How To If you are blind or visually impaired, clean your house.
Few people like cleaning their house.It can be more difficult if you are blind.Take care of any spills immediately and create a wiping pattern to clean more efficiently.When storing your cleaning materials, be careful and use pretreated wipes.Make sure to tidy up by moving furniture.
Step 1: All food surfaces must be wiped down immediately.
Go over the entire area as soon as you are done cooking.Grease can accumulate if the stovetop is wiped down.Take a look at the countertops as well as any other areas.If you used the microwave, you should wipe it down as well.
Step 2: Follow a pattern of wiping.
Each surface area of your home has a pattern that you should follow.If you want to make horizontal wiping motions on your countertops, start with the upper left and move in the right direction.You can do the same thing when wiping down a tub or sink.If you want to change your pattern on the surface, you can use small, circular rubbing motions.It is a good idea to use a thin cloth for cleaning because you can feel the edges of the surface and keep the pattern.
Step 3: Large surfaces should be divided into sections.
It is hard to follow a cleaning pattern in large areas.Change in tile or furniture can be divided into smaller units.You should finish cleaning each section before moving on to the next one.If you are sweeping, you should gather the dust and debris from one section before going into the next one.
Step 4: Use wipes to clean.
You can position the wipes throughout your home in the designated cleaning areas.They don't require applying spray to a separate cloth and are easy to use.The right amount of cleaner is used for each space.If you are using a variety of cleaning wipes, make sure to label them on the side using one of the labeling systems.
Step 5: Try to over- clean.
You can make your patterns overlap.You will end up going over certain areas more than once.You might regret missing certain areas, but you won't regret over-cleaning.
Step 6: There is a designated area to store cleaners.
This is important if you use cleaners in bottles.You can put the bottles in a space away from the food preparation areas by using a system of labeling.You want to keep the cleaners out of the oven.
Step 7: You should clean your hands after.
Take a few minutes after each cleaning session to wash your hands with warm water and soap.You can use this to remove cleaning agents from your hands.Everyone who helps you clean should wash their hands as well.
Step 8: You should run your fingers over the surfaces.
You will be able to navigate household cleaning with your sense of touch.Take your fingers and lightly go over the same area, feeling for any signs of dirt or debris.If you want to practice your cleaning pattern, you can sprinkle some salt on a space, wipe it down, and then run your hand along it to see if any salt remains.To move objects out of the way, you can run your hands along the surface.You won't be able to knock something over with your wiping motion.
Step 9: If you see splatter points, watch out.
The area behind the trashcan and the back of the stove are splatter-prone.You should include a quick wipe down as part of your cleaning routine because these spaces are small enough to not require a cleaning pattern.What you are cooking can affect how you clean.If you are making spaghetti, you may need to spend more time cleaning the splatter around the stove area.
Step 10: Simply spray the cleaner onto the cloth.
If you choose to use a cloth and spray bottle instead of wipes, you should apply the cleaner directly to the surfaces.You can control how much cleaner you use.When you are done with an area, it is important that you don't leave any cleaner behind.
Step 11: It's a good idea to replace worn or damaged tape.
Walk around with no shoes on and feel the edges of any rugs or cords that have been taped down.Try to find out if the tape has come loose.Get new tape and apply it to the problem areas.You will be able to avoid tripping.
Step 12: Reposition furniture.
Any furniture that is out of place should be straightened.The chairs should be pushed back into place.Pull the drawers back into place.Larger furniture pieces should be moved back into their original locations.It will be easier to tidy up if you keep your furniture on pads or rollers.
Step 13: Slowly wash the dishes.
Make sure to test the temperature as you turn on the hot water to rinse.To avoid hitting them against one another, wash the glasses and handle them separately.The rinsing process can be finished with heavier items.You can feel the open spaces in the dishwasher.Place the glasses, dishes, and pans in the same location every time.It will make unloading easier.
Step 14: Everyone should get involved.
If you have roommates, try to split up the chores.Discuss which tasks you are most comfortable with.If you live with a partner or children, it's a good idea to ask each person to take on certain chores.Older children and adults can help out by cleaning up after themselves.
Step 15: It's a good idea to read a teaching manual.
There are many printed and online guides for blind people.The Perkins School for the Blind publishes an easy-to-use manual about basic cleaning practices.You can use a search engine to find the manual for the blind or visually impaired.
Step 16: There is a cleaning program.
Various agencies offer short and long-term programs that teach blind or visually impaired people how to manage household tasks.The Colorado Center for the Blind has a program for students about to head off to college.Check with the American Foundation for the Blind for more information.
Step 17: Meet with a vision rehabilitation specialist.
Trained professionals can come into your home, do a walk through, and help you develop a cleaning plan.They can suggest exercises that can help you become a more efficient cleaner.
Step 18: You can get help with an app.
There are a number of apps that help blind or visually impaired people.A person who is blind can use TapTap See to identify objects on the phone.If you encounter an unexpected object or a particularly cluttered area, these apps can be helpful.
Step 19: Accidents are expected.
You will make mistakes.Try to keep a sense of humor as you clean.If anything can wait, just concentrate on what needs to be done immediately.If you need help cleaning up after a spill, call a family member or friend.