What are the commonest ailments from home cleaning?
How do they come about?
Let MEIDE Cleaning educate you today from our first-hand experiences!
Let’s face it: maintaining a clean home is basically a long battle against dust bunnies and stubborn stains. So, in our quest for domestic cleanliness, we end up facing the not-so-clean consequences of our cleaning methods.
From chemical fumes that could rival a science lab to wrestling matches with the vacuum cleaner, home cleaning can come with its share of unexpected health hazards.
Here, let us face the five common ailments that sneak up on home cleaners and housekeepers with MEIDE.SG while they’re busy scrubbing and dusting!
1) Skin Injuries and Irritations
Ever noticed how your hands feel like they’ve aged a decade after a marathon cleaning session? Turns out, those chemical-laden cleaners aren’t just tough on dirt—they can also be pretty harsh on the skin. Before they know it, home cleaners and housekeepers are itching and scratching from skin irritations!
These come about from a condition known as contact dermatitis. Over time, the exposure to dampness, dirt and chemicals also breaks down our natural skin barrier. This predisposes us to infections, like fungal infections, called tinea. Additionally, people predisposed to eczema can have eczema flare-ups too!
On top of skin irritations, cuts, lacerations, and burns are also ailments that house cleaners need to be wary of. This is why MEIDE ensures proper training and handling of hazardous tools like the iron, and when cleaning fragile items like glass and mirrors!
But, did you know these ailments from home cleaning can be prevented?
First of all, always consider donning a pair of gloves to shield your hands from the assault of cleaning chemicals, and maybe treat yourselves to a fancy moisturizer afterward. Your hands will thank you, and who knows, they might even forgive you for putting them through the wringer.
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2) Musculoskeletal Ailments From Home Cleaning
So, you’ve heard of getting a workout at the gym, but have you ever considered that cleaning your house could qualify as a full-body workout?
From lifting heavy furniture to reaching those pesky cobwebs in the corner, every cleaning task seems to come with its own set of muscle-aching challenges.
Oh, and did you consider that cleaning a house – especially landed residences – means climbing up and down the staircases too?
Frequent ailments from home cleaning sustained are tendonitis (like De Quervain’s), Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, trigger finger, slipped intervertebral discs, spondylosis, and the regular sprains and muscle strains.
This is why MEIDE Cleaning always checks to ensure the environment is safe for cleaning! We do not allow cleaners to clean high areas without proper safety. For example, the area must be dry and non-slippery before a safety ladder is used, to clean ceiling fans.
Additionally, here are some tips to prevent strains and sprains when cleaning. Remember to bend at the knees, and maintain good posture, when lifting heavy objects. Also, take regular well-deserved breaks, and do some stretching before and after the hard work.
Honestly, your back, knees, and wrists will thank you, and who knows, you might even earn yourselves a gold medal in the Housecleaning Olympics.
3) Allergic Rhinitis
Ah, the joys of allergic rhinitis, also known as the unwelcome houseguest that shows up whenever you’re knee-deep in cleaning supplies.
And, the culprits?
Think: Dust mites, pet dander, and mold spores—it’s like a who’s who of allergens staging a party in your living room.
Allergic Rhinitis is basically colloquially known as “sinus problem”, and causes red, swollen glands, as well as stuffy and runny nose. It most commonly occurs upon waking up and sometimes at night. It is just a cousin of eczema and asthma!
Here is what we at MEIDE cleaning recommend – keep those pesky intruders at bay by investing in a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter! Think twice if you are considering a furry pet, large rugs or carpets in your house and you are prone to the abovementioned ailments.
At the end of the day, your sinuses will thank you, and who knows, you might even get through spring cleaning without sneezing up a storm.
4) Eye Ailments From Home Cleaning
Next, here comes the second cousin of your allergic rhinitis, and eczema – the allergic conjunctivitis (a.k.a Red ‘Watery’ Eyes).
Indeed, you know you’re in for a wild ride when even your eyes start protesting your cleaning spree. Scarily, plenty of dust can fly into your eyes without you realizing it, when dusting and sweeping! Plus, between the bleach fumes and the accidental splashes of cleaning solution, it’s a wonder your peepers haven’t staged a mutiny yet.
Eye irritations can sting temporarily, but it can also cause permanent injury, such as corneal damage, if you are not diligent in keeping it to the minimum!
Therefore, it is vital that you protect those precious orbs with a pair of goggles or glasses, and maybe give them a break by closing them every once in a while. After all, if you do regular house cleaning, you know they’ve seen enough dust bunnies to last a lifetime.
5) Respiratory Ailments
Oh, did we mention about cough and flu being a common ailment from home cleaning too?
What’s more, individuals with asthma may suffer such symptoms even more commonly.
Picture this: you’re spraying away at that stubborn stain, and suddenly, you are coughing up a storm. Those harsh chemical cleaners may pack a punch against grime, but they can also release a cloud of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that leave the respiratory system feeling like it’s been hit by a truck.
The solution: opt for gentler, eco-friendly cleaners to give your lungs a break, and who knows, you might even spare yourself from sounding like Darth Vader next time you breathe.
Furthermore, cleaning up houses requires our household workers to visit various families’ homes. Hence, it also exposes them to possible flu and cold bugs.
Hence, at MEIDE Cleaning, we always emphasize the importance of hand hygiene as well as mask-wearing. Moreover, we do daily checks to evaluate cleaners’ health status so that any ailments are caught and treated as early as possible!
Take Home Message
Finally, cleaning your home might not be the glamorous adventure you imagined, but it doesn’t have to be a health hazard either. By embracing safer cleaning practices, our home cleaners, housewives and house-husbands can all banish dirt and grime without sacrificing their well-being.
So, go ahead and put on those gloves, masks, gowns, and even protective boots and goggles!
Then, grab your trusty cleaning supplies, and remember: a little laughter goes a long way when you’re battling dust bunnies and stubborn stains. Stay healthy and happy cleaning!
Hey… don’t miss this!
Claim your Discount for a General Home Clean by our dedicated HSS Cleaner! Quote #MEID15BLOG for 15% Off (First Time Customers ONLY) (Valid to 12 Dec 2024 Only)
Book your #1 home services today, or join our team!
meide.sg is here for you, always.
