Safety Tips for Successful Spring Cleaning

Spring cleaning is a time to renew the home and make living spaces tidy. It is an opportunity to remove the dullness of winter and freshen up a place for spring. Spring cleaning means doing away with clutter and making the home more efficient. But for some well meaning homemakers, spring cleaning can mean a trip to the emergency room. Here are ten safety tips for spring cleaning.

When mopping, avoid unnecessary falls by letting everyone know before you begin. Mop from inside a room at the farthest point to the door, and make everyone stay out of the mopped room until the floor is dry. Waxing the floors should follow similar precautions.

Never mix cleaners. Bleach plus ammonia can create a dangerous gas that can cause death when inhaled. Other chemicals may foam up or splash unpredictably when mixed or result in a higher corrosiveness than expected. Be sure to read cleaner labels carefully when preparing to use a chemical every time.

Wear gloves when handling chemicals. It is not recommended to expose skin directly to any cleaner, even if it is one used often. Remember, cleaners are chemicals and they are not made to be skin-friendly in most cases. A sturdy pair of gloves can prevent chemical burns or irritation.

Always unplug vacuum cleaners when cleaning the wheels, replacing the belts, or removing items from the brushes. The brushes on some vacuums can actually break bones if the unit was to come on while someone is working on the machine. Be sure to replace broken belts and full vacuum bags with those of the proper size and variety for the vacuum you are using. Never reuse a vacuum bag.

Make sure you have adequate air circulation. Plan a cleaning day when the weather is nice so you can keep windows open and air moving, or add fans to circulate air when using cleaners. Inhaling fumes from cleaning solutions can damage lung tissues, make you feel lightheaded or dizzy, or even cause headaches or ill sensations. Even simple and so-called natural cleaners can emit undesirable fumes.

Don't stand on chairs or reach over your head, and use only secure ladders to reach high areas. Never turn on a ladder or stand on the pail ledge. Be sure to allow a ladder to completely dry before use if cleaners are spilled on it. Do not use a rickety ladder or one you don't trust, and be sure to read all safety warnings on the ladder prior to climbing it.

Never clean while intoxicated. Though having a fun cleaning party may sound like a great idea, save the alcohol for after the chore is done. Impaired judgment and slowed response are both very possible when intoxicated, so when in doubt, wait.

When in doubt, choose natural cleaners instead of chemical ones. Natural cleaners sold in stores and old-fashioned cleaners like vinegar for glass and baking soda for pots and pans offer great cleaning options. Less impact on the environment may also mean less dangerous for you. Standard precautions are still recommended however. Be sure air circulation and skin protection are both kept in mind.

Staying safe this spring is essential. Following these simple tips to stay safe may seem easy, but many accidents still occur during spring cleaning season due to carelessness and simply working too quickly. Be sure to take plenty of time to complete your spring cleaning projects, and when you feel overwhelmed give your body and your mind a well-deserved break. Happy cleaning!