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CNN
29-04-2025
- Health
- CNN
How to make spring cleaning more comfortable, according to experts
Spring cleaning your home can be an incredibly rewarding experience — if your cleaning tools help ward off aches and pains. While it's normal for the rigors of scrubbing, mopping and otherwise restoring your home to a spring-like state to feel challenging, it shouldn't hurt. 'The body in general tends to function best in terms of energy efficiency and injury prevention when our joints, ligaments, tendons and muscles are placed in positions that do not deviate into extremes of bending, straightening and twisting,' said Julie Landis, a physical therapist and certified professional ergonomist. Though it can be tempting to outsource your spring cleaning to the pros or skip it altogether, Landis explains keeping up with daily chores like spring cleaning 'limits our exposure to the ergonomic risk factors' that can put us at risk of injury and diminish overall quality of life. 'Anything that helps you reach better, grip better, distribute or minimize force are going to help,' she said. No matter your age or mobility level, investing in the right spring cleaning products makes the chore far more comfortable. To find out what cleaning products can help alleviate pain while cleaning, we tapped experts on their favorite picks below. Swiffer Sweeper 2-in-1 Dry + Wet Floor Mopping and Sweeping Kit Landis is a fan of this user-friendly floor mopping and sweeping kit for the way it 'minimizes reach, supports reduced forces and supports reduced awkward postures' thanks to its extendable and comfortable handles, grips that contour comfortably around the hand and heads that rotate for easy access. It doesn't require a dustpan or a bucket, further reducing your need to bend down below the knees, which she cites as an 'awkward position' that can act as a major source of stress. Buysenton Microfiber Duster for High Ceilings 'As mobility changes, bending down or reaching high places can become harder,' said Kathy Cohoon, cleaning expert and director of operations at Two Maids. 'Long-handled dusters and extendable microfiber mops allow you to clean baseboards, ceiling fans, shelves and other hard-to-reach areas without straining your back or shoulders. These tools reduce the need for excessive bending and reaching, making cleaning safer and more manageable.' This option features a telescopic extension pole of up to 100 inches, making it easier than ever to keep dust bunnies and cobwebs off your ceilings and remote spaces. Plus, its long reach omits the need to stand on a ladder or chair, which can further put you at risk of falls. Trazon Scrub Brush Set, 3-Pack Scrubbing the likes of grout and tile can place undue stress on the wrist and hand due to the repetitive side-to-side motion required of the wrist, according to Landis. 'Cleaning supplies and tools that contour and fit the hand comfortably and contour to the item being cleaned will also help reduce the forces associated with cleaning,' said Landis. To reduce strains, she recommends this three-piece set featuring brushes of varying angles with nonslip handles to help you comfortably target every nook and cranny of your home. Zayad Reacher Grabber Tool 'If bending over or stretching to reach items is uncomfortable, a grabber tool is a simple but very effective solution,' said Cohoon. 'This tool allows you to pick up lightweight objects and retrieve items from high shelves without needing to stretch or climb, making them a safer alternative for a more senior audience.' Mobility assistance aside, this grabber tool acts as a buffer between your hands and any unsanitary objects you're looking to discard while you prep your home for spring. Dyson V8 Absolute Cordless Vacuum 'Cleaning tools that are lightweight and small enough to easily push and pull and maneuver under furniture are also very helpful in minimizing force requirements,' said Landis. Her go-to pick for achieving sparkling clean floors, pain-free? The Dyson V8 Absolute, which should check off all your boxes in a cordless vacuum: It has powerful suction, a 40-minute run time and a built-in HEPA filtration system — all in a lightweight and cord-free 6-pound device. Clorox Large Room True HEPA Air Purifier Hack your way to a cleaner home and happier lungs with this air purifier designed to capture airborne irritants in rooms of up to 1,500 square feet. 'Additional tools can be incorporated into your spring cleaning] that reduce the amount of time needed for dusting, which have the added and primary benefit of improving the quality of the air we breathe,' said Landis. 