The official start of spring is almost here which means it's time to take inventory of your cleaning supplies and get ready to declutter and deep-clean your home. If you are a primary caregiver for a senior or an independent retiree yourself, it is especially important to make sure to make a clean, safe, clutter-free space to live in.
Senior Caregiver Cleaning Tips
Before you begin, it's a good idea to do an inventory of your cleaning supplies. Check that you have clean rags, sponges and paper towels on hand, as well as glass, wood, floor, and multi-purpose cleaners (or, if you make cleaners yourself, ingredients and empty spray bottles). Other essential tools to have include:
- Broom
- Dustpan
- Mop
- Vacuum cleaner
- Trash bags
- Hand duster
- Bucket
Once you have gathered your supplies, it's time to get busy.
Keep, Donate and Trash
We all keep cherished items that hold valuable memories, but having too many things in your home can create potentially dangerous fire and falling hazards. Start decluttering a room by sorting items into one of three labeled bags:
- Keep: items you need and cherish
- Donate: items you don't need but someone else might want
- Trash: items that can't be donated
If you are the primary caregiver, be sure to include seniors in the sorting process to ensure they keep the items that mean the most to them.
Start at the Top
Dust and clean ceilings, walls and ceiling fans using rags and a hand vacuum. If areas are particularly grimy, use a multipurpose solution.
Dust and Wipe
Wipe down and dust all shelving, cabinet tops and furniture using rags and a hand duster. It's also a good time to scrub the baseboards along the floors of the house, an area often overlooked.
Clean the Windows
Now is the perfect time of the year to wash windows and window screens, since windows are more likely to be open during the spring. Also, launder curtains and window treatments and wipe blinds thoroughly with a damp cloth.
Sweep, Mop and Vacuum
Lastly, sweep and mop linoleum and wood floors. Vacuum and if possible steam-clean carpeted rooms to start the season with fresh, clean floors.
Change Smoke Detector Batteries
Nothing is more important than the safety of you and your family members. Be sure to take the time twice a year to dust smoke detectors and replace their batteries. We recommend doing this when the clocks “spring forward” and “fall back”.
Contact Us Today for Homemaker Services
The professionals at Home Helpers of Drexel Hill are here to help you and your senior loved ones with a variety of home care services. Contact us online to schedule a free in-home consultation to assess what our team of experts can do to assist you.
