Sparkling

Cleaning is never done. We may postpone it and sometimes even close our eyes to it, but it isn't going to clean itself, unfortunately, sigh! But oh the rewarding feeling after having it done and everything is spic and span... again, hehe!

It's already a major task without any aching joints, it takes several times longer with. But here are some joint-friendly tips for big housecleaning jobs, that may come in handy, even if you don't have RA or Arthritis:

"Prioritize.
Decide which cleaning projects are best suited to spring. Save the rest for summer, fall and winter projects.

Plan your attack.
Tackle tasks in an efficient order. Some jobs are better for morning work, others are best left for later. Switch from hand work to reaching work to bending work to avoid stressing any one part of your body too long. Avoid the urge to do it all at once. You can spread any one project out over days or weeks, if necessary. For example, tackle overhead cobwebs one room at a time.

Rest on schedule.
Plan rest periods every 15, 30 or 60 minutes to conserve energy. Forging ahead may let you cross another task off your list sooner, but often sooner means sorer.

Take it with you.
Avoid repeat trips to the closet for cleaning supplies by wearing a work apron with pockets for bottles, sponges and rags. Don’t load up too much or the apron may become heavy and stress your back and shoulders. Or try a wheeled utility cart to transport supplies from room to room. Another option is to buy multiple supplies and store them in key areas of your home, such as the bathrooms and kitchen, and on upper and lower floors.

Choose the right tools.
Use joint-friendly cleaning tools, such as long-handled dustpans. Choose tools and products that are made to be lightweight, automatic, long-handled, ergonomic or quick-acting. Get caught sitting down. When possible, use a bar-height stool with footrests to allow you to sit during projects, such as polishing silver.

Protect your joints.
Don’t grip cloths when cleaning. Keep your hand flat when moving the cloth or use a duster that fits over the whole hand. When cleaning with water, use a large sponge instead of a cloth, so you can squeeze out the water easily by pressing down on the sponge with the palm of your hand.
~by Rosanna Scott Posted 2/17/07, Arthritis Foundation."

Just as our homes, we need to clean and examine our inner-selves on a regular base and get rid of sin. We may postpone it and sometimes even close our eyes to it, but it isn't going to clean itself! But oh, the reward after having done it! :-)

2 Timothy 2:20-21
20 But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor. 21 Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work.