Spring Cleaning Safety Tips
Cleaning can seem like a simple task, but it can pose certain risks and hazards if no precautions are taken. It is important to be aware of some key safety tips to protect yourself and those around you while cleaning. These spring cleaning safety tips can help you avoid accidents and injuries while ensuring that your cleaning efforts are effective and efficient.
Protective Gear & Preventative Tools
Wearing protective gear is essential for spring cleaning safety. From your head to your toes, there are many different protective gear you can wear that will prevent harm from sensitive areas like skin, eyes and hands. Using preventative tools is also essential to protect your body from harm. Some gear to have available are:
- Gloves - protects skin from germs and harsh chemicals
- Face masks - prevents inhaling fumes and protects sensitive respiratory systems
- Eye protection - Prevents fumes and splashes from damaging eyes
- Footwear - Non-slip shoes prevent slipping for wet flooring
- Back brace - These are great when moving heavy furniture/equipment during deep cleaning
- Mops - Mops are perfect to clean floors without being on hands and knees that can cause joint pain and sprains
- Step stools - Safely reach all higher up places without standing precariously on surfaces
Ventilation & Air Flow
Cleaning chemicals are great to sanitize surfaces and clear out germs, but it also comes with a price. Many harsh chemicals will have strong odors and fumes that can be harmful to your lungs and health. For chemicals with serious fumes like oven cleaner, make sure you have open doors and windows to help air out the rooms while cleaning. Crack open windows and turn on any fans that will help to circulate air and prevent fumes from building.
Read Instructions
Reading and following all the directions on the cleaning product can protect both you and your home. Do not leave chemicals on for longer than is recommended to prevent any injury or damage. The instructions will also tell you if you need to wear protective gear or not mix it with other chemicals. Always read all safety warnings on any product bottle so you’re fully informed on what you’re using.
Don’t Mix Chemicals
Mixing different chemicals can cause toxic fumes and worse, so try to use only one variety of chemicals when cleaning to prevent serious injury. Some deadly chemical combinations include:
- Bleach and ammonia
- Bleach and vinegar
- Bleach and rubbing alcohol
- Hydrogen peroxide and vinegar
Safe Chemical Storage
Storing cleaning chemicals wrong can cause serious injury to not only you, but your home as well. You need to make sure that you’re safely storing cleaning chemicals correctly to ensure spring cleaning can go smoothly. Always store any products in a dry, temperature controlled area. Keep all chemicals away from open flames and make sure they’re closed tightly to prevent leaking.
Moving Heavy Items
It is inevitable that you will have to move heavy furniture and equipment for deep cleaning under and behind them. Make sure you’re lifting properly and if the piece is large enough, get help when moving to prevent any injury. It’s better to ask for assistance than to end up injured.