Cleaning From a Wheelchair

Cleaning In a Wheelchair


Being disabled makes cleaning house more difficult, but with a little ingenuity and the right tools it can be done. It is important to know that fatigue is a big issue for the disabled, so my methods use less energy and time spent working. My cleaning methods developed over time and mostly by trail and error. Cleaning house from a wheelchair isn't meant for every disabled person. It does not apply to those who do not have use of the upper body or people who cannot move around in the wheelchair, it requires some trunk rotation and reaching (stretching) also.



Being disabled makes cleaning house more difficult, but with a little ingenuity and the right tools it can be done. It is important to know that fatigue is a big issue for the disabled, so my methods use less energy and time spent working. My cleaning methods developed over time and mostly by trail and error. Cleaning house from a wheelchair isn't meant for every disabled person. It does not apply to those who do not have use of the upper body or people who cannot move around in the wheelchair, it requires some trunk rotation and reaching (stretching) also.

The Kitchen

The biggest problem in the kitchen is reaching the sink and into cabinets. I found that if I turn my chair parallel to the sink, instead of approaching it straight on, I can reach the faucets to turn on the water and wash my dishes. I have to use both hands to hold glass objects to move them safely from washing sink to rinsing sink. I recommend using a flat surface, ( a counter or the table top, if within reach) with a dish towel laid down to drain the clean dishes. It is very important to have the things you need for the job close at hand to avoid stopping and starting a task and to save your energy. To wipe off kitchen surfaces, I find it easier and quicker to use an already treated and damp wipe. There are many brands to choose from that not only clean, but also disinfect. Wipes save time and energy, (no wet, soapy, smelly rag or sponge to rinse out) just throw the wipe away.

Living Room

In the living room first pick up clutter, a small basket or even a grocery bag will hold most items and save energy by cutting down on going back and forth. After the pick-up I dust. There are many tools you can use for dusting, any one will do if it has a handle at one end and material that traps dust on the other. You can use the common feather duster but I use a set of the magnetic kind with various handle lengths. For polishing furniture I use prepared wipes. Most furniture polish brands also come in a disposable wipe.. After polishing I spray the furniture and curtains with a fabric refreshing spray.

The Bathroom

This is the hardest room and usually the dirtiest.  Here you need lots of disinfectant products, (Lysol is my favorite brand.)  I use a child's mop to scrub the bathtub so that I can reach the whole tub from my chair.  To clean the commode, I use a cleaning, disinfectant spray and a regular toilet brush.  I use disinfectant, disposable wipes to clean the seat and lid, also for the bathroom sink.  The advantages of using wipes is no rinsing and a terrific, clean smell. 

Floors

I sometimes use a child's toy mop to clean up small areas or spills on the floor.  It is very difficult to use a full size broom or mop from a wheelchair, instead I use a child size mop and broom and a dustpan that stands up by itself.  It also is easier for me to use a spray cleaner with the mop instead of a bucket of mopwater.  I often use a multi-purpose cleaner for everything because it is easier to carry one spray bottle in your lap than several differrent products.