4 Cleaning Tips That Won't Break Your Back

By Brandi Swieter  

Cleaning needs to get done. The problem is that the tasks involved are often too harsh on the body. Repetitive movements and multiple rooms to tackle are usually all it takes to cause an injury, or at least allow back pain to set in. With a few cleaning tips, people can clean without breaking their backs or overusing muscles in the process.

Switch Your Stance

Switching up the way you stand when performing certain duties, such as standing at the stink washing dishes, will help to reduce muscle strain. Putting all of your weight on just one side of the body can quickly lead to pain. It’s best to switch up the stance every 30 seconds or so to avoid muscle fatigue and prevent just one side of the body from becoming stronger than the other.

Use Your Legs to Vacuum

No, this doesn’t mean keeping the hands off the vacuum and attempting to use your feet. What using your legs to vacuum means is leading with the legs and stepping forward, almost like a lunge. Perform a backwards lunge to step back and lunge forward again to continue. This is a better alternative to leaning forward with the back, which can quickly lead to pain. The back should always remain in an upright position and straight, never bent toward the floor.

Fold Laundry at a Countertop

Standing up to fold laundry at a countertop is a better solution than sitting down for the task. Those who sit tend to lean forward to grab their clothes or place the folded pieces down in a different spot. Standing to do the work allows the back to remain straight so no tension travels up the spine due to leaning and bending.

Clean One Room Each Day

Instead of vacuuming every single room in the house, plus tackling other chores, just focus on one room at a time. Vacuuming, dusting, and picking up in one room is far less tiresome and harsh on the body than performing these tasks over and over throughout multiple locations. Pick a day during the week and stick with a schedule. It will keep you organized and prevent pain from occurring.

It may be difficult to change the way you’ve always cleaned, but be more mindful of the moves you make while doing so and you’ll quickly come to realize just how much more effective it is. Preventing pain is the goal, so follow these tips to keep aches away. Individuals who still feel pain after time spent cleaning should visit The Joint Chiropractic for an assessment.

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Peachtree City, Ga.

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