Laundry Chores for Kids by Age

Young girl folding towels.Laundry chores help kids learn an essential life skill.

Here are the common wash day chores and the ages by which most kids are able to do them. Once a child reaches an individual skill or age level, he can generally do the chores for his age group and those for the age groups below.

If your child has been doing some of the wash with you for a few years now, he may be ready for some of the wash-day tasks above his age level, if safety isn't an issue. This guide to laundry chores for kids by age to help.

Laundry Chores for Kids Ages 2 and Under:

  • Put dirty clothes in the hamper if the top is low enough.

Ages 3 To 5:

  • Previous chore, plus:
  • Remove clothes from the dryer.
  • Help fold clothes.
  • Take clean, folded clothes to his or her room.
  • Air-tumble throw pillows in dryer.

Ages 6 to 9:

  • Previous chores, plus:
  • Take hampers to the laundry room on wash day.
  • Fold simple clothes items.
  • Match socks from dryer.

Ages 10 to 13:

  • Previous chores, plus:
  • Sort, wash, and fold clothes.
  • Change bed linens.


Ages 14 to 17:

  • Previous chores, plus:
  • Clean the dryer exhaust vent.
  • Sew on buttons and mend torn clothes. (This could be a heavy-duty chore for extra pay or privileges.)
  • Remove dust ruffle from beds to wash or dry-clean.


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