Safety first! House cleaning can be a lot more dangerous than people assume. Depending on the type of cleaning you can risk sustaining a mechanical injury, a harmful chemical reaction or an allergic reaction. When cleaning, simply taking your time and being aware of your surroundings can reduce your risk of injury drastically. Here are five residential cleaning safety tips to follow.

1. If you can’t reach it don’t clean it. Hard to reach areas can be difficult to clean, but the last thing you want to do is over extend yourself and sustain and injury. To clean areas that are hard to reach you should use the proper equipment. For example, if you are cleaning on top of a tall dresser use a step ladder and an extended duster.

2. Be safe around chemicals. House cleaning chemicals, even all natural cleaners, can be potentially harmful. Skin exposure and inhalation are two common ways people are harmed by chemicals. To prevent skin exposure and accidental inhalation wear rubber gloves or a mask. Also never mix cleaning chemicals. Bleach and Ammonia when mixed can create deadly fumes.

3. Store your cleaning supplies in a safe location. After using any cleaning supplies make sure they are returned to a safe location for storage. Make sure the lids, tops or caps of any cleaning supplies are secure before storing. Left out cleaning supplies risk being knocked over and spilled.

4. Don’t lift objects that are too heavy. When carrying heavy objects you risk injuring your back, tripping and falling or dropping and breaking the item itself. When lifting a heavy object you should lift with your legs and bend your knees so you do not stress your back. If an object is too heavy to move always ask for help.

5. Use a professional house cleaning service. The easiest and safest way to clean is by hiring someone else to clean for you. A professional house cleaning company who has experience and is fully bonded and insured can help you with just about any house cleaning task.

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