'Using a purifier like the Clorox Air will remove circulating allergens found in dust and will purify the air circulating in the house.' Oxo Good Grips Extendable Shower, Tub and Tile Scrubber Cleaning your tub can place undue stress on the joints for numerous reasons, like the awkward barrier the bath wall creates against your hips and torso to the several vertical feet of tile coated in soap scum far out of reach. Make the task infinitely more efficient and productive with this extendable scrubber Landis recommends. It features an abrasive antimicrobial scrub brush that does the literal dirty work for you, along with a replaceable head shaped to tackle the most confined areas of your bathroom. Berkland Extra Long Bed Sheet Tucker Tool Whether you're on the shorter side or struggle with mobility, the effort required to make your bed is enough to send anyone into a nap. Landis recommends this sheet tucker to facilitate the task, as its long ergonomic handle acts as a lever to lift the mattress. Tantea Mattress Lifter Wedge Speaking of making your bed with ease, Landis recommends this mattress lifter to help you effortlessly apply the fitted sheet over your mattress deep enough so it doesn't slide off mid-slumber. It's durable enough to lift mattresses up to 1,000 pounds and its comfortable curved grip is also a dream to use on achy hands. Bissell Steam Shot OmniReach Handheld Steam Cleaner 'If strong cleaning products irritate you, consider using a steam cleaner,' said Cohoon. 'These cleaners use hot steam to sanitize surfaces, so they eliminate germs and grime without harsh chemicals. They're perfect for deep-cleaning floors, countertops and even upholstery while also being gentle on your lungs since they don't use harsh chemicals like other cleaning products.' The Steam Shot OmniReach from viral brand Bissell got the stamp of approval from cleaning expert Jolie Kerr in testing. It excels in cleaning everything from grout to faucets and caked-on food to countertops, making it a versatile investment no matter your spring cleaning needs. Timoxi Wearable Cleaning Caddy Bag 'We're all familiar with the best practice of bending at the knees and not at the hips and to not twist the spine when lifting,' Landis said. But when swiftly switching from one cleaning supply to the other or reaching for an item in a high-up cupboard, we often take shortcuts that can put our bodies at risk for injury. Skip risky movement patterns altogether by keeping all your cleaning supplies within arm's reach. This wearable cleaning caddy bag perfectly organizes your essentials, and its cross-body strap helps evenly distribute weight across your back. Highyes Electric Spin Scrubber 'Scrubbing grout, bathtubs and tile floors can be pretty demanding on the body. That's where electric scrubbers and drill brush attachments can come in and do the hard work for you,' Cohoon said. 'They use rotating bristles to lift dirt and grime with minimal effort, which means you can keep your bathroom and kitchen sparkling without putting stress on your joints.' A version of the TikTok-famous electric scrubber we appreciated in testing is also available under a different brand with numerous attachments and a motorized rotating brush for a precise and deep clean. Its cordless and portable design makes it particularly suitable for cleaning all areas of your home, from the bathroom to the kitchen and everything in between. Gorilla Grip Extra Thick Kneeling Pad 'Housemaid's knee is a term that originally referred to scrub maids who developed the injury from spending a lot of time on their knees cleaning floors,' said Landis. If you'll be stationed in a kneeling position for an extended period, consider this thick cushioned kneeling pad designed to protect your knees from hard unforgiving surfaces like tile, cement and hardwood. Its water- and slip-resistant construction allows you to clean safely in moist or damp environments and it's thick enough to shield your knees from rocks and rubble should you be taking your spring cleaning to the great outdoors. Troozy Folding Hand Truck Spring cleaning is about so much more than disinfecting your space, but of giving a new life to items collecting dust in your home. Instead of struggling with boxes of clothes and household items destined for the donation bin, move them effortlessly out of your home with this folding utility cart. It's designed to hold up to 500 pounds, it features an extendable base plate to stabilize wider items and it comes with a flexible rope to prevent heavy items from tipping over. RollaReleasa Pikk-it Tool For Vacuum, 2-Pack 'Repeating the same task over and over can add to injury potential,' said Landis. Instead of painstakingly removing each strand of hair and each particle of dust from your vacuum cleaner, leading to potential hand, finger or wrist overuse injuries, tend to the task effortlessly. This unique gadget features zinc alloy teeth to rake right through hair so your vacuum