How often have you struggled with strained back or pulled muscles when mopping your floors or scrubbing walls? Due to negligence, a simple house cleaning process can turn into a nightmare. Accidents and injuries don't happen only due to poor techniques or heavy lifting. Using hazardous chemicals or cleaning products can also lead to respiratory disorders, skin infections, eye irritation and other health issues.
However, most personal injuries, such as twisted ankles, joint injuries, back strain and ligament tear, occur due to inattentiveness. Hastening the process won't help you secure full bond money. In fact, you may leave traces of dirt and grime behind, leading to bond money deductions and disputes. Whether it's about dusting ceiling fans or scrubbing stubborn mould stains from bathroom walls, adhering to safety measures can make a world of difference.
Fret not! Today, we bring you a comprehensive guide on cleaning safety tips to prevent falls, slips, bruises and other potential injuries during the process. These measures are strictly followed by end of lease cleaning Melbourne professionals, ensuring safe and sound results in a streamlined manner.
1. Protective Gear Is Essential
Safety should be your topmost priority when cleaning hard to reach areas, such as ceiling fans, windows inside and outside, cabinet top, shower heads, exhaust fans and other surfaces.
Ensure you wear rubber gloves to protect your hands from harsh chemicals, a face mask to prevent inhaling allergens and toxic fumes, safety goggles, non-slip footwear, and a sturdy apron. These can help prevent injuries during the cleaning session.
2. Do a Warm Up Before Cleaning
Quick stretching can be a game changer when it comes to preventing physical injuries. It can help loosen your stiff muscles, reducing the chances of back pain or pulled muscles. A warm up session can prepare your body for a roller coaster ride, such as lifting, bending, stretching to reach high surfaces, etc. You can do the following things before starting the cleaning process:
- Touching your toes
- Stretch your hamstrings
- Move your shoulders, arms and legs
- Take a deep breath and stretch both sides
- Quick jumping jacks
- 10 squats
Use that instant energy to accelerate your cleaning session and dislodge dirt, grime and gunk from different surfaces around your home.
3. Check the Area Before Sprucing
There is a high chance of tripping or slipping due to scattered items on the floor or unnoticed spills (slippery floors). So, it is always good to remove clutter and other distractions from the surface before getting into the process. Also, check the area to address uneven or broken surfaces to prevent falls. That's one of the main reasons why end of lease cleaning Melbourne professionals ask you to remove furniture and other objects for efficient and hassle-free cleaning. Ensure you prepare the property before their arrival and receive spotless cleaning outcomes.
4. Use Proper Cleaning Tools
Believe it or not, using the wrong cleaning tools and equipment can also lead to potential injuries and muscle pull. It is always good to use ergonomically designed tools, such as extendable dusters and comfortable grips, to prevent shoulder and back pain when cleaning hard-to-reach spots. Long-handled brooms and mops can also help prevent awkward postures and unnecessary strains.
Instead of using feather dusters and paper towels, clean with microfiber cloths and mops to keep floors moisture free. This can prevent slipping hazards. Lastly, invest in the right vacuum cleaner, such as robotic or with a HEPA filter to simplify back breaking cleaning chores and automate boring tasks.
5. Take Breaks In Between Sessions
Are you feeling overwhelmed with housekeeping chores? Taking breaks at regular intervals, especially for seniors and people with mobility issues, can also prevent injuries. They feel more attentive when cleaning an oven or other surfaces, vacuuming couches or scrubbing grout lines.
You can also follow a 20-minute cleaning rule and spruce up a particular area or room in that timeframe. After that, take a break and relax while patting your back. This will also help you stay efficient and productive.
6. Follow the Correct Lifting Techniques
Did you know the majority of injuries occur due to poor lifting techniques? If you are cleaning your home and want to lift heavy objects or appliances, follow the right tricks and techniques. Instead of doing it alone, ask other members to assist you. Ensure you bend your knees when lifting anything from the floor. Keeping the heavy object close to the body can also prevent injuries. Move slowly when vacuuming staircases and other difficult to access areas.
7. Prevent Climbing Accidents With Caution
When cleaning hard to reach surfaces, use a sturdy step stool or ladder for easy accessibility. Never use desks, boxes, chairs or other objects. It can topple at any time, leading to serious injuries. Also, never stand on the top rung of the ladder, and place it over a flat surface (remove rugs and carpet from the floor).
8. Use Eco Friendly Cleaning Products
Excess exposure to ammonia, bleach and other cleaning products can cause serious damage to your respiratory and reproductive system. The high amount of VOCs can be hazardous if you inhale or ingest it, especially kids and pets. So, replace them with natural and safer products.
You can use white vinegar as a multipurpose cleaner, baking soda to remove grease stains, lemon as a natural disinfectant, hydrogen peroxide to remove mould and essential oils to banish bad odours. These products can help you create a healthier indoor environment, preventing allergies and other health related complications.
If you want to ensure a seamless move out process, hire professionals for a budget end of lease cleaning Melbourne service. They come equipped with necessary products, tools and a pre-approved checklist to help secure the full bond back without any dispute.
Prevent Injuries: How to Ensure Safety When Cleaning a House?
Wrapping Up
Safety is important when scrubbing hard floors or dislodging mould and mildew stains. These simple tips and tricks can help you prevent common injuries and side effects while promoting a healthy and hygienic indoor space.