Spring isn’t all joy and weather-related bliss. Sure, the temps are getting warmer, the flowers are blooming, and there’s a sense of joy in the air…

…But what about spring cleaning?
Ah, yes. Our snap back to reality. Spring’s open-armed welcome reminds us that we really let the house go and we must dust off the stagnant, stale air of winter. But for those of us with joint soreness or even arthritis, this task is even more daunting than usual.
We understand, and that’s why we’ve compiled a helpful guide to help you get through the spring cleaning season as pain-free as possible! Read on to learn how to clean your home without feeling quite as much ache, pain, and strain in your joints.

Why Do Our Joints Hurt in the Spring? 

Whether you struggle with joint issues or are just getting a little older, mild aches and pains tend to come and go with the weather. But why exactly does this happen? 

The University of Chicago tells us that there are actually a few theories, the most common of them attributing it to barometric and atmospheric pressure.
To put it simply, as the weather changes, our joints, muscles, and tendons contract and expand, leading to aches and stiffness.

So, in which seasons can you expect your pain to wax and wane? According to The HSS, the worst seasons for joint pain are winter and spring, while fall and summer seem to have less of an effect on our bodies. However, it’s important to note that the weather is certainly not the only factor contributing to your joint pain. These kinds of pains are often also caused by other medical issues, such as Rheumatoid Arthritis or other inflammatory conditions. 

Best Spring Cleaning Tips to Save Your Joints

Before we make our spring cleaning checklist, let’s dive into the tips and tricks that might help you clean your home without agitating your joints! From warmups to wearables, here are the best tips for pain-free cleaning:

Warm Up Your Body with Light Stretches

Imagine a day of spring cleaning like a workout - you’re moving all over the place, completing repetitive actions, and maybe even breaking a sweat! And, like a workout, warming up is just as important!
Here are some base stretches to get your body warmed up and ready to scrub:

Stretch 1: Start with 10 wrist and ankle rolls in both directions. 

Stretch 2: Complete 5 torso twists. 

Stretch 3: If possible, extend your knee upwards and do a knee hug for 10 seconds each. 

Stretch 4: Point and flex your feet a few times. 

Stretch 5: Straighten and curl your fingers, 10 times per hand. 

Use Stabilizing Compression Gear 

Protecting your joints is just as important as warming them up. Unnecessary jolts, bumps, and sprains can all be avoided by wearing supportive compression gear. 

For Finger Joints: Full-finger SmartTouch Gloves

Ideal for those suffering from arthritis, these gloves are all-encompassing, copper-infused, and perfect for aching finger joints. Plus, you don’t have to take them off to use your phone!

For Elbows: Recovery Elbow Sleeve

Never a bad idea to keep our elbows protected. This compression sleeve is ideal for promoting blood flow, stabilizing your joints, and keeping your tendons protected while you scrub, dust, and wash. 

For Both: Long Arthritis Gloves

Looking for all-in-one coverage? The long arthritis glove set is ideal for pain that doesn’t stop at the wrist. Keep your whole arm and elbow nicely stabilized to limit some of those aches and pains. 

For Knees: Recovery Knee Sleeve

Bending down can be difficult - make it easier with a recovery sleeve that keeps your knee protected from jolting, shock, and ache. 

Take it Slow

The most important piece of advice we will give you in this article is that spring cleaning does not need to happen in one day or even two days. If you’re trying to get everything done at once, chances are you’ll end the day overworked, overwhelmed, and unsatisfied. Take it one room at a time, and don’t worry about speed or efficiency. Your joints will thank you! 

Use Long-Handled Products

Want to know how to clean baseboards without kneeling down? How about reaching the ceiling fans without getting on a chair? Find cleaning products with long or extendable handles! This will allow you to reach areas that may not normally be available to you due to joint pain or height issues! Here is a great list of joint pain and arthritis-friendly cleaning tools.

Strategically Place Your Cleaning Supplies

It’s very easy to take your cleaning rags and sprays with you all around the house. However, this may put unnecessary strain on your fingers and wrists. Plus, you may forget where you put them, leading to even more frustration! Make sure to keep your cleaning supplies in one visible, easy-to-reach space for the most effective spring clean. 

Know Your Limits

When you’re done, you’re done. No ifs, ands, or buts about it. When you’re starting to feel some joint flare-up, don’t push yourself - take a break, or call it a day. Spring isn’t going anywhere! …Well, it is, but not for a few months!

The Ultimate Spring Cleaning Checklist

Now the real work begins! Time to get cleaning. We’ve compiled a general checklist of things that are often ignored or overlooked in each room: 

Kitchen

There are quite a few nooks and crannies that get a little grimy. You could probably spend all day cleaning the kitchen, but if you don’t have the energy or ability to do that, focus on these areas: 

Clean out the fridge of expired/old food

Wipe down the inside of the fridge

Wipe all the countertops and cabinets

Clean out the pantry

Living Room

We spend the most time here, so make sure you focus on dust-accumulating areas that might trigger some allergies! 

Dust/wipe mirrors, lampshades, and fans

Wipe all surfaces

Vacuum/sweep floors

Wash all pillows and blankets

Bedroom

Our palace! Gotta treat this room right - even if that means a little extra work. You may need some extra hands for the mattress, but that’s the heaviest part. 

Wash all bedding

Wash all pillows

Rotate/flip your mattress

Go through under-bed and closet storage

Bathroom

Our porcelain palace! As we all know, bathrooms are really good at getting gross. Always good to give it a deep clean. 

Disinfect the shower and toilet

Wash bathmat and shower curtain

Wipe down mirror/surfaces

Go through medicine cabinets/storage

Miscellaneous

Any office areas, porches, decks, or hallways we missed? Here are some general suggestions, but feel free to add your own to your list! 

Update your first aid kits

Go through your closet for giveaway items 

Sweep front/back porch 

Wipe down any work desks

Final Thoughts

Take a breath. Spring is in no hurry, and we shouldn’t be either! When it comes to joint pain, even small tasks can be hard - so don’t make it harder! We really hope this helped you, and don’t forget to check out our website and blog for the latest and greatest!