High Peak Liberal Democrats

Tips for DIY and housework

There are many things you can do to make DIY or housework easier and less painful.

DIY

• Organise storage in your workshop, potting shed or garage using the same ideas as suggested for the kitchen - worktops should be at a comfortable height and you should sit or 'perch' to work.
• Pad the handles of tools to make them easier to grip and buy lightweight, power-assisted tools such as drills or screwdrivers. Some manufacturers now produce tools with large grips. Look for non-slip, comfortably shaped handles.

Housework

• Wear wrist splints while polishing, sweeping and doing DIY to ease pain.
• Use a long-handled dustpan and brush so you don't have to bend down.
• Use a towelling mitt for dusting or cleaning mirrors/windows as it's easier than gripping a cloth.
• Raise your washing-up bowl by putting it on blocks or another upturned bowl in the sink.

Laundry

The following tips may help when washing, drying and ironing clothes:

• You may find it easier to do half-loads when washing.
• A reaching gadget may help to get the clothes out of the machine.
• Raising a clothes basket on a block or box will make it easier to pick up, or use a clothes basket or plastic box with wheels and a handle if possible.
• Use a tumbledrier - take the clothes out straight away and hang up to reduce creasing (and ironing).
• It might help to sit down to iron.
• Setting up an ironing board to a low level can help with shoulder pain, but it shouldn't be low enough to make you stoop.
• Use an iron-flex holder which keeps the iron's cord out of the way to reduce wrist strain.
• For small amounts of ironing, use a metallised ironing cloth/ thick towel on a worktop.
• Use a reflective ironing board cover so you only need to iron clothes on one side.
• Plan ahead and buy non-iron clothes and fabrics.
• If you're redesigning your living space, you may want to consider a pull-out ironing board.

- See more at: http://www.arthritisresearchuk.org/arthritis-information/arthritis-and-daily-life/comfort-in-your-home/diy-and-housework.aspx#sthash.klZ1pUMZ.dpuf

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