DIY

Cleaning Safety

When most people set about to tidy up their houses, their minds probably wander to topics like how long it’s been since the shower was last scrubbed or whether there’s time to clean out the fridge before a webinar starts. What very few people stop to think about is cleaning safety. However, it’s an important factor as you go about your routine housekeeping.

You already know that there are products that should never be mixed and that you should unplug your garbage disposal when scrubbing it. However, there are certain practices that you may not ever consider, so take a look at several cleaning safety tips from the professional housekeepers at Merry Maids.

Some Jobs Call for Two People

While the vast majority of housework can be carried out solo, there are specific tasks that require the buddy system.

Moving large furniture: Ask for help when moving heavy furniture or pulling your fridge out to clean behind it. You only have one back and set of knees. Keep them intact!
Cleaning up high: Make sure there’s someone on hand to steady the ladder or spot you when you’re cleaning light fixtures, ceiling fans, the tops of shelves or even taking down tall drapes.

Protect Your Eyes

As you get in the thick of cleaning, there will be mists of product in the air, dust flying and who knows what else. None of those items are good for your eyes, so make sure you practice smart cleaning safety. Wear protective eyewear and hold spray bottles far from your face. In addition, you should always check to be certain nozzles are aimed in the right direction (meaning pointed away from your eyes) before you apply a cleaner.

Be Aware of Your Surroundings

This is one of the top cleaning safety tips you’ll ever receive. So many cleaning accidents occur when people simply aren’t paying attention or are caught up in what they’re doing. As you work, be mindful of where you are and what’s surrounding you. For example, keep an eye on cords while you vacuum so that you don’t trip and injure yourself.

You should also work from the top to bottom when cleaning on stairways, and make sure you’re standing sideways to lessen your chances of falling. Additionally, watch out for buckets of mop water that could be spilled and slippery spots on your floor.

Bonus tip: Always wear shoes with good tread while cleaning to help prevent slips and tumbles.

Organize Your Cleaning Gear

Staying centralized helps you remain focused on your surroundings. If you have all the products and tools you need for a task, you won’t have to run all over the house gathering supplies as you work. This will allow you to clean more efficiently and can also help fend off accidents, since you’re limiting the area in which you’re moving about.

Remember Cleaners are Chemicals

Many commercial cleaning products consist of harsh chemicals that can make you sick if you breathe them in or can cause burns if you spill them on your skin. Keep this in mind during your housekeeping, and be certain to follow the instructions on bottles of cleaning solutions.

When possible, take extra precautions, such as opening windows or turning on fans for ventilation — especially in small quarters like bathrooms — and wearing gloves. You might also look into do-it-yourself cleaners and natural options, such as distilled white vinegar or lemon juice.

Bonus tip: Know how to properly store cleaning supplies to help prevent kids and pets from getting into them.

This is by no means a comprehensive list, but it should help you practice better cleaning safety in the future. And if you’re finding life is keeping you so busy that you don’t have time to stay on top of the housework, let Merry Maids lend a hand. Our housekeeping professionals will be happy to keep your home neat and tidy, so that you can go on living your best life.