The weather is starting to turn, and it's time for the annual spring cleaning ritual. Whether you’re a senior looking to clear clutter in your home, or you’re the family caregiver of an elderly relative who needs help tidying up, these decluttering tips can help you get more space, let go of items that are no longer needed, and remove any potential health threats.
Dispose of Harmful Items
First things first—get rid of any items that may be harmful. We often overlook things that have been in our homes for a while and don’t realize they may become dangerous as time goes on. According to AARP, here are nine things that you should get rid of during this year’s spring cleaning:
Hazardous Waste
Aerosol cans, batteries, motor oil, antifreeze, and paint all need to be properly disposed of so they don’t contaminate the environment or accidentally harm elderly folks, children, or pets. Exposure to these substances and other household chemicals can lead to headaches, allergic reactions and, in severe cases, respiratory illnesses. Go to Earth911.com to find a safe place for disposal.
Plastic Containers
Do you have piles of plastic containers sitting around “just in case”? Take a closer look at that plastic. Containers with recycle codes 3 or 7 may contain BPA, a hormone-disrupting chemical that leaches into food as containers age or heat up in the microwave or dishwasher. Replace containers made before 2010 with new plastic or glass ones that don’t contain BPA.
Expired Medications
With age, there often comes a greater reliance on medication. But what happens when you no longer need certain medicines? Too often, people let expired medication gather dust. Instead, toss old drugs in an eco-friendly way. Don’t flush them down the toilet or put them in the trash. Take them to official collection sites on National Take-Back Initiative Day. If you keep expired medications around, you risk someone accidentally taking the wrong drug.
Old Spices
Dried-up, decades-old spices won’t make you sick, but they won’t add flavor or nutrients to your food either. According to experts at McCormick, seasoning blends last one or two years. Herbs and ground spices are good for one to three years, and whole spices last up to four years. Saving these age-old spices only adds to the clutter in your loved one’s home.
Makeup
Makeup is only safe for a limited time. After that, infection-causing bacteria can start to grow, especially in eye makeup. Mascara only lasts two to three months, lip gloss six months and foundation six months to a year.
Contact Lens Cases
Did you know that 92% of contact lens cases are contaminated due to poor hygiene and lack of cleaning? Eye experts say cases should be cleaned with a fresh soaking solution and dried every day. After three months of use, it’s time for a replacement.
Old Pillows
Pillows older than 18 months contain fungi, dead skin, and dust mites that can aggravate allergies, asthma, and sinusitis. Try folding your pillow in half and squeezing out the air. If it doesn’t spring back, it’s too old. Beyond allergies and asthma, the Sleep Foundation asserts that old pillows also contribute to sore muscles—a big concern for many elderly folks.
Expired Canned Food
Canned food certainly last longer than produce, but these goods will expire after a while. Be sure to read the labels on canned products to learn how long they will keep. Canned tomatoes and fruits are good for 18 months, while canned meat and vegetables last up to five years. Throw old, expired food away—if it’s expired, it shouldn’t be eaten or donated.
Kitchen Sponges
According to a study from the Agricultural Research Service, microwaving your sponge can kill 99.9 percent of germs. Sponges are rife with bacteria thriving in the damp crevices. Some of these bacteria are linked to severe gut and skin infections. To reduce the bad stuff, microwave your sponge daily in an inch of water for a minute on high heat.
Tidy Up to Prevent Falls
Falls are the leading cause of injury and injury-related death in seniors. This year’s spring cleaning is a perfect time to evaluate home safety and focus on fall prevention. As you tidy up, consider the following tips for a safer living space:
- Clear walkways: Remove cords, rugs, boxes, and other clutter from walkways to reduce tripping hazards.
- Focus on high-traffic areas: Move coffee tables, ottomans, and other pieces of furniture out of the way to create clear paths through the home.
- Check the floors: Repair any damaged flooring or carpeting, and use double-faced tape to fasten loose rugs to the floor.
- Invest in non-slip mats: Place non-slip mats in areas prone to getting wet, such as outside the bathtub, in front of the kitchen sink, and in entryways.
Check Safety Equipment
It’s a good idea to check smoke alarms and fire extinguishers regularly, so you might as well lump this task in with spring cleaning. Ensuring your home is fire-safe will give you added peace of mind. Try these tips from the U.S. Fire Administration:
- Install a smoke alarm inside and outside each sleeping area
- Replace smoke alarms that are older than 10 years
- Ensure carbon monoxide alarms work and are less than seven years old
- Check all electrical cords and replace those in poor condition
- Make sure outlets do not feel warm to the touch
- Develop a fire escape plan that identifies an outside meeting place
Declutter Possessions
Tidying an entire home can be overwhelming. That’s why it’s best to declutter first. By removing items that you no longer need or that take up space, it’s easier to clean. If you’re feeling stressed, implement the following decluttering strategies while spring cleaning:
Start Small
Try not to think of spring cleaning as one giant project. Instead of resolving to clean the whole house today, start with a drawer, cupboard, or closet and go from there.
Create Three Piles
As you sift through your things or a loved one’s things, place them into one of three piles: keep, donate and toss. Organizing items this way avoids one big, overwhelming pile of stuff you’ll have to sort out later.
Downsize
Consider using this time to downsize. For every new item you or your loved one adds, choose something to get rid of. If the item is in good condition, sell or donate it. If it's in poor condition, throw it away.
Manage Your Time
Spring cleaning can last more than one day. If you’re on a time crunch, dedicate just a few hours over the weekend to clean. Don’t feel like you have to do everything at once. Spread the responsibility over several days.
Hire a Professional
You don’t have to do it alone! Look into professional cleaning services and professional organizers in your area, and ask them for help decluttering your home this spring.
Find a BrightStar Care® Location Near You
Looking for in-home care services for your loved one or a reliable medical staffing partner for your organization? Our experienced local care team members are ready to help. Find a location near you, contact us online, or call 866.618.7827 to speak with a local care expert and learn more about how BrightStar Care offers A Higher Standard®.