Vacuuming a home regularly can be a laborious, time-consuming job at the best of times — but even more so for people living with a disability. While most of us take lifting, bending and carrying weight for granted, others find even the most basic of household cleaning tasks tough.
Vacuuming involves supporting the weight of a machine, making tight turns, bending down, reaching into awkward areas and the use of several joints. These actions can be very challenging, but if you have the right equipment along with the right approach, you might be able to make this essential cleaning job a little easier.
Buy a lightweight vacuum cleaner
The lighter a vacuum cleaner is, the easier handling it becomes. However, in the past, purchasing a lightweight model meant sacrificing power and functionality. But if you check out the latest lightweight vacuum cleaner reviews, you’ll see that you can have everything.
There are now both cylinder and upright vacuum cleaners that weigh less than five kilos. When a cleaner is this light, negotiation tight turns and pushing through thick pile becomes a great deal easier — as does storage. The latest stick vacuum cleaners deliver power and performance, and they can be kept on the wall after each use.
Consider a cordless vacuum cleaner
Cables are tripping hazards you could probably do without, and they make moving around your home even more difficult than it already is. The answer might be a cordless cleaner with a charging station. These are often even lighter than the standard lightweight models on the market, yet the latest versions offer similar levels of power and suction. Using the search term “which is the best cordless vacuum cleaner to buy?” use Google to begin your search.
Consider accessibility
Once you’ve found three or four potential purchases, it’s a good idea to find out how they perform in terms of accessibility. For example, how easy is it to pull out the cord, and what does putting away the cord involve? Is there an ergonomic handle to minimise the strain on your wrists and elbows?
Can the canister be emptied quickly with the push of a button? Where are the accessories stored, and how easy is it to fit them and detach them? Can the vacuum cleaner be switched on by foot? These are all things you should consider when comparing options.
Try to find an in-store demonstrator to show you have your preferred cleaners work. If possible, have a go yourself, as every model delivers a different cleaning experience.
Read customer reviews
One of the best ways to find out whether or not a vacuum cleaner is suitable is to read what people have said about it in reviews. You can find customer reviews on the sites of both manufacturers and retailers, as well as on relevant forums and discussion boards. Try to find reviews from people with mobility issues similar to yours in order to get an accurate picture of what to expect.
Other issues to consider
As well as general use, try to think about issues such as cleaning and maintenance. How is the dust emptied? Depending on your disability, the best solution might be a bagless cleaner. Make sure you try emptying the vacuum cleaner in a store before buying it. Ask how the filter is cleaned, and how blockages are removed. All of these issues will help you to decide which cleaner is right for you.
To summarise, a lightweight, cordless vacuum cleaner is probably the best option for most people with mobility problems. However, it’s best to ask for hands-on demonstrations of handhelds, canisters and uprights before making your decision. With the right cleaner, vacuuming will be easier, quicker and a great deal safer.