Safety First: 19 Tips for a Safe Spring Cleaning
, by AussiePharmaDirect, 9 min reading time
Spring has arrived, bringing with it a burst of energy and the inevitable urge to refresh our living spaces. Amidst the excitement, you've got your spring clean checklist ready but it’s essential to prioritise safety while diving into the spring cleaning frenzy.
Safety might not sound as glamorous as your cleaning daydreams, but it's your best bet to avoid any unwanted mishaps from a mere simple task like reaching out for that stubborn dust at the corner of the ceiling with a feather duster only to end up with a broken leg from falling off the ladder.
Here are our 19 tips for a safe spring clean!
Tip 1: Plan your cleaning tasks for every room in your home
When you plan, you can allocate the right amount of time for each room. This ensures that you don't find yourself in a time crunch, frantically dusting the living room while the oven cleaner sits untouched in the kitchen. By giving each room its due time, you can clean thoroughly without rushing through the process.
Tip 2: Create a checklist of spring cleaning essentials to stay organised
Knowing what tasks lie ahead with a spring cleaning checklist allows you to gather all the necessary cleaning supplies in advance. No more running back and forth between rooms, searching for that elusive glass cleaner. With a planned approach, you can have all your tools at your fingertips, saving time and frustration.
Tip 3: Wear appropriate clothing to safeguard your skin and be comfortable
Dust can trigger discomfort, especially if you have allergies. Long-sleeved shirts and pants act as a protective barrier, minimising direct contact with the irritant. But long sleeves and pants don’t have to mean sweating buckets! Choose fabrics that allow your skin to breathe, keeping you cool and comfortable while also allowing you to move freely throughout your cleaning spree.
Tip 4: Use gloves to shield your hands
Many cleaning agents contain potent chemicals that can strip your skin of its natural oils, leaving your hands dry, irritated, and in desperate need of some TLC. Gloves act as a barrier against them, preventing contact and reducing the risk of allergies and irritations. Rubber gloves may be a common thing to use for cleaning but if you’re looking for gloves that are puncture and chemical resistant that do not slip from your hands easily, go for nitrile gloves.
Tip 5: Wear safety goggles
When it comes to spring cleaning, some tasks can be a bit, well, dusty and unpredictable. Take cleaning ceiling fans, for instance. One swift swipe, and suddenly you find yourself in a whirlwind of dust particles. To shield your precious peepers from unexpected airborne debris, consider adding safety goggles to your cleaning ensemble.
Tip 6: Ensure proper ventilation
Without adequate ventilation, strong fumes from cleaning products, dust, and other particles can accumulate indoors. Opening windows and doors allows these pollutants and smell to escape, ensuring that you breathe cleaner, fresher air while you work.
Tip 7: Wear a face mask
While spring cleaning rejuvenates your home, it can also stir up dust, mould spores, and chemical particles that pose risks to your respiratory system. Protecting your lungs is paramount, and that’s where masks or respirators come into play. For a more effective protection, consider using the AMD P2 mask, as the nano-filter can filter out ≥ 99.66% of airborne particles.
Tip 8: Ladder safety
Spring cleaning often involves reaching new heights, quite literally. Whether you’re cleaning high shelves, replacing light bulbs, or tackling other elevated tasks, keep in mind these 3 things:- Inspect ladders for stability - Check for loose or damaged parts, such as rungs or hinges. Ensure that the ladder's feet and base are in good condition.
- Maintain three points of contact - This means having two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand, in contact with the ladder at all times. Avoid overreaching; instead, descend and reposition the ladder if you can't reach a specific area without stretching too far.
Have someone hold the ladder steady - If you're working at a significant height or performing tasks that require both hands, have a helper hold the ladder steady. A second pair of hands ensures that the ladder remains stable, reducing the risk of accidents. If a helper isn't available, consider using ladder stabilisers or braces for added security.
