Essential Tools for Cleaning on Low Energy Days: Top 5 Must-Haves for Chronic Illness Management

Cleaning during a flare-up of a chronic illness can feel overwhelming. Tasks that once took minutes may now drain your limited energy reserves. The frustration of wanting a clean home but lacking the strength to achieve it is common. Fortunately, certain tools can make cleaning easier and less taxing on your body. These tools help reduce bending, scrubbing, and carrying heavy loads, allowing you to maintain your space without overexertion. Here are my top five essential cleaning tools designed to support you on low energy days.

Grabber/Reacher Tool

A grabber or reacher tool is a simple but powerful aid. It extends your reach, so you don’t have to bend, stretch, or strain to pick up items from the floor or high shelves. For someone with joint pain or fatigue, like me, this tool prevents unnecessary movement that can worsen symptoms. It’s especially useful for retrieving dropped items, picking up trash, or reaching cleaning supplies stored on a high shelf.

Using a grabber tool means you can stay seated or avoid awkward positions, preserving your energy. Look for one with a comfortable grip and a strong grabber mechanism, like the one I use, listed here, that securely holds objects without slipping. Some models even have rotating heads to make grabbing easier at different angles. The one below is the one I personally use. It's lightweight and easy to use. I keep at least one in every room of my house. If you want one like mine, you can click on the photo below! https://amzn.to/4pw9l1j

Cordless Lightweight Stick Vacuum

Vacuuming can be a major energy drain, especially when dealing with heavy, bulky machines. A cordless lightweight stick vacuum solves this problem by being easy to maneuver and carry. This one is my favorite because it bends to clean under furniture without requiring you to move heavy stuff or get down on your hands and knees.

This vacuum style is ideal for quick clean-ups and spot cleaning on low energy days. It often comes with attachments for different surfaces, so you can clean floors, upholstery, and tight corners with minimal effort. The cordless feature eliminates the hassle of plugging and unplugging, allowing you to clean in short bursts as your energy allows. With pets in my home, I couldn't make it without my cordless vacuum. Click on the photo below to get one for yourself! https://amzn.to/49wIT1M

No-Scrub Cleaning Spray

Bathrooms and kitchens often require the most effort to clean. Scrubbing tiles, sinks, and counters can be exhausting. A no-rinse or no-scrub cleaning spray reduces this workload by breaking down grime and dirt without the need for harsh scrubbing.

These sprays save time and energy by allowing you to spray the surface, let it sit briefly, and then rinse it away. Be sure and choose products that are safe for multiple surfaces and free from strong chemical odors, which can be overwhelming for sensitive individuals. This can be a game-changer for maintaining hygiene with minimal effort. These are the ones I use shown in the picture below. I use the wet and forget once a week and the Mighty Mint after every shower to keep the mess to a minimum. Click on the photos below to order yours today! https://amzn.to/3NdxLiA https://amzn.to/3N4OYuG

Laundry Hamper on Wheels

Laundry is a repetitive task that involves carrying heavy loads from room to room and transferring between machines. A laundry hamper on wheels makes this process much easier. Instead of lifting and carrying baskets, you can simply roll your laundry from place to place

This tool reduces strain on your back, which is crucial during flare-ups. Some hampers come with compartments to sort clothes, making the transfer from hamper to washer and then to dryer more organized and less tiring. The mobility of a wheeled hamper allows you to manage laundry in stages, fitting the task into your energy and ability levels. The one I use is pictured below. Click on the picture and get yours today! https://amzn.to/4jpplk9

Fatigue-Friendly All-in-One Spray Mop with Machine Washable Pads

Mopping floors can be one of the most exhausting chores. It kills my back and zaps my energy! Traditional mops require heavy buckets of water and vigorous scrubbing. An all-in-one spray mop with machine washable pads simplifies this task. These mops have a built-in spray mechanism that lets you apply cleaning solution directly to the floor without bending or carrying extra equipment

The washable pads reduce waste and save money, while also being gentle on your floors. The lightweight design and ergonomic handle help you clean larger areas with less effort. This mop is especially helpful for people with chronic illness because it combines multiple steps into one tool, reducing the time and energy spent on floor cleaning. To get one, like the one I use (pictured in the photo below), click on the photo! https://amzn.to/44U7hJ5

Cleaning with a chronic illness requires figuring out which tools support your body’s needs and limits. The grabber tool, cordless stick vacuum, no-scrub spray, wheeled laundry hamper, and spray mop all reduce physical strain and make cleaning manageable on low energy days. Investing in these tools can help you maintain a clean home without pushing yourself too hard.