Safe House Cleaning Tips for Expecting Mums

Once you become a mom, your me-time could end up at the bottom of your to-do list. Finding time for yourself at this point in your life can take a back seat with career and personal commitments on your plate. It is important to keep your home as safe and sanitary as possible.

The following house cleaning tips will be useful to ensure that your space is clean and so you can squeeze some me-time into your day.

What Expecting Mothers Should Know

During pregnancy, your body is going through significant changes. This means that you should adapt your cleaning routine so that you and your baby stay safe. There are things you need to know before picking up that mop or duster to clean.

Safe Cleaning Hours and Frequency

The best time for you to clean is during the cooler times of the day, such as early morning or evening. What we want to avoid is overexertion on our part since the climate is warm.

If possible, limit the cleaning to 20-30 minutes at a time. Get as many breaks as you need. Small and frequent cleaning sessions are more manageable than marathon cleaning days.

Essential Physical Precautions

You need extra care during cleaning because of your changing centre of gravity and loosening joints. It’s crucial to maintain good posture. Keep your back straight and bend at the knees instead of the waist.

Avoid reaching up high or bending down low for extended periods. If there are long-handled tools you can use, use them to avoid bending and stretching.

For footwear, wear lightweight and non-slip rubber-soled shoes to prevent falls. Always listen to your body’s signals. When you feel tired, take a break.

When to Ask for Help

Some cleaning tasks are too risky for pregnant women like you. Do not hesitate to ask for help if you need the following done:

1. Moving heavy furniture or appliances
2. Climbing ladders or stepping on stools
3. Heavy vacuum cleaners or water buckets
4. Cleaning areas that require the cleaner to bend
5. Tasks involving strong chemical smell

It is best that you leave them to the hands of fellow family members or professional cleaners.

What Not to Tackle Even With Someone’s Help

The following are examples of areas and tasks that you should avoid because of the risks they bring to pregnant women.

• If you have cat litter boxes, don’t be the one to clean them. You may put yourself at risk of toxoplasmosis (the infection one can get from getting contact with cat faeces).
• You should also avoid cleaning rodent and bird cages, as rodent droppings may carry a virus called LCMV while bird droppings may cause fungal and lung infections in sensitive individuals like pregnant women.
• Don’t clean mould-infected areas. Whenever possible, engage a part-time cleaner to tackle this task.
• If there is a need to use a strong chemical cleaner indoors, assign such a chore to others and leave the room immediately.

If You Feel the Following, then Rest

Stop it and rest if you experience the following, even if you are doing a simple tidying of your bedroom.

• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Unusual fatigue
• Contractions or abdominal pain
• Headaches
• Shortness of breath
• Back pain

Do not downplay these symptoms as they could be signs of a serious concern.

Essential Cleaning Supplies

Choosing the right cleaning products can make a big difference to your cleaning routine. Be selective about your supplies so you can go to any room in your house without worrying if strong/unsafe products were used to clean such a surface.

Here is a simple guide when selecting store-bought cleaners.

• Check if the products are:
  • Fragrance-free or naturally scented
  • Free from harsh chemicals like ammonia and bleach
  • Labelled as non-toxic and biodegradable
  • Low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
  • Specifically formulated for sensitive users
• Some recommended brands to buy are:
  • Seventh Generation cleaning products
  • Bio-Home natural cleaners
  • Mama’s Choice cleaning range
  • Earth Choice eco-friendly cleaners

Refer to the table below for a quick guide on these products.

• For natural alternatives, you can opt for:
  • White vinegar solution (for windows, mirrors, and countertops); it is also a natural disinfectant for surfaces in the bathroom, great for removing mild mould and mildew
  • Baking soda (you can make it as a paste to scrub sinks); also an effective bowl cleaner when mixed with vinegar
  • Lemon (can remove soap scum and water stains); mix it with warm water to clean your floor naturally; you can also use it to clean and deodorise cutting boards and microwaves
• Strictly avoid these below products:
  • Oven cleaners
  • Drain cleaners
  • Products containing phthalates
  • Any cleaners marked as corrosive
  • Air fresheners with synthetic fragrances
• If you are a mum who wants to maintain the cleanliness of your space even with a simple upkeep, you might want to invest in these tools.
  • Lightweight microfibre mops
  • Long-handled dusters
  • Spray bottles for diluting solutions
  • Microfibre cloths
  • A vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter
  • Rubber gloves
• Simple tips to use cleaning products:
  • Make it a habit to read labels before using the product
  • Never experiment with mixing different cleaning products
  • Keep cleaning supplies organised and within easy reach
  • Store them at waist height
  • Test new products in small areas first
  • Keep a spray bottle of plain water handy to dilute solutions when needed

Less is more when it comes to cleaning products.

Room-by-Room Cleaning Guide

Nursery

• Clean at least 8 weeks before your due date
• Clean from top to bottom (ceiling to floor)
• Focus on achieving good air quality by reducing dust levels

Kitchen & Bathroom

General Tips for All Rooms

Here are some useful tips for cleaning all rooms in your house while you wait for your newborn.

1. Clean one room at a time.
2. Take breaks between rooms.
3. Use natural light whenever possible.
4. Keep cleaning supplies nearby but secure.
5. Maintain good ventilation throughout.
6. Clean high-touch surfaces daily.

When to Consider Professional Help

As an expecting mum, knowing when to step back and let professionals handle your home cleaning needs is just as important as knowing how to clean safely.

Here is why engaging professional cleaners during pregnancy can be one of the wisest decisions you’ll ever make.

1. When you experience physical changes that make cleaning difficult
   1. When your growing belly makes it harder to bend and reach
   2. If you are experiencing pregnancy-related fatigue
   3. When simple tasks start feeling overwhelming
   4. If you are having trouble maintaining your balance
   5. During the last trimester when movement becomes more challenging
2. During time-sensitive situations
   1. When it’s too late to prepare your home for your baby’s arrival
   2. Before and after baby showers
   3. During nesting periods when you want a deep cleaning
   4. When family or friends are coming to help after delivery
   5. Prior to setting up the nursery
3. When you are considering safety above all
   1. For tasks requiring the use of a ladder
   2. When dealing with bathroom mould
   3. For deep cleaning requiring strong products
   4. In areas with poor ventilation

Making the Most of Professional House Cleaning

Investing in professional cleaning services as a new mum is a practical choice prioritising your health and your baby’s well-being. You will have the precious gift of time and energy to focus on preparing for your bundle of joy.

Let KungFu Helper clean the house for you. Contact us right here to get started!