by Anthony Corona
Ah, spring! The season of new beginnings, blooming flowers, and — let’s be honest — a little guilt about the dust bunnies we’ve been ignoring all winter. Spring cleaning can feel overwhelming for anyone, but as someone who’s part of the blind and low vision (BVI) community, it’s an extra exercise in creativity and planning. Fear not! With a bit of strategy and a few life hacks, you’ll have your home feeling fresh and fabulous in no time. Here are my top ten tips to help you “spring forward” and take the dread out of cleaning.
Before you dive into a cleaning frenzy, take a moment to map out your approach. Which rooms need the most attention? What tasks can wait? A little planning goes a long way. Break your list into bite-sized chunks and tackle one area at a time. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and your sparkling clean house doesn’t have to be either.
Spring cleaning is the perfect excuse to part ways with the things you don’t use. Start by sorting items into three categories: keep, donate, and toss. To keep it simple, try using tactile markers or containers with different textures — maybe a soft basket for keepers, a cardboard box for donations, and a trash bag for discards. Trust me, decluttering is half the battle.
Organization starts with your tools. I recommend keeping all your cleaning supplies together in a bucket or an apron with large pockets. That way, you’re not wandering around the house searching for the spray bottle that somehow disappeared into the abyss. Keep it simple, and you’ll thank yourself later.
Adaptive tools aren’t just for cooking or travel — they’re a cleaning game-changer too. An extendable duster, an ergonomic mop, or even a trusty microfiber cloth can make a big difference. The easier the tools are to use, the more energy you’ll have to tackle that next task. Safety first!
Tactile labels, braille, or even a quick phone check with apps like Be My Eyes can save you from accidentally spraying glass cleaner on your furniture. It might sound obvious, but a little extra attention here can prevent a lot of headaches.
When it comes to cleaning surfaces, I swear by the grid method. Whether it’s a table, counter, or window, work in overlapping lines — left to right, then top to bottom. It’s systematic, efficient, and ensures you’re not leaving any sneaky spots behind.
Here’s a BVI life hack for you: cleaning is as much about touch as it is about tools. Before and after wiping down a surface, run your fingers over it to check for dust or grime. Your hands will tell you what your eyes can’t, and it’s a foolproof way to ensure nothing gets missed.
If you have some usable vision, good lighting can be your best friend. Bright, natural light can help highlight dirt or stains you might otherwise miss. For extra help, add contrast — like using a light-colored rag on dark surfaces or vice versa. It’s a small tweak that can make a big difference.
If the idea of deep-cleaning your whole house feels daunting, break it into smaller, regular routines. Maybe the kitchen gets Mondays, the bathroom gets Wednesdays, and the living room gets Fridays. Keeping up with small tasks throughout the year makes spring cleaning more of a refresh and less of a marathon.
Last but certainly not least, remember that you don’t have to do this alone. Whether it’s a friend, family member, or even a helpful app like AIRA, there’s no shame in enlisting a little support. I love a good team effort — it turns cleaning into a shared accomplishment rather than a solo slog.
Spring cleaning isn’t just about tidying up — it’s also about fresh starts. While you’re dusting and decluttering, don’