Caregivers do a lot for their aging relatives. They cook, they do laundry, they shop, and they clean. Many caregivers do the day-to-day or weekly cleaning that is necessary to keep their aging relative’s home tidy. However, every home needs an occasional deep cleaning—or spring cleaning. It can be a daunting task for caregivers to tackle on top of what they already do but employing some cleaning tips can make it faster and easier.

Below are some spring cleaning tips for caregivers.

Start with a Plan

Making a plan before you start can help you to stay organized and make the whole thing go more quickly. Take a walk through the senior’s house and write down areas you need to clean. Pay attention to the spots you normally skip when you clean, like closets and cupboards. Prioritize the list just in case something interrupts you. That way, you’ll get through the most important jobs first.

De-Stink the Garbage Disposal

One part of the kitchen that is often neglected is the garbage disposal. When it’s not kept clean, it can stink. Cut up a lemon and run it through the disposal. Then run plenty of cold water down the drain to banish the smell.

Employ Top Down Cleaning

Clean each room from the ceiling down. Start by getting rid of cobwebs and washing dusty curtains. Then move downward. By starting at the top, dust and debris drifts down to surfaces you haven’t dusted yet. If you start by dusting tabletops then take care of cobwebs, you may have to re-dust.

Use Citrus to Clean the Microwave

If the older adult’s microwave is full of dried on splatters, try this trick. Put a bowl with one cup of water and a chopped lemon, lime, or orange in the microwave. Turn it on high until the water boils and the window on the microwave door gets steamy. Turn the microwave off and let the bowl sit inside without opening the door for 15 minutes. Then, take a sponge or rag and wipe down the inside of the microwave.

Dust Fan Blades with a Pillowcase

Dusting the blades of a ceiling fan can be a dirty business. The dust falls all over the floor and gets everywhere. To prevent that from happening, try this trick: Get an old pillowcase and fit it over the fan blade. Use the inside of the pillowcase to dust the fan. The dust will all stay in the case instead of getting all over the floor.

Sources:  https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/cleaning/g3345/spring-cleaning-tips/

https://www.hgtv.com/design/decorating/clean-and-organize/spring-cleaning-made-easy-pictures

For Caregiver Services in Bartlett TN, please contact the caring staff at Personal Care Services MidSouth today!