What are some tips you'd recommend for cleaning the house when you have arthritis?
Sometimes we make adaptations for changes in our physical abilities. Here are some personally tested ideas that work.
I have a long-handle two-wheel garden cart that is great for bringing in the groceries. I can use one hand to roll it up the ramp into the barrier-free entrance at the kitchen.
I love my kneeling garden bench and use it for getting down low for cleaning, organizing, and getting into the kitchen pantry. The cushion protects my knees and the inverted legs give me something to push against to get up more easily.
Those rolling walkers with seats are great so you can sit at various points. The seats (some have under-seat baskets) are great for getting things place to place.
Buy spray cleaners already in the bottle, or get someone else to fill them for you. If you cannot handle spray bottles, try squeeze or pump bottles.
Get a paper towel and toilet tissue holder you can replace with one hand or arm.
I’ve found a large plastic measuring cup and microfiber or paper towels are a good way to clean. Those long-handled kitchen cleaning items can help too.
You might want to reconsider the height or depth of any sinks you are using if bending is a problem.
I now have long-handled brooms, swifters, dusters, dustpans, and dust mops.
Those sticky clothing rollers are suitable for quick pickups of things on cushions.
You might want to consider a quality rolling cart to carry supplies and things—I got one for my kitchen.
I love my rocker knives, pull “d” handles on cabinets, and an adaptive cutting board in the kitchen. I have a bottle opener mounted to the underside of the top kitchen cabinet. Electric can openers are easier to use than wall-mounted openers.
Dishes are a little tricky to clean, so the dishwasher became a welcomed friend.
Ladders need grab rails and a landing area. Climbing one arm is no joke and balance can sometimes be a consideration.
Get someone to help you rearrange the placement of items you use the most.
This .com site has a lot of ideas that might prove helpful. I like some of the items this site offers. If you don’t want to purchase from them, at least you have viable recommendations.
