Nothing says spring quite like spring cleaning. As the weather grows warmer and the days go longer, we sometimes can’t help that deep-seated urge to refresh our space after a long winter spent indoors.
When we get older or as our loved ones age and fall further under our care, spring cleaning becomes even more important. Keeping a healthy, sanitary space that’s free of clutter and that poses less risk for injury or falls is key to keeping our homes a great place to live. Plus, everyone deserves a clean and comfortable space to relax in, especially with the added stress of taking care of others.
However, as we age and our mobility, strength, and vision start to decline, spring cleaning can become more of a daunting event than just a yearly chore. So, we’ve collected a few spring cleaning tips for seniors and those who take on the important responsibility of caring for them that can help make their spring cleaning a safer experience.
Gloves and cleaning rag
- Avoid Lifting or Moving Heavy Items
If you’ve got an itch to vacuum the hard-to-reach crannies behind the fridge or capture those dust bunnies under the couch, get a helping hand. Trying to move furniture or boxes can cause muscle strain and joint damage, which could not only bring your spring deep clean to a halt but could leave you achy and out of commission for days – or even severely injured. Instead of lifting, pulling, or pushing heavy items, try to use dollies, wheels, or straps to lighten the load. Even asking for a helping hand or two can drastically decrease your chances of hurting yourself. If you do injure yourself, make sure to rest and consult a doctor for care instructions.
- Use Chemicals Safely
We may not realize it, but with hundreds of different cleaners on the shelves in the grocery store, our homes can become as dangerous as chemistry labs. Think of how many different chemicals you’re using in your bathroom alone. Many of us may not understand the dangerous reactions that can occur when mixing cleaners. For example, bleach and your standard toilet bowl cleaner can create chlorine gas which burns the respiratory system and is incredibly toxic. As we’ve brought in more disinfectants and cleaners as a result of the pandemic, make sure to be extra careful about chemicals in the house. Opt for multi-purpose cleaners to minimize accidental concoctions.
Also, when it comes to using chemicals, make sure to always wear gloves to reduce the contact they make with your skin. Nearly all cleansers can irritate or damage our skin and eyes and can even cling and linger on clothes, hair, and rags.
Even when you’re not using them, household cleansers can be dangerous. For instance, did you know that aerosol cans can explode when exposed to heat? Follow label instructions when storing your cleaning supplies.
- Store Supplies Within Reach
Speaking of storing supplies, there never seems to be a good place to keep your cleaners, rags, brooms and whatever else you may need, especially when they’re grimy and unsightly. So they often get chucked in high cabinets and under sinks. However, when it becomes a little more difficult for us to move around, getting to these places can pose dangers. Think of trying to pull out that steam cleaner that’s been jammed in the hall closet. It’s easier than you’d think to injure yourself before the cleaning even begins.
- Clean Out Your Medicine Cabinets
When you’re not feeling well, there’s nothing better than having a box of medicine at the ready, meaning you won’t have to run to the pharmacy. And after years of poison ivy, headaches, allergies, and whatever other ailments we’ve equipped ourselves for, our medicine cabinets can become their own kind of Frankenstein pharmacy – and that includes the horrors that come with it.
When you’re spring cleaning, take a look at your medicine cupboard and throw away any expired medications. Take note of what needs to be replaced and organize what’s left, so you can easily grab relief when you need it.
- Downsize, Declutter, and Organize
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