Have you ever pulled or strained a muscle while vacuuming or scrubbing floors? Have you ever suffered a serious injury in your home whilst cleaning. If you have, you’re not alone — as statistics show that most accidents and musculoskeletal injuries happen in the home.
When the correct procedures aren’t followed, even the most mundane of household tasks can result in a significant injury. But the simple truth is that most of these accidents and incidents can be prevented.
Follow these seven tips for safe cleaning in the home, and you can drastically reduce your chances of suffering an injury.
1. Stretch and warm-up first
That’s right — warming up isn’t just for professional athletes. If you’re about to start vacuuming, scrubbing floors or gardening, you’re going to be putting a lot of strain on your major muscle groups. And if you’re not used to this level of exertion, the chances of injury are quite high.
Perform a few basic stretches; touching your toes, flexing your hips and stretching your hamstrings are just a few of the exercises that could help. If you have pain or discomfort in certain muscles already, take the time to gently stretch them. Pay particular attention to your back, arms and legs — as they do the bulk of the work when you’re cleaning.
2. Clean little and often
Repetitive strain injury is a serious issue for people who clean every day. You can reduce the chances of this happening by taking regular breaks — and cleaning little and often. If you’re taking on a big cleaning job, break it up into 15-minute chunks, and take lots of breaks.
3. Use the right tools
In many cases, injuries occur because people are using the wrong tools for the wrong jobs. If you’re cleaning your kitchen floor, for example, use a mop with a long handle — and avoid the old-fashioned method of getting down on your hands and knees.
A lot of back injuries occur when during vacuuming. If you have a history of back problems, consider a canister vacuum cleaner, which can be pulled around. Alternatively, opt for a cordless or stick cleaner, as they’re generally lighter and easier to manoeuvre. There are also some very good detachable and handheld vacuum cleaning units that are easier to manage. Just make sure you fully utilise all of the various attachments and accessories — they’re designed to make your life easier.
If you ever have to clean at height — for windows and lights etc. — use a sturdy pair of step ladders. Never use chairs or other items of furniture to reach awkward areas.
4. Get help with the big stuff
A lot of injuries occur because people try to take on too much. If you have to lift some heavy furniture, for example, wait until you have someone to help you. Never carry more than you’re comfortable with; and when you do, bend your knees, keep the object close to you and clear your path before you begin.
5. Mind the wet floors
Never soak your hard flooring in water — there’s just no need. Instead, clean small areas of floor with a damp, wrung-out mop before moving onto the next small section. Start in the corner of the room opposite to the door you’ll be leaving through. This will ensure you never have to walk over your damp floors. And always restrict access to the room until the floor is completely dry.
Alternatively, you can use a steam mop to clean your floors. The latest models deliver the optimum amount of superheated steam — leaving your floor almost completely dry seconds after cleaning it. The great thing about this method is you don’t need to use cleaning chemicals.
6. Take your time
Rushing cleaning jobs dramatically increases the risk of injury. If you don’t have time to complete one of the bigger chores in your home, don’t start it. You know your own body, so work at a pace you’re comfortable with — and stop if you feel any pain or sudden twinges.
7. Keep children away
Whatever and wherever you’re cleaning, there’s bound to be some disruption. If you’re vacuuming, there could be a trailing wire. If you’re cleaning your kitchen floor, it could be slippy. If you’re cleaning the bathroom, there could be potentially harmful chemicals around. Wherever possible, perform the big cleaning jobs when your children are well and truly out of the way.
Even a slightly strained back has the potential to keep you off work, so always think about your body when you’re cleaning at home.
