Spring Cleaning Made Easier

Company’s coming and now that there is finally some sun shining, it only highlights the dust bunnies forming in corners and under tables.  And where did all those spiderwebs come from?

While the garden may be in need of attention, Spring is also a great time to open the windows and give the house a good deep cleaning.  But older adults may find stooping to scrub floors or reaching on step stools to dust high cupboards may not be as easy or safe as it once was.

There are a number of tools that can help make light work of spring cleaning.  And giving the house a deep clean can also help reduce allergies.

Deep Cleaning Without Bending

• Starting from the top down, look for long-handled dusters that can telescope to reach high fans, lights or cabinets.  Newer synthetic fibers trap dust and dirt, preventing it from landing on everything else or just being pushed around.
• After dusting, a thorough vacuuming will pick up all the loose dust and dirt that can accumulate in carpets, rugs and on upholstery.  By selecting a lightweight, rechargeable vacuum, older adults will have a easier time without the hassle of cords or trying to lug a heavy machine around.  Consider having a vacuum upstairs and down if you live in a two story house to avoid carrying it up and down the stairs.
• Washing drapes and cleaning windows can instantly make a house feel more open and fresh feeling while reducing allergens.  But if taking down drapes is too big a job, use the tools supplied with your vacuum to remove dust.
• Forget washing floors on your hands and knees, there are a host of new microfiber floor mops that sanitize and pick up dirt with just water.  Toss the pad in the wash and it can be reused over and over.  No stooping, no wringing and no buckets.   There are even long-handled tools angled to clean baseboards without getting down on your knees.
• Don’t forget to wash bedding and towels regularly as well;  Martha Stewart recommends washing towels after three uses and sheets once a week. Most mattresses need to be flipped and rotated to keep support firm and a good vacuuming will help remove dust and mites. We spend a third of our lives in bed and a good night’s sleep is important to overall health and well being, so it’s worth spending a little extra effort making your bed a clean, comfortable space.
• Seniors can also use a long-armed light bulb changers to replace bulbs in high fixtures or put the grand kids to work while they are visiting.  There are also companies that clean fixtures and replace light bulbs in hard-to-reach places.
• Finally, try to keep junk from piling up which makes cleaning difficult.  Piles of newspapers, throw rugs and other clutter can be a fall hazard for older adults.  A clean, well-lit home not only feels good, it can help keep older adults aging in place longer and safer.