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Cleaning supplies

DIY Cleaning Basket

October 18, 20242 min read

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Spray the Montessori Way

What can be more fun to a child than the ability to get things wet? And not just a little wet, as wet as they want; with just a little movement of the hand.

Just don't tell them it's helpful! ;)

My second child was always the type to want to do everything himself. So whenever I wanted to use my spray bottle to clean, guess who was right beside me, begging to help!? You should have seen his face when I handed him a child-size spray bottle and cleaning basket!

Now both boys have their own cleaning basket and get to use it whenever they want.

Find your things:

  • Baskets- these little caddies are super cute, you can buy the entire set with squeegee and cloths too.

  • String - If you chose a basket that doesn't already have a handle, grab a shoestring or ribbon, something thick and easy to handle.

  • Small spray bottle - I found one at a dollar store, there's one here or grab a set of these beautiful glass spray bottles by Sally Organics

  • Rags - anything you have is fine, my worn out pre-fold cloth diapers work really well to absorb all the water they like to spray!

I tied the string to both ends of the basket to make a handle. Fill the spray bottle with water (only as much as you are willing for your child to spray!), place it along with the rags in the basket. Place the basket in a place where the child can reach it.

Montessori Cleaning Baskets DIY

Presentation

Cleaning something that is visibly dirty makes the lesson more effective.

  1. Tell your child you want to show them something new.

  2. Bring them to where you will keep the basket and say: 'This is your cleaning basket'

  3. Take one item out at a time naming them as you go.

  4. Go to the thing you want to clean.

  5. Show your child how to spray a few times then wipe with a rag. Drying off all of the water you sprayed.

  6. Do it once more then invite your child to finish the job.

  7. Allow your child to keep spraying and cleaning until they are satisfied.

  8. Show your child where to put it away.

Montessori Cleaning Baskets

Variation

Add a squeegee or other cleaning items such as a sponge or small brush.

Make sure to invite your child to help you clean whenever you do.

Follow us on Instagram to see the kids and their spray bottles in action!

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Hear What Others Have to Say

Sarah

My 6 year old made us dinner all by herself last night with the meatball recipe and made a salad to go with it! It was amazing!

I almost didn't know what to do with myself not having to cook or help her. Thank you so much!


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Chelsea

I just read your guide, it was really awesome! I am grateful for the 29 Montessori definitions to help me better understand some of the things I've heard at my daughter's school but never knew what is was. I can't wait to try your recipe with my girls and for your course to come out.

Thank you again!

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Kellie

We don’t do Montessori (except in the atrium) but love following your page. I also ended up finally getting a kids knife set from Amazon and a small jug for pouring milk based on your recommendation ;) Am considering reorganizing my kitchen so kiddos can unload the dishwasher - they already help with cutlery and plastic items.

Will continue to watch your page and stories for inspiration!

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I am your subscriber from another country. Being a Montessori teacher of English for 3 year old kids i find your materials very useful. Thank you.

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