Cleaning Ergonomics

Cleaning ergonomics may not be concepts often thought of, but they’re extremely important. Anything you spend a measurable amount of time doing can have an impact on the health of your body – this applies to active activities – from sports to cleaning – and passive activities – such as computer use and reading. No matter what you’re doing, it’s important to prioritize your wellbeing, so here is how you can implement ergonomic practices into your cleaning routines.

Height of cleaning tools

Many tools are used for cleaning floors – brooms, mops, and vacuums all come to mind, as well as machines for waxing and buffing and other less common items. All of these items share one thing in common: you hold them while standing, but need to move them across a floor below. This makes the height of these tools incredibly important. If they are too short, you will find yourself hunched over to reach, and if they are too tall, you’ll raise your hands above a natural angle to hold them. To make sure your tool is the correct height, or just to make sure you are holding it at the correct height, remember to stand up straight, and keep your elbows at approximately 90 degree angles. If you find yourself needing to lean down, make sure you bend at the hips and don’t hunch your back.

Reaching high and low

Sometimes it’s unavoidable to get on your hands and knees to clean a floor or on a ladder to clean up high. This is completely fine, as long as it’s done in a way that doesn’t put undue stress on the body. For cleaning down low, try placing soft object – like a rug or mat – under your knees. If it’s smaller, it’ll be easy to move along with you. Also, keep your spine neutral and move toward the area you’re cleaning. Don’t reach and overextend your body. The same principle follows cleaning high – don’t reach farther than an arm’s distance, which may sometimes mean climbing down the ladder and moving it before climbing back up or getting a taller ladder entirely.

Weight of tools

The weight of your tools matter as well. Mop buckets should be no larger than what is actually needed, otherwise you’re unnecessarily transporting heavy items that can strain your shoulders and back. Significantly larger equipment should be able to roll themselves, or be paired with dollies or similar tools to help roll them to their needed location, so nobody is pushing or pulling heavy tools long distances.

A lot of ergonomics is simply listening to what your body is trying to tell you. By following a few basic principles and being sure you have the tools that fit you, you’re sure to enjoy a clean space and a healthy body!