15 Easy Spring Cleaning Tips for Seniors
Spring is the perfect time to clean and freshen up your home and get it ready for warmer weather. While it can be challenging to manage some cleaning tasks as we get older, there are some tips that can make them easier. Hopefully, these spring cleaning tips for seniors will help you enjoy a fresh and tidy home this season!
1. Declutter your home
One of the best ways to tackle spring cleaning is to declutter your home and get rid of any excess items that you don’t use or need.
The rule of thumb is to declutter before you clean. It will make your cleaning tasks easier and make your home feel more spacious and organized.
As you go through each room, ask yourself if you need each item. If the answer is no, then donate it or throw it away.
If you need some help in this area, the Declutter Workbook is a practical guide containing simple, easy-to-follow steps for decluttering your home.
2. Create a cleaning schedule
A great way to make sure that your spring cleaning is done is to create a cleaning schedule. This will help you stay on track and make sure that nothing is forgotten.
One way to develop your schedule is to list each room and the tasks that need to be done in each one. Break them down into manageable tasks that you can complete over a week or two or even a month. Remember to allocate a specific amount of time to each task.
This way, you will be more likely to stick with your schedule until everything on your list is checked off.
3. Use natural cleaners
There are a lot of harsh chemicals in commercial cleaning products. These can be dangerous for seniors, especially if anyone has respiratory issues or other health problems.
Opt for natural cleaners instead. Several different cleaning solutions use ingredients you already have in your home, like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice. These cleaners are safer for you to use, and in many cases, they can work just as well as chemical-based cleaners.
4. Use proper tools
Using tools to minimize bending and reaching is another one of the spring cleaning tips for seniors. This tip will make cleaning easier on your body.
Here are a few examples:
- Long-handled standing dustpan – reduces bending when sweeping dirt into the dustpan
- Cordless tub and tile scrubber – an electric tool that can clean all kinds of surfaces quickly and easily while reducing physical exertion
- A long-handled extendable duster – clean hard-to-reach areas like the top of cabinets, ceilings, shelves, and cobwebs that might be out of normal reach
- Automated vacuum – press start and this vacuum does the work variety of different automated vacuum cleaners on the mark
- Cordless vacuum – Avoids having to plug and unplug your vacuum and reduce tripping over cords
- Grabber reach tool – No need to bend down to retrieve small items from the floor
5. Clean out the medicine cabinet
Cleaning out the medicine cabinet is another one of the important spring cleaning tips for seniors. This is a great time to get rid of any expired or unused medication.
Take this opportunity to organize the medicine cabinet so that it’s more efficient. This will make it easier to find what you need when you need it.
One way to do this is to group medications by type. For example, put all the painkillers in one spot and all the allergy medications in another.
6. Fight pet hair with ease
Dealing with pet hair can be a real challenge, especially if you have a shedding dog or cat. Thankfully, there are a couple of tips that can make this task easier.
One way to remove pet hair from your furniture is to use a damp rubber glove. Run the glove over the surface of your couch or chair, and the pet hair will stick to the glove.
Removing pet hair with a lint roller is another option.
7. Use a lint roller on lampshades
Speaking of lint rollers, lampshades can be a magnet for dust, and they can be difficult to clean. The best way to clean them is to use a lint roller.
This will pick up all the dust and dirt, and it’s much easier than trying to vacuum or wipe them down.
This does not take a lot of energy and exertion and will make you feel as if you have accomplished something.
8. Windowsills
Windowsills are often overlooked when it comes to cleaning, but they can be a breeding ground for dust and dirt.
To clean them, use a damp cloth. Be sure to get in all the nooks and crannies, as this is where most of the dirt will accumulate.
9. Fridge & Freezer
Now is the time to clean out your fridge and get rid of any expired food.
Using natural cleaners like white vinegar diluted with water is a good choice to use on fridge shelves. On top of that, you can be sure that no chemical residue from commercial cleaners will be on the shelves.
While you’re cleaning out your fridge, take the opportunity to clean out your freezer as well.
10. Pantry
Along with your fridge, be sure to clean out your pantry as part of your spring cleaning. This is another great opportunity to get rid of any expired food, or food that you don’t eat anymore.
You can also use this time time to organize your pantry so that it’s more efficient. This will make it easier to find what you’re looking for and keep your food from going bad.
Make use of Lazy Susans, shelves, and baskets to keep everything organized. And be sure to label everything so that you know where it goes.
11. Clean blinds & shutters
Blinds and shutters can be a pain to clean, but it’s important to take of this, as dust will build up.
An easy way to clean them is with a pair of old socks. Spray the socks with cleaner, put the socks on your hands and run them over your blinds and shutters, using a horizontal motion. And they will be clean in no time!
12. Be mindful of tripping hazards
Take a look at your rugs and carpets and determine if they’re tripping hazards. For instance, if your rugs slide around easily, it might be time to get a new rug pad to minimize this.
Also take a look at where your furniture is placed. Are you bumping into it often? Is it in a safe spot? If not, maybe it’s time to rearrange your furniture so that it’s more convenient and safer for you. Ensuring that you have clear pathways in your home is critical.
If your furniture needs to be rearranged, get some help. Do not move heavy furniture by yourself to avoid injury.
13. Remember your wires
While you’re looking at your furniture placement, take a look at your electrical cords. Are they in a safe spot? Are they out of the way? If not, it’s time to rearrange them for safety reasons.
You should also take this opportunity to dust off your electrical outlets. They can get dirty, and it’s important to keep them clean so that they work properly.
Finally, check your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure that they’re working properly. This is a good time to test them and change the batteries if necessary.
14. Ask for help
Cleaning can be a lot of work, especially if you live in a large home. If you find that you’re struggling to keep up with the cleaning, enlist some help.
This could be hiring a professional cleaner or asking a friend or family member to come over and lend a hand.
15. Clean the baseboards
Baseboards are often overlooked when it comes to cleaning, but they can be a breeding ground for dust and dirt.
To clean them, use a vacuum with a brush attachment. Using a vacuum will reduce the amount of bending you have to do, and it’s a great way to get the job done quickly
Alternatively, attach a dryer sheet to a broom handle with an elastic band and use it to clean your baseboards. This is a great way to dust them without having to get down on your hands and knees. The static from the dryer sheet will pick up the particles of dust and dirt.
Recap
Spring cleaning doesn’t have to be a dreaded task. With these helpful spring cleaning tips for seniors, you can get it done quickly and easily. Just remember to work in small chunks of time, use natural cleaners, and fight pet hair with ease. You’ll have your home clean and fresh in no time. And don’t forget to enjoy the spring weather while you’re at it!
Remember to ask for help with heavier chores, maintain your safety by keeping pathways clear, and dust your electrical outlets!
Stay on track by creating a schedule. You’ll have your home clean and fresh in no time!
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Just finished cleaning laundry room. Recycled or through out partial containers of different cleaning products or bug sprays etc. Most of it has been there for several years. A relief to get it done. Thanks for all the tips you provide.
That’s great, Cheryl 😊
Glad to help!