Flowers are blooming, birds are singing, the pollen count is up, and … it’s time for spring cleaning! For seniors, spring cleaning offers more than just a tidy home—it provides health benefits, a sense of accomplishment, and an opportunity to enjoy your living space to its fullest.
Try these simple tips to help get your home clean, healthy, and organized.
Work in small chunks of time
After putting off cleaning tasks during those long, cold winter months, the thought of attacking the chores can be overwhelming. Where in the world to start?
This is the time to avoid the big picture and focus on small steps. Start anywhere! It does not need to be finished in one day, or two days, or a week. Break tasks up into small chunks of time and do a little bit each day. You will find this process much more manageable and satisfying.
Make getting rid of clutter a priority
Decluttering helps free up space, decreases stress, and reduces your risk of tripping and falling.
Separate items into three categories: keep, donate, and trash. Organize the items you keep in the space with appropriate-sized containers and shelving. Local thrift stores will pick up larger donated items and have handy drive through drop-off sites. Keep in mind that while certain items are truly “keepsakes” that inspire warm memories, many others have lived out their use and are ready to move on.
Leave the heavy lifting to someone else
To prevent injuries, do not try to move heavy objects or furniture on your own. It’s important to stay safe while cleaning, especially if you have reduced strength or mobility or balance challenges.
Enlist the help of friends and family to assist you with moving heavy objects. Or, hire a professional who will come in, clean, and move furniture so that your house is tidy without risking your wellbeing.
Check your medicine cabinets
One often overlooked area to pay attention to is your medicine cabinet. Check the expiration dates on all your medications, both prescription and over the counter. If you find expired medications or medications you no longer need, properly dispose of them.
Check to see if you have any local drug take-back sites that will safely take the medications off your hands. The Garfield County Sheriff’s Department and Enid Police Department are listed as approved drop-off sites for many medications and can guide you on correct disposal of others.
Once you’ve cleaned out your medicine cabinet, be sure to replace any items that are missing. It’s better to be prepared ahead of time with the medications and tools you might need.
Don’t forget the detectors
Make sure you have fresh batteries in all your detectors and that they are functioning properly.
If your detectors are too high to reach without climbing on a ladder or chair, ask someone to help you. Call on a friend, family member, neighbor, or landlord to take a look.
Give your kitchen a refresher
Take some time to clean out your refrigerator and pantry. Make sure no old, expired food items have been pushed to the back and forgotten.
Organizing your refrigerator and pantry by categories can help prepare meals easier. For example, put all your cold produce in the produce bin, your condiments on the door of the refrigerator, and canned items together in the pantry.
Clean your dishwasher and washing machine
Your dishwasher and washing machine work hard to keep dishes and clothes clean. But every now and then they need cleaning, too.
To do this, simply purchase a dishwasher cleanser and follow the directions for your dishwasher. Don’t forget to wipe down the exterior.
You can use white vinegar and baking soda to clean your washing machine. Just add hot water to the machine, add the vinegar and baking soda, let it sit for 30 to 60 minutes, then restart your machine, and let it drain and dry.
If you’d enjoy living a freer life with fewer cleaning responsibilities, contact Burgundy Independent Apartment Community (580-233-8993) or Greenbrier Assisted Living (580-233-1331) to learn how you relax and let their teams handle the dirty work!