can function to its full potential. Simple Houseware Heavy Duty 3-Tier Utility Rolling Cart This rolling cart not only allows you to organize your supplies into categories, but it makes transporting them from room to room a breeze. Its side hooks also give you quick access to smaller cleaning essentials from scissors to sponges and cloths. Eko Mirage-T Touchless Motion Sensor Trash Can A touchless trash can is the solution to safely discarding items with full hands or an aching back. It features a sleek smudge-proof design that'll fit neatly into compact spaces and a generous 50-liter capacity to maximize storage. Apple Watch Series 10 If you think of spring cleaning as your low-impact cardio for the day, it helps to have the latest edition of our favorite smartwatch on hand. Use the timer function to organize your cleaning session into manageable time blocks and even check out your steps at the end of your session to help you feel accomplished after all that movement. Because spring cleaning can indeed feel physically rigorous, take advantage of its advanced health features to get alerts when your heart or respiratory rate becomes irregular. Conair Fabric Shaver and Lint Remover Pilling isn't only unsightly, but it can leave your favorite upholstery susceptible to further unraveling. This Underscored-approved fabric shaver and lint remover breathes new life into household and sartorial fabrics while limiting additional force or effort from your wrists. Its ergonomic grip makes it comfortable to handle, its cordless, battery-powered operation offers practicality and it features three controls to customize your shave level, whether you're restoring your favorite reading chair or saving your couch from the wrath of your cat's paws. The following FAQs were answered by Julie Landis, physical therapist and certified professional ergonomist. How can you make spring cleaning more manageable? How can you make spring cleaning more manageable? Don't do it all in one swoop. According to Landis, 'Breaking work into smaller units keeps the cleaning and clutter under control, more manageable and less stressful both physically and mentally,' said Landis. 'When work is done little by little, the body has time to recover and reenergize. Think of cleaning as mini workouts and the same principles of restoration between bouts of exercise apply.' Landis also recommends enlisting cleaning tools that minimize reach (like a grabber tool) and awkward postures and support your joints (such as a knee pad). For this article, we consulted the following experts to gain their professional insights on how to make cleaning easier and the cleaning products they love. Kathy Cohoon, cleaning expert and director of operations at Two Maids Julie Landis, physical therapist and certified professional ergonomist CNN Underscored has a team of skilled writers and editors who have many years of experience testing, researching and recommending products, and they ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when applicable to make certain we are testing each product accurately, recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item. For this article, contributing editor Marissa Miller tapped a cleaning expert and physical therapist on how to make cleaning easier, along with the cleaning products they love.
Yahoo
21-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Here's your ultimate guide to deep-cleaning your home for spring
Spring is officially here, presenting the perfect opportunity to finally tackle those bigger cleaning projects you've been putting off all year. A deep clean is crucial for keeping dust and other allergens at bay, and when it comes to vents and appliances, can even ward off fires. Imagine how much better it will feel having guests over (or frankly, just breathing) in a sparkling, organized space!"Often, spring cleaning can feel overwhelming, especially when we think everything must be done in one weekend," says Kathy Cohoon, director of operations at Two Maids. "But breaking tasks into smaller steps makes them more manageable and allows you to focus on one thing at a time. With a clear plan, the stress fades, making room for motivation and progress." From tackling hard-to-reach areas (you may be surprised at what grime is lingering) to refreshing your mattress and upholstery (we have just the thing), here's a spring-cleaning checklist of expert-approved tasks, plus the gear you need to get them done. Once your space sparkles, it's time for the fun part — add some candles and other easy upgrades from these guides: How to make your home smell like a luxe hotel How to make your bedroom smell like a dream How to make your bathroom feel like a spa If you're wondering where to begin with your spring cleaning journey, start at the top, says Paul Maielua, assistant