitchen in my home. My children and I take turns with different aspects of kitchen cleaning as each child is assigned a part of the chore based on age and maturity level.
I’ve been finding that the things I have to do right before bedtime are simple things that even the youngest could do – if only they knew it was part of the job.
Well, my goal is for every child in my home to leave home understanding what a “clean kitchen” means, but I guess it’s been a while since I did on-the-job training and I’d forgotten I had to teach the skill of finishing to my oldest kids too. And that’s why I first created the original printable several years ago.
So I’ve been planning to update the free printable kitchen cleaning checklist for my own family for ages, and tonight I finally made it happen. My copy is printing right now and tomorrow I will fire up the laminator and put this baby into good use!
Here’s the thing: I got started, and then I couldn’t decide on which style I wanted. So I created three different styles so you can download the file, choose your style, and print out the one you want. You could even alternate between the styles to keep things fresh!
I highly recommend laminating your kitchen cleaning checklist, and having your kids mark off each item as they complete it with a wipe on/wipe off marker. That way you can enjoy the beautiful color print without having to re-print a new copy each night!
The three styles we are offering for free include Vintage, Floral, and Smoothie. Each free printable kitchen cleaning checklist is ready to print, laminate or frame, and hang prominently in your kitchen.
Here are the questions I’m asking to make sure the kitchen is completely clean. If you can think of any other questions to add, please leave suggestions in the comments of this post!
- Have you emptied and filled the dishwasher?
- Have you double-checked to make sure you found all of the cups and silverware and other dishes scattered around?
- Have you started the dishwasher?
- Have you washed all dishes that can’t go in the dishwasher?
- Have you wiped off all countertops, appliance surfaces, and small appliances?
- Have you put away small appliances that are not stored on the counter?
- Have you stored all food including leftovers, spices, condiments and oils?
- Have you put away all unused paper goods like foil, parchment, and napkins?
- Have you cleaned up any liquid spills on the countertop or floor?
- Have you discarded all trash?
- Have you removed all stinky towels to the laundry room?
A printable? Great minds think alike!
My day seems to start smoother when I walk into the kitchen and it is already clean, so leaving it that way when I go to bed each night is a goal.
This is perfect timing, my mom came over today and helped me clean my kitchen (floors, stove, counters, etc…) now if I can only keep it this way.
Love it!
Love it! Printed it! Hanging it in my kitchen! 🙂
Well, I need to get rid of the first one. But what a great list!
I emailed you the modified list 🙂
Love it. These are all items my 5 and 7 yr old have to do each day. I think you need to make one for younger kids with photos 🙂
Hmmm… I’ll try.It might take me a bit though.
The image is not giving me a pdf link. Would you let me know when it is fixed please.
I am so sorry! Thank you for letting me know. I believe I fixed the link. Let me know if you have any more problems with it!
I definitely agree that there is nothing better than clean kitchen! Thanks for the cleaning checklist. It’s extremely helpful! Greetings
This post is a total lifesaver! The free printable in three style choices is such a thoughtful touch. It’s like turning chores into a stylish mission. Thanks for making adulting a tad more fun and a lot more organized! Time to tackle my kitchen with flair!