Tip 9: Electrical safety
Here are some vital tips to keep in mind as you power up your cleaning devices and gadgets:
- Inspect cords for damage - Before plugging in any device, carefully inspect the cords for any signs of damage. Look for frayed wires, exposed conductors, or cracks in the insulation. If you spot any issues, replace the cord immediately.
- Avoid overloading electrical outlets - Overloading electrical outlets is a recipe for disaster. If you need to plug in multiple devices in one area, use power strips with built-in surge protectors.
Keep cords away from water and prevent tripping hazards - Water and electricity are a dangerous combination. Always keep electrical cords away from water sources, ensuring that there's no chance of them getting wet. Additionally, use cord organisers to prevent tripping hazards
Tip 10: Never mix different cleaning products
It might sound like a shortcut to a super cleaner, but mixing different cleaning products can be extremely hazardous. Different chemicals can react, producing harmful fumes, or even causing explosions. Always read product labels carefully, and use one cleaning product at a time. Be sure your cleaning area is also well-ventilated.
Tip 11: Lift objects safely
Lifting heavy objects might seem like a straightforward task, but improper techniques can lead to strained muscles and back injuries. Here’s how to lift smart and lift safe:
- Use proper lifting technique - When lifting, bend your knees and keep your back straight. Avoid bending at the waist, as it puts unnecessary strain on your spine.
- Test the weight - Before lifting, test the object’s weight by pushing it gently with your foot or hand. If it feels too heavy, ask for assistance. Heavy items should never be lifted alone, especially if you have a medical condition or if you are pregnant.
Consider using tools or equipment - For exceptionally heavy items, consider using tools or equipment like dollies, hand trucks, or furniture sliders.
Tip 12: Keep floors dry
Spills are inevitable, especially during cleaning. The key is addressing them immediately. Keep cleaning cloths or paper towels handy and tackle spills as soon as they occur to prevent any accidents.
Tip 13: Secure loose rugs and carpets
Loose rugs or carpets can easily slip and cause accidents, especially in high-traffic areas. For carpets that tend to bunch up or curl at the edges, double-sided carpet tape is a simple yet effective solution. Additionally, you can consider using rug grippers to anchor the rug in place.
Tip 14: Use sharp and well-maintained tools
Sharp tools are not only more effective but also safer to use, especially when you need to prune the bushes and cut grasses. Dull blades can slip, leading to accidents.
Tip 15: Store sharp objects in a designated area
Sharp objects like knives, saws, or box cutters should be stored in a designated area, preferably in a locked toolbox. This prevents accidental cuts and keeps these items out of reach of children.
Tip 16: Wash your hands thoroughly after cleaning
You may have worn gloves as you clean but hand washing is still a fundamental aspect of personal hygiene. Regular hand washing after cleaning establishes a healthy habit.
Tip 17: Dispose of cleaning materials and wastes responsibly
Cleaning product labels often contain information about proper disposal methods. Read these labels carefully, and follow the recommended instructions. Some products can be safely disposed of down the drain, while others require special handling and disposal.
Tip 18: Secure trash bags for clean and tidy disposal
As you wrap up your spring cleaning, the last thing you want is for your hard work to go to waste due to messy trash disposal. Properly securing trash bags before tossing them in the bin prevent spills and leaks.
Tip 19: Stay hydrated
Cleaning is a physical activity that can lead to dehydration. Remember to keep a water bottle handy and drink plenty of water throughout the day. Hydration is essential for maintaining your energy levels, enhancing concentration, and supporting overall well-being.
Give yourself a pat in the back, reward yourself and recharge!
After a day of physical activity, your body and mind need rest. Allow yourself the luxury of relaxation. Put your feet up, indulge in a little quiet time, or enjoy a short nap. Or treat yourself to something special—a favourite meal, a relaxing bath, a good book, or a favourite movie. Rewarding yourself reinforces the sense of satisfaction derived from completing your tasks, making your hard work feel truly worthwhile.