How to Spring Clean Like a Spring Chicken
By Michael Sweigart, Founder of FurZapper ~
Springtime is 2 months away, meaning millions of households across the country are preparing for their annual spring-cleaning session where they deep clean every inch of their home. But for older adults, taking a dive into the deepest and darkest crevices of their house isn’t always easy. Mobility issues, low energy levels, and health restraints can make it difficult to keep their home clean, let alone do a deep clean. But older adults can still spring clean like a spring chicken with these tips:
1. Make a plan
Creating a plan or schedule for yourself can help you accomplish everything you want by the end of the week. A good suggestion would be to designate cleaning certain rooms or spaces every day. This way you’re not trying to tackle your entire home or apartment and can preserve your energy. Start at one end of the house in the beginning of the week and work your way through the rest of it. By the end of the week, you’ll have a sparkling home and not feel overworked.
2. Take breaks
Don’t push yourself too hard. By taking breaks when you need them you can save yourself from exhaustion and potential injury. Dirty dishes, a messy shower, and laundry that needs to be folded aren’t going anywhere! Take your time when cleaning and don’t feel rushed. Between rooms, you can watch TV, read a book, take a nap, etc. Cleaning doesn’t have to be done within a certain amount of time, and by getting ahead of yourself you could make it harder.
3. Take advantage of gadgets or devices
There are millions of products on the market today that help make cleanup easier. From vacuums that also mop, to mops for the shower. And for anyone with pets, cleaning up their fur doesn’t have to seem like a constant battle. With products like the FurZapper, cleaning up pet hair can be as simple as a load of laundry. It can be used to clean clothes, sheets, blankets, and anything else you throw in the washer/dryer. It’s designed to remove fur, hair, lint, and dander.
4. Avoid harsh chemicals
Using harsh chemicals can create toxic fumes which can make you nauseous, dizzy, and tired. There’s a large variety of eco-friendly, clean products available today that work just as well without having to worry about making yourself sick. Take advantage of them and you might even find yourself being able to clean for longer periods of time and doing less damage to your skin.
5. Ask for help
There are some spaces that might seem uncleanable because there are heavy objects that need to be moved or tight spaces you can’t seem to get your hand in. Acknowledge when or if you need help and don’t be afraid to reach out to a family member and ask for a bit of assistance. It will likely make cleaning much easier for you, and you can get done faster. If you live in a senior living community or center, you can also ask staff members for help and coordinate a time when they stop by.