director of rooms and housekeeping for the Thompson Savannah hotel. "One piece of advice I always give my housekeeping team is to have a cleaning plan that flows logically," he explains. "I begin with high dusting — vent covers, ledges, and fans — then move on to shelves and furniture." Not only does this step ensure you tackle hard-to-reach (and oft-overlooked) areas that tend to gather dust and dirt, but it prevents you from having to re-clean surfaces like counters and floors later on in the process as a result of debris falling. Like fans and fixtures, your home's air vents and filters are known for collecting dust, allergens and pet hair, which Robin Murphy, a cleaning professional at Maid Brigade and author of Who Likes It Dirty? says can impact air quality and force HVAC systems to work harder." "A clogged filter or dusty vents can lead to inefficient airflow, higher energy bills and more airborne irritants," she explains. "Keeping them clean improves air circulation, reduces allergens and lowers energy costs." If you see gray dust streaks around vents, it's a sign that your air filters are overdue for a change, says Murphy. And as a general rule, "Mark your calendar or set a reminder to replace HVAC filters seasonally or every one to two months if you have pets, allergies and/or live in a high-pollen area." Been a while since you cleaned your curtains? "You don't have to haul out the step stool and wrestle them down every month," says Trish Duarte, cleaning expert and owner of MaidPro franchises in Temecula and Murrieta, Calif. "My go-to trick? Vacuum them with the brush attachment once a month. It's quick, easy and keeps the dust from piling up." Cohoon recommends vacuuming top to bottom to ensure you get everything (FYI, here are our top vacuum picks). Follow up with some spot-cleaning if needed, or for the occasional deeper clean, toss your curtains into the laundry if they're machine-washable. Also, don't forget to clean your shower curtains! Machine-wash them if you can, or spray them with a bleach solution so they don't become a hotspot for mold and mildew. "Regularly cleaning shower heads and sink faucets improves water pressure, prevents bacteria buildup and extends the life of your fixtures," says Murphy. "Hard water deposits can clog tiny openings, reducing efficiency and even affecting water quality. Over time, biofilm and mold can also develop inside the fixture, especially in humid environments." Luckily, a few household essentials (see below) can help clear things up. And don't overlook your garbage disposal. As Murphy says, "It's a workhorse in the kitchen, but built-up grease, food particles and bacteria can create unpleasant odors and sluggish performance." While it's good practice to wipe down spills and toss expired items weekly, Jonathan Shelson, owner of MaidPro franchises in Ontario, Canada, recommends doing a deep-clean on your refrigerator every 3 to 4 months. "Plus, If you've recently had a power outage, spilled something sticky or noticed a persistent odor, it's a good idea to clean your fridge." Shelson recommends soaking shelves and drawers in warm soapy water and wiping them with a non-abrasive pad (we like Scrub Mommy). "Be sure to wipe down seals — the number one spot where mold grows in a fridge — plus hinges and handles. Work your way down, being mindful to use clean rags to not spread contaminants throughout the fridge," he says. "Your mattress collects dust mites, sweat, dead skin cells, and allergens over time, affecting sleep quality and potentially triggering allergies," says Murphy, who recommends using a handheld vacuum or vacuum attachment to remove dust, hair and debris, paying special attention to seams and edges. Then use baking soda to deodorize the mattress and spot-treat any stains (more on this below). Some mattresses should also be rotated every 3 to 6 months to ensure even wear, she says. "A thorough spring cleaning removes built-up debris, neutralizes odors and refreshes your sleeping space, helping you rest easier and extending your mattress's lifespan." Time to show your floors some much-needed TLC. Duarte recommends using a gentle cleaner on hardwoods regularly and getting your carpets professionally cleaned every 6 to 12 months. If you have area rugs, try to rotate them every few months to avoid worn patches, especially under furniture, she adds. "Trust me. I saved for what seemed a lifetime for a beautiful wool area rug, and when the carpet cleaner visited, we found wear-pattern stains that never got as clean as the bright white area under the couch. Ouch!" If you have Amazon Prime, you'll get free shipping, of course. Not yet a member? No problem. You can sign up for your free 30-day trial here. (And by the way, those without Prime still get free shipping on orders of $35 or more.)
