Spring Cleaning Safety Tips for Seniors

What is it about spring that makes you want to clean? The sun’s out, the air’s warmer and suddenly nothing sounds better than throwing open the windows and clearing out the clutter.

But before you roll up your sleeves and get to work, remember that spring cleaning also comes with real risks. Reaching too high, bending too low, moving heavy furniture… those tasks can lead to falls, muscle strain and overexertion, especially as you get older. So, work at your own pace, take breaks when your body needs them and don’t hesitate to ask for help.

What Can Go Wrong (and How to Avoid It)

Spring cleaning creates hazards you might not think about until you’re in the middle of it. Wet floors become slippery. Ladders and step stools create fall risks. Heavy cleaning products can be hard to handle and strong chemical fumes can affect your breathing or make you lightheaded. Moving boxes, lifting vacuum cleaners or rearranging furniture can strain your back or joints. The good news? Most of these risks can be managed with a little preparation and the right approach.

Don’t Let a Fall Ruin Your Spring

Falls are the leading cause of injury for older adults, and spring cleaning creates plenty of opportunities for one to happen. Before you start cleaning, clear the clutter. Move stacks of magazines, shoes left in walkways and anything else that could trip you up. Keep floors dry as you clean: mop one section at a time and let it dry before moving on. Wear shoes with good grip, not socks or slippers. And resist the urge to climb on chairs or reach for high spots. If you can’t get to it safely from the ground, it’s a task to delegate.

Listen to Your Body

Your back, knees and shoulders will tell you when you’re overdoing it. If you need to lift something, bend at your knees and hold it close to your body. If it feels too heavy, stop and ask someone to help. Break big jobs into smaller chunks and spread them out over several days instead of tackling everything at once. Take breaks when you need them. And use tools designed to make the work easier: long-handled dusters for high spots, lightweight vacuums and mops with extendable handles.

Room-by-Room Safety Tips

Kitchen: Wet floors are slippery, so wipe up any spills as they happen. Store your heavy pots and casserole dishes so you’re not hoisting them over your head. And if you’re tackling the oven or stovetop with a heavy-duty cleaner, crack a window, and let the fumes clear before you go back in.

Living Areas: Clean around furniture instead of trying to move it yourself. If you absolutely need to get behind something, ask someone to help. Watch out for the vacuum cord, as it’s easy to trip over when you’re backing up. And use an extendable duster for ceiling fans and high shelves instead of dragging out a ladder.

Bedroom: Strip and change bedding one piece at a time to avoid straining your back. And when you’re organizing closets, put the things you use most at eye level.

Bathroom: Place a non-slip mat in the tub or shower before you start scrubbing. Bathrooms are small and fumes from cleaners build up fast, so open the window or turn on the fan. Keep supplies within arm’s reach so you’re not twisting around or bending awkwardly to grab what you need.

Garage or Basement: Bring extra lights or a flashlight if the lighting is dim. Wear sturdy shoes. And don’t try to move boxes or furniture on your own – injuries can happen when you least expect it.

Use Cleaning Products Wisely

Some cleaning products can be dangerous. Strong fumes can cause headaches, dizziness and breathing trouble, especially if you have asthma or COPD. Harsh chemicals burn your hands. And mixing the wrong ones, like bleach with ammonia-based cleaners, releases toxic fumes.

Here’s how to stay safe:

• Choose non-toxic, mild cleansers when possible
• Keep windows open or use a fan to maintain airflow
• Read labels carefully and follow dilution instructions
• Never mix cleaning products
• Wear gloves to protect your hands from irritation

Know When to Ask for Help

Asking for help is nothing to feel guilty about. In fact, knowing your limits and reaching out is smart. Some tasks are better left to others such as moving heavy furniture, cleaning high windows, scrubbing floors on your hands and knees, hauling boxes to the attic or basement and deep-cleaning carpets or upholstery.

Consider hiring a cleaning service for the big jobs or ask family members to pitch in for an afternoon. You don’t have to do it all yourself, and trying to can put your health at risk.

When You Need More Than Cleaning Help

A safe, comfortable home matters to your overall health. If you need help with cleaning or housekeeping, we don’t provide that, but we’re happy to connect you with third-party resources who can help.

What we can provide is skilled nursing care. Ohioans Home Health & Hospice nurses manage medications, monitor chronic conditions and support recovery after hospitalization. Our focus is on your medical needs so you can stay healthy and safe at home.

To learn more about how we can help, call 855-600-0806 or contact us today.