Tips on Preventing Injuries When Cleaning a House

Tips on Preventing Injuries When Cleaning a House

By : Angelina
Pulled muscles, falls, musculoskeletal injuries, cuts and scalds are some of the most common injuries people may face when cleaning a house. As per the Australian Safety and Compensation Commission, more than 41,000 accepted compensation claims for injured workers related to cleaning in 2020-21. Whether you are a professional cleaner or just a homemaker, make sure you use proper cleaning tools and techniques for a safe and sound cleaning outcome. Heavy physical cleaning tasks or improper posture during scrubbing or vacuuming can lead to back or knee injuries. Therefore, it is good to stay relaxed and focus on preventive measures shared below when sprucing up your home in Canberra.

List of Potential Dangers Involved During the Cleaning Process

Consider the following hazards that may affect you physically when sprucing up your house:
  • Falls or slips due to messy or wet surface
  • Twisted ankles
  • Muscle strain
  • Knee injuries
  • Exposure to store-bought cleaners can affect your respiratory system.
  • Burns
  • Traumatic Brain Injuries,
  • Soft tissue injuries, etc

  • If you are preparing a rental property for the final inspection, book a seasoned team for an expert end of lease cleaning Canberra. They bring all the necessary tools and use tried-and-tested products to help you get a sparkling clean rental property.

    Tips to Prevent Injuries When Cleaning

    Prevention is always better than cure! It is good to consider the following tips and clean your abode without getting injured.

    1. Prepare a House Cleaning Checklist

    Believe it or not! Rushing the cleaning process can increase the risk of personal injuries. You may face falls, slips, muscle strain, etc, if you rush the housekeeping chores. So, it is good to create a proper cleaning checklist and stay focused throughout the process. A well-planned cleaning schedule will keep you calm and composed when lifting large cleaning equipment, using cleaning agents and tackling stubborn stains and grime. You can include different household chores with a set timeline or days to achieve a clean abode without any hassle or injuries. For instance, add dusting, doing dishes, mopping floors, etc, to your daily weekly checklist, while a weekly and monthly checklist is ideal for intense tasks and streamline the process.

    2. Wear Appropriate Footwear

    This is one of the most overlooked aspects when sprucing up a house. If you want to prevent slips and falls, don’t wear sandals, slippers and flip-flops. Instead, wear sturdy shoes with quality rubber soles that give you the utmost comfort when moving around to clean your floors, kitchen surfaces and bathroom tiles. Professional end of lease cleaners in Canberra also wear proper footwear to avoid potential hazards during the process.

    3. Use Proper Cleaning Tools

    Whether you have a mobility issue or not, it is always good to invest in the right cleaning supplies that can help you avoid potential injuries. For instance, instead of kneeling to clean the kitchen floor, use a microfiber mop with an extendable handle to cover nooks and crannies. If you can’t move your back properly, invest in a cordless vacuum machine instead of a heavy machine. You can also buy smart gadgets, such as a Robert vacuum machine, mops, etc keep a house tidy without the fear of any injury. Read on the guide to clean high walls and ceilings using proper tools.

    4. Warm-Up is a Must

    Warm up your body before getting into the back-breaking house cleaning chores. Stretch your muscles can do wonders and keep your muscles relaxed even when cleaning bathroom tiles, toilets and other surfaces. Make sure you do warm-up by:
  • Touching your feet
  • Stretching your hamstrings
  • Rotating your shoulders
  • Flexing your hips, etc.

  • 5. Follow Proper Lifting Techniques

    Do you want to lift or move heavy household items to clean the surfaces? Consider the following techniques and protect your body from injuries:
  • Always bend your knees when lifting something heavy,
  • Keep items close to your body
  • Never twist your spine
  • Keep your back straight
  • Use your leg muscles when lifting heavy objects
  • Avoid jerk movements

  • Ask your family to assist you in the complicated chores and teach them these simple yet important lifting or moving techniques during the process.

    6. Take Small Breaks

    According to doctors, repetitive muscle injury can lead to a lifetime of unbearable pain. This can be a real problem for people with mobility issues and seniors. Well, you can minimise the injury risk by taking small breaks when sprucing up your house. It is good to clean a little instead of taking a lot of burden on your shoulders. You can spend 20-30 minutes every day to clean different surfaces in your home using effective cleaning solutions.

    7. Keep Yourself Hydrated

    Take breaks and drink enough water to keep yourself hydrated. This will prevent cramps and other serious injuries. Keep a water bottle handy and sip down water every half an hour when cleaning.

    8. Use Environmentally Products

    Frequent exposure to store-bought cleaners can cause various problems, such as respiratory disorders and skin allergies and even trigger asthma. Make sure you prepare DIY homemade cleaners that are safe for nature as well as human beings. You can use white vinegar to tackle stains, mould and mildew from different surfaces. Baking soda, Hydrogen Peroxide, Lemon, Castile Soap, Magic erasers, etc can help you achieve a clean and shiny abode. However, it is good to hire professionals for an affordable and safe end of lease cleaning Canberra and get your bond back without any dispute.

    Wrapping up

    Injuries can happen when wiping down your ceiling walls, washing windows or vacuuming carpets. You can keep these simple yet effective tips in mind and ensure a safe and secure cleaning process without getting any muscle injury or cuts.