Arthritis is a common condition that causes pain and inflammation in the joints. It can make daily activities difficult and painful. While there is no cure for arthritis, there are many things you can do to manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life. Proper cleaning and hygiene habits are an important part of arthritis care. Keeping your joints clean can help prevent infections, reduce pain and stiffness, and improve your mobility. In this article, we will discuss different ways to clean your arthritis effectively.
Wash Your Hands Frequently
One of the most important hygiene habits for arthritis patients is frequent handwashing. Your hands come into contact with many surfaces and can easily pick up bacteria and viruses. These germs can then be transferred to your joints if you touch or hold them. This puts you at risk of developing infections like septic arthritis, which causes severe joint damage. That’s why it is crucial to wash your hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds:
– Before preparing food or eating
– After using the bathroom
– After touching animals or pets
– After coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose
– When your hands are visibly dirty
– Before and after caring for painful or swollen joints
You may also want to keep alcohol-based hand sanitizers handy for times when you are not near a sink. Proper hand hygiene protects your joints and reduces your chance of infections.
Shower Regularly
Along with handwashing, regular showering or bathing helps keep your joints clean. Aim to bathe at least once a day, or more often if you are sweating heavily. Use a mild, fragrance-free soap and lukewarm water. Gently cleanse around any painful or inflamed joints, taking care not to scrub or irritate the skin.
It is important not to stay in the shower or bath for too long, as this can dry out your skin. Keep showers under 10 minutes, and avoid soaking in the tub for more than 20 minutes. After bathing, be sure to moisturize your skin with an unscented lotion or cream. This helps trap moisture and prevent dry, itchy skin which is common with arthritis.
Clean Joints Gently
Sometimes arthritis causes thickened, flaky skin around your joint areas. Gently washing the joints with a damp washcloth can remove built-up skin and debris. Focus on areas like the knees, elbows, fingers and toes. Use mild soap and warm water, gently massaging the skin to loosen and rinse away dead cells.
Be very gentle during this process, especially around swollen or tender joints. Never scrub or use harsh cleansers. Pat the skin dry thoroughly after cleaning. You can apply a hypoallergenic moisturizing cream, like Cetaphil or CeraVe, to hydrate the area after washing.
Disinfect Cuts and Scrapes
Even small cuts and scrapes need prompt cleaning when you have arthritis. Disinfect any broken skin right away with rubbing alcohol or antiseptic wash. Always keep a first aid kit on hand containing antibiotic ointment or cream. Apply ointment and cover with a sterile bandage.
Change the bandage daily, checking for signs of infection like redness, swelling, oozing pus or worsening pain. See your doctor at the first sign of infection, as antibiotics may be needed. Properly caring for any wounds prevents bacteria from entering your joints.
Clean Assistive Devices
Canes, walkers, knee scooters and other assistive devices need regular cleaning too. These items come into frequent contact with your hands and body. Germs and bacteria can collect on handles, handgrips, seats and braces.
Clean devices after each use by wiping down with disinfectant wipes or a cloth soaked in a bleach solution. Pay attention to handgrips, handles and areas that touch your skin. Sanitize weekly with alcohol wipes. Also check for signs of wear and tear, replacing any parts that are cracked, broken or unstable. Proper device hygiene protects your health.
Use Cleaning Aids
Arthritis can make it difficult to grasp small objects or perform fine hand motions needed for cleaning. Fortunately, there are many tools and aids that can help:
| Aid | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Liquid soap dispensers | Easier to use than bars of soap or bottles |
| Sponges with handles | Extend your reach and provide grip |
| Long-handled scrub brushes | Help wash hard to reach areas |
| Grabber tools | Pick up items without bending or straining fingers |
Implementing aids takes stress off painful joints. Look for options with large, easy-grip handles. Test different styles to find what works best for you. Don’t be afraid to ask for help setting up or using new tools.
Hire Help if Needed
When arthritis pain and stiffness make cleaning too difficult, hiring help may be wise. A housekeeper can take over routine cleaning tasks like dusting, mopping floors, scrubbing bathrooms, washing windows and laundry. Decluttering services can organize and tidy cluttered areas.
