10 cleaning tools for older adults

Maintaining a clean and organised home is important for your mental health and wellbeing. Mess and clutter can get in the way of your home satisfaction and safety.

While it’s not always easy to keep up with everyday chores, the right tools can make a big difference. Assistive cleaning products are designed to make tasks more manageable and support your independence at home.

To help you take the next steps towards easier housekeeping, here’s a list of 10 practical cleaning tools that can make daily tasks safer and more comfortable.

LiveUp is funded by the Department of Health to provide free healthy ageing information and does not receive any payment for these recommendations.

1. Long-handled feather duster

This duster has a longer or extendable handle to make reaching high or low spaces easier.

Benefits:

• Reduces the need for ladders, reaching, or bending
• Helps prevent strain on your back and joints
• Many have removable heads for easy cleaning or replacement

2. Stick vacuum

A stick vacuum is a lightweight, long-handled vacuum that makes floor cleaning more manageable.

Benefits:

• Many models are cordless, which reduces trip hazards
• Allows for quick, efficient cleaning without the need for heavy lifting
• Suitable for people with reduced mobility

3. Grab handle long reacher

A reacher is a long arm with a handle and trigger at one end, and a grabber at the other end, so you can pick up items without bending.

Benefits:

• Reduces the need to stretch or bend, lowering fall risk while tidying
• Ergonomic grip and easy-to-use trigger mechanism
• Available in various lengths to suit your needs

This tool can be more effective when used under the guidance of an occupational therapist.

4. Long-handled dustpan and brush

This is a dustpan and brush with longer handles, so you don't have to bend or kneel down to sweep up.

Benefits:

• Enables cleaning while standing, improving comfort and safety
• Helpful for those who find kneeling or getting up from the floor difficult
• Many include other useful features, like a clip to store the brush with the pan

5. Adaptive dishwashing brush

This is a dishwashing brush with helpful features, especially for people with arthritis or weak grip.

Benefits:

• Reduces strain on hands and wrists while washing dishes
• Many include a scraper edge, tough bristles, and handle with soft non-slip grip
• Some have an inbuilt soap dispenser and other features like a suction cup to keep the brush stuck in place

6. Adaptive laundry pegs

These are easy-to-use laundry pegs, ideal if you have arthritis, weak grip, or pain.

Benefits:

• Larger and wider tips reduce pressure on your joints and fingers
• Soft-grip material improves comfort when hanging clothes
• Many brands offer adaptive versions of their laundry pegs 

7. Laundry trolley

A laundry trolley is a wheeled basket with a handle for transporting laundry with less effort.

Benefits:

• Avoids bending or lifting heavy washing baskets – just push it where you need
• Reduces back strain when moving wet laundry
• Comes in a range of styles with different features to suit your space

8. Folding clothes airer

A folding clothes airer is a lightweight, collapsable frame to dry your clothes indoors or outdoors.

Benefits:

• Easy to store and set up in a convenient location
• Can be placed near your washing machine to reduce carrying
• Hip-height design helps reduce bending – you can even hang clothes while sitting down!

9. Squeegee

A squeegee is a simple cleaning tool with a flat plastic or silicone blade for removing water from glass surfaces.

Benefits:

• Many have a comfortable grip and long handle for easy use
• Some have removable blades and added features for different surfaces
• Keeping one in the shower for convenient use can reduce mould and save cleaning time

10. Sink mat

A sink mat is a flexible, non-slip mat for the bottom of your sink or benchtop.

Benefits:

• Extends your drying space at the sink
• Prevents items from slipping and breaking
• Easy to roll up and store when not in use

Find the tools that work for you

It’s worth investing in the tools that make everyday cleaning tasks easier, safer, and more comfortable. That way, you can keep managing them yourself for as long as possible.

The products in this article are designed to support your independence and help you maintain a clean, organised home with confidence.

Want more ideas to support daily living? Explore LiveUp’s range of tools, tips, and guides to help you stay independent and well at home.

For more information, speak to one of our helpful navigators – you can call us for free on 1800 951 971.

References

Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP). (2021). What does clutter do to your brain and body? https://www1.racgp.org.au/newsgp/clinical/what-does-clutter-do-to-your-brain-and-body

How to use this information

LiveUp provides free information to help you make informed decisions about your health. This information is for general and educational purposes only, is not intended to provide a comprehensive guide, and does not replace medical advice. Everyone is different, so some of these tips may work better for you than others. You should use your own judgment and seek medical advice when applying this information to yourself, to determine if it is suitable in your circumstances. Your use of, or reliance on, this information is solely at your own risk. Independent Living Assessment Incorporated is not responsible or liable for any injury, loss, or damage caused as a result of your use of, or reliance on, this information.

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