15 Chores Every ’70s Kid Was Expected to Do
Here's a fun dive into the everyday chores that shaped every '70s kid's life at home.
- Daisy Montero
- 4 min read
Long before smartphones and endless screen time, ’70s kids were busy scrubbing, sweeping, and helping around the house. These chores were seen as just another part of growing up and building character. Here is a nostalgic trip through the classic chores every ’70s kid knew all too well.
1. Sweeping Every Inch of the House
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Before robotic vacuums were even a dream, kids grabbed a broom and went to town on every dusty corner. Saturday mornings often meant sweeping until the floors practically sparkled. Missing a single dust bunny usually meant starting all over again.
2. Mowing the Lawn by Hand
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Manual lawn mowers were the soundtrack of suburban ’70s life. Many kids spent sticky afternoons pushing heavy mowers across uneven grass. A neat lawn was a point of pride—and a sweaty badge of honor.
3. Polishing All the Wooden Furniture
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Polish bottles and soft rags were a ’70s cleaning staple. Kids were expected to buff tables, chairs, and cabinets until they shone like new. The lemony smell of furniture polish still triggers memories for many.
4. Helping Sort and Fold Laundry
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Tossing clothes into colorful piles was serious business. Many ’70s kids quickly learned the difference between delicates, towels, and jeans. Folding was a whole other level of “fun” that rarely ended without a few arguments.
5. Stacking Firewood Just Right
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In homes that relied on wood stoves, firewood stacking was a real art form. Kids had to learn how to tightly pile logs so the whole stack would not collapse. Splinters were a small price to pay for a job well done.
6. Washing Dishes by Hand
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Dishwashers were a luxury not every home had, so kids were the dishwashers. Standing over a mountain of soapy plates felt endless after big family dinners. Yes, arguments over who would dry were practically a sport.
7. Watering the Garden Every Evening
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Dragging a heavy hose across the yard was part of the daily summer grind. Kids often got distracted spraying each other instead of the tomatoes. Still, wilting plants meant hearing about it the next day.
8. Taking Out the Trash on Time
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Missing garbage day was a big deal in the ’70s. Kids had to remember when to drag heavy cans out to the curb. No one wanted the embarrassment of overflowing trash by next week.
9. Helping Paint Fences and Walls
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Summer break often came with a paintbrush in hand. Kids would be enlisted to slap fresh coats on backyard fences or living room walls. Masterpieces were rare, but the effort was never forgotten.
10. Feeding the Family Pets
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Every kid had a turn filling food and water bowls. Forgetting meant a disappointed bark or an annoyed meow echoing through the house. Being on “pet duty” built responsibility faster than any lecture.
11. Washing the Family Car by Hand
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Grabbing a bucket and sponge was a rite of passage. Kids would soap, rinse, and wipe down station wagons and sedans until they gleamed. Bonus points if no streaks were left behind.
12. Making Their Bed Every Morning
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Tight hospital corners were the goal, or at least that is what parents said. Every wrinkle was a strike against you in the unspoken ’70s bed-making contest. A made bed meant you started the day on the right foot.
13. Picking Up Toys Before Dinner
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Toys on the living room floor were a major offense after 5 PM. Kids had to scramble to pick up dolls, trucks, and board game pieces before dinner hit the table. Leaving one behind was a risky move.
14. Wiping Down Mirrors and Windows
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Streak-free shine was the ultimate goal, though it rarely happened without a few missed smudges. A bottle of glass cleaner and an old rag were standard-issue supplies. Kids learned quickly that technique mattered.
15. Helping Carry Groceries Inside
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When groceries arrived, every hand was expected to help. Kids toted bags big and small from the car into the kitchen. Complaining about it usually earned an extra bag to carry next time.