Quick & Fun: A Toddler Activity you can set up in Minutes - Window Cleaning

This morning, my toddler spotted me cleaning the mirror and insisted on helping. She dashed off, grabbed the nearest spray bottle within reach, and started spritzing away—luckily, it was just vinegar! Her enthusiasm sparked an idea, and setting it up took less than two minutes.

I pulled out some plastic spray bottles—originally bought for spraying colored water on snow—along with a small squeegee and a floor towel. I demonstrated once, then set the tools in front of a low, toddler-friendly window. She dove in, delighting in her newfound independence as she cleaned to her heart’s content.

Read on for the full details and my top tips to make this a hit with your little one!

Overview of activity:

Recommended age: 2 to 4 years (adaptable for younger kids with closer supervision or simpler tools).

Time to set up: 2 minutes or less

Time to clean up: 2 minutes of less

Messy level: Low for 2- to 4-year-olds (a few splashes at most); younger kids might need a change of clothes.

Materials Needed: Minimal—plastic spray bottle, small squeegee, cloth or towel—versatile items you will reuse.

Skills Used: Strengthens fine motor skills (gripping, wiping), boosts hand-eye coordination (spraying, targeting), concentration, and teaches cause-and-effect (wipe, and it’s clean!).

Engagement & Independence: This is an independent activity, with adult only demonstrating. Engagement and focus will depend on the kiddo and their energy that day, but typically 20 minutes or more if they move to different windows in your house.

Reminder: The parenting choices we make impact our child's ability and willingness to play independently. The choices include the amount & quality of connection received, the child's level of stress on a daily basis, choice of toys and activities (such as using passive toys only) and more. You can cultivate a relationship and environment where your child feels secure, confident and eager to play and explore on their own.

See my recommended parenting books if you'd like to know more or follow along this blog as I continue to share insights and information.

Safety Note: Ensure window safety and be mindful of the risk of slipping if the floor is wet.

Materials Needed

A small spray bottle

I recommend one that is small and light enough for your kiddo to easily hold.

For this activity we typically use a plastic spray bottle with a trigger sprayer. While I generally avoid plastic when there is a better alternative, in this case I do find that using a plastic (light & less breakable) bottle means that my kiddo can do the activity more independently. The plastic one we use is from Dollarama.

Although I am mindful of the risk of it breaking and being dangerous, and the heavier weight - we do also have a glass spray bottle that we use for this activity. I found the 8 oz spray bottles with a trigger sprayer are nice to use (for this and other things around the house). I have linked the pack I purchased.

Adaptions: You can use a different type of sprayer for different types of coordination and strength. Our toddler also likes to play with the 4 oz glass spray bottles we have that have a misting nozzle.

Squeegee

Side note: I did not realize these were called squeegees until writing this blog.

When I first did this activity, I grabbed what we had on hand - which was a medium size squeegee used to clean mirrors and windows. It worked well and my toddler had a great time and was able to manage it just fine, but I do think it is better for her to have something smaller. I have since ordered this 2 pack of smaller squeegees off Amazon. I like that their edges are rounded and they are a better size for toddlers.

I don't think you need to have small ones, but depending on your kiddo's age, coordination and strength - they may find the activity more fun and valuable if they can easily move the squeegee around.

Towel and cloth

I put a towel down to prevent the floor from getting wet (to reduce the risk of slipping), but I also gave my toddler the towel and cloth to use and clean as she wanted to.

Activity adaptation: For younger children who aren't yet able to manage a squeegee - a nice variation of this activity is a spray bottle and a cloth.

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Skills used

Reminder: Children learn through playing. While the goal of these activities and toddler play should not (in my opinion) be solely for children to enhance their skills, it is a natural byproduct of play for them to develop and enhance different skills. As parents we can thus offer opportunities in their environment for them to explore and learn in different ways.

Fine Motor Skills

• What they do: Gripping a cloth or sponge, holding and moving the squeegee, squeezing a spray bottle, and wiping the window.

• How it helps: These small, precise movements strengthen hand muscles and improve dexterity.

Gross Motor Skills

• What they do: Reaching up to clean higher spots or moving side to side along the window.

• How it helps: These larger movements enhance coordination and balance.

  
  

Hand-Eye Coordination

• What they do: Aiming the spray or targeting specific smudges to wipe.

• How it helps: Linking what they see with what their hands do sharpens this critical skill, which is key for everything from catching a ball to eating with utensils.

Sensory Development

• What they do: Feeling the wet cloth, hearing the squeak of wiping, and seeing the window get clearer.

• How it helps: Engaging multiple senses stimulates brain development and helps them process their environment more effectively.

Focus and Concentration

• What they do: Sticking with the task to “finish” cleaning a section.

• How it helps: Even a few minutes of focus builds attention span.

Responsibility and Confidence

• What they do: Doing something they see us do as part of normal house cleaning.

• How it helps: Completing the task gives them a sense of pride and independence, boosting self-esteem and teaching them that their actions make a difference.

Cause and Effect

• What they do: Seeing that wiping removes dirt or smudges.

• How it helps: This early lesson in how actions lead to results fosters problem-solving and logical thinking.

Doing the activity & Involvement

I recommend demonstrating the activity once or twice (spray and then wipe clean using a squeegee) and then handing the items to your toddler or putting them on the ground in front of a window they can clean.

In my case my toddler was happy to do this activity by herself and I walked away and made food in the kitchen (where I could see her from). But if my kiddo needed more of my attention I may choose to either - do the entire activity or spend some time doing it with her, or I would clean the windows higher up or a different window (with actual window cleaner) if I felt she wanted me around but not necessarily needing me to do the task with her.

I don't foster independence in play by forcing it. Instead, I join in and engage when my little one needs me—and when I’m able to—building a foundation of trust. Over time, we’ve done so many things that help her feel secure and eager to play on her own for longer stretches. Follow along for more insights on nurturing this balance!

Conclusion

Watching my toddler gleefully wipe those windows reminded me how simple it can be to turn everyday moments into play that sparks growth. I hope this quick activity inspires you to try it—or tweak it your way—and see the magic unfold with your little one.

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Until next time,

Carmen

P.S. I created a very intentional toddler colouring in book. I recommend having a look :)