If hiring full-time help is not affordable, consider part-time cleaning or having a friend or family member help with chores. Prioritize the most strenuous tasks like vacuuming, scrubbing and laundry for your helper. Focus your energy on lighter jobs or tidying up. There is no shame in getting support to keep your home clean.
Use Cleaning Services
Another option is hiring professional cleaning services to take care of the heavy cleaning. Many residential cleaning companies offer flexible schedules – you can book one-time deep cleans or schedule regular maintenance cleanings weekly, bi-weekly or monthly.
Look for licensed, insured companies that clean homes of those with arthritis or other conditions. Ask what cleaning solutions they use – some offer all-natural products to reduce chemical irritants. Be sure to inform them of any household allergies or sensitivities too. Professional services efficiently sanitize your home between your own cleaning sessions.
Listen to Your Body
While keeping your joints clean is important, don’t push yourself to the point of severe pain. Stop cleaning and rest your joints if you experience significant worsening of pain, swelling or stiffness. Forcing yourself to overdo cleaning can worsen inflammation and cause a flare.
Pace yourself, and take breaks as needed when cleaning. Switch between tasks to avoid repetitive joint motions. Adapt your technique to accommodate painful joints. Sit rather than stand for certain jobs. Slide items along countertops rather than lifting them. Finding the right balance helps keep your joints clean without agony.
Use Assistive Devices
Specialized assistive devices make cleaning easier on arthritic hands, knees, hips and other joints. Consider using:
– Anti-fatigue mats – Cushioning for standing tasks like washing dishes
– Reachers – Pick up items without bending or straining
– Mobility aids – Rolling carts, grab bars, walkers with seats distribute weight and improve stability
– Adapted cleaning tools – Extendable dusters, snap-on cleaning pads, lightweight vacuums
– Joint protection – Wrist braces, knee pads, shoulder supports stabilize and cushion joints
Consult with an occupational therapist to identify assistive devices tailored for your needs. Your doctor may be able to refer you to occupational therapy services. Medicare and other insurance plans often cover prescribed assistive equipment.
Modify Your Environment
Look for ways to modify your home environment to make cleaning simpler:
– Install lever-style faucet handles – Easier to use than knobs with arthritis hands
– Purchase a front-loading washing machine – Reduces bending and reaching
– Use a dishwasher – Cuts down on painful dish scrubbing
– Organize storage – Keep frequently used items within easy reach
– Declutter – Get rid of unnecessary items taking up space and gathering dust
– Streamline cleaning routines – Clean just once or twice per week rather than daily
Even small adaptations lighten the cleaning load on your body. Evaluate your home to spot any problem areas or modifications needed.
Use Adaptive Techniques
Tweak how you perform cleaning tasks to reduce strain on painful joints:
– Sit rather than stand for suitable jobs
– Slide items along countertops instead of lifting
– Use forearms rather than hands for scrubbing
– Hold cleaning tools with both hands to spread out effort
– Switch between left and right hands
– Twist from your hips rather than back when reaching
– Air dry dishes rather than towel drying them
– Fold laundry sitting down using a smooth surface
Experiment to find adaptations that take pressure off your arthritic joints. Proper positioning and technique prevents extra wear and tear.
Try Alternative Cleaning Methods
Traditional cleaning often involves repetitive motions and force that can aggravate arthritis. But alternative cleaning options are gentler on joints:
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Steam cleaners | Use hot vapor to sanitize surfaces and remove grime. |
| Self-cleaning technology | Built-in cleaning cycles in appliances like ovens and washing machines. |
| Natural cleaning formulas | Vinegar, lemon, baking soda and other non-toxic ingredients. |
| Microfiber cloths | Lightly trap and remove dirt with just water, reducing chemicals. |
| Cleansing wipes | Disposable cloths conveniently clean with minimal effort. |
| Robotic vacuums | Automated vacuuming with less lifting and pushing. |
Look into alternative cleaning methods that align with your abilities and lifestyle. You may be able to do more cleaning with less pain.
Use Hot and Cold Therapy
Applying hot or cold treatments to painful joints before and after cleaning sessions can provide relief. Try:
– Heating pads – Use for 15-20 minutes to relax muscles before cleaning
– Ice packs – Apply for 10-15 minutes after cleaning to reduce inflammation
– Paraffin wax – Warm wax baths moisturize hands pre-cleaning
– Hand immersion – Alternate soaking hands in warm and cool water
– Warm showers – Loosen up joints prior to cleaning
– Topical gels – Cooling or warming gels ease arthritis discomfort
Play around with different hot and cold therapies to determine which best soothes your joints. Proper use can make cleaning more comfortable.
Talk to Your Doctor
Discuss your cleaning difficulties with your physician or rheumatologist. They may recommend:
– Occupational therapy – Teaches adaptations for daily tasks like cleaning
– Behavioral therapy – Addresses emotional barriers holding you back from accepting help
– Support groups – Connects you with others facing similar challenges
– Social services – Provides resources for assistance at home
– Joint injections – Reduces inflammation for easier movement
– Medication changes – Better controls pain and stiffness
– Joint surgery – Repairs or replaces damaged joints
Don’t simply struggle through cleaning in terrible pain. There are many medical and supportive solutions to explore.
Join an Arthritis Forum
It can be incredibly helpful to join an online or in-person community of others living with arthritis. Arthritis forums allow you to ask questions, vent frustrations, share advice, and find empathy. Connecting with those who understand first-hand makes the challenges of arthritis less lonely and isolating.
Popular arthritis forums include:
– Arthritis Foundation Forum – Moderated online community of the Arthritis Foundation
– Rheumatoid Arthritis Forum – Discussion boards for those with RA
– HealthBoards Arthritis Forum – All arthritis types welcome
– PatientInfo Arthritis Forum – UK-based arthritis forum
– KickAS.org – Online community for ankylosing spondylitis
Seek out both general arthritis forums as well as condition-specific groups relevant to your type of arthritis. Make your needs heard and offer support to fellow warriors.
Explore Adaptive Equipment
Specialized adaptive cleaning equipment makes tasks easier and less painful:
– Extendable dusters – Reduce reaching and bending
– Scrub brushes with suction cups – Attach to walls and clean hard to reach spots
– Padded bucket handles – Prevent hand strain from carrying
– Ergonomic mops – Allow cleaning with minimal back bending
– Wheeled laundry bags – Roll heavy loads instead of carrying
Visit an assisted living store or medical supply retailer to view adaptive cleaning options first-hand. You can also find many specialized tools online. Ergonomic equipment protects your body.
Change Cleaning Products
Many cleaning products contain harsh chemicals that worsen arthritis through skin and respiratory irritation. Consider more natural, non-toxic cleaning formulas. Look for plant-based, dye-free and fragrance-free options.
Essential oil-based cleaners add pleasant scents without triggering reactions. Good options include:
– Castile soap – Powerful plant-based cleaner
– Baking soda – Removes stains and odors
– White vinegar – Cuts grease and disinfects
– Hydrogen peroxide – Whitens and disinfects
– Lemon juice – Removes stains and deodorizes
– Olive oil – Polishes wood without chemicals
Search for recipes to create your own natural cleaning products at home using these ingredients. Avoid products with toxic chemicals to reduce arthritis symptoms.
Simplify Your Cleaning Routine
It’s easy for cleaning to become overly complicated and time-consuming. But with arthritis, it is wise to simplify and streamline your cleaning regimen:
– Focus on visible areas only – Prioritize kitchens, bathrooms, floors over infrequently accessed spots.
– Establish solid surfaces only – Eliminate dust-collectors like knickknacks and decor items.
– Declutter beforehand – Get rid of items you don’t use to reduce cleaning needs.
– Use minimal products – Stick to just 1-2 trusted cleaners for most jobs.
– Create set schedules – Clean certain rooms on designated days rather than daily whole-house cleans.
– Enlist family help – Children and spouses can take on tasks appropriate for them.
Cutting down cleaning to the essentials lightens the burden. Adjust routines to match your current abilities.
Conclusion
Cleaning effectively while living with arthritis comes down to protecting your joints. Frequent handwashing, daily bathing, using aids and avoiding infection all help keep joints healthy. Adapting techniques, scheduling ample rest, and finding help allows you to clean while minimizing pain and strain. Discover cleaning strategies that work for your individual symptoms and lifestyle. With the proper modifications, you can keep your home fresh and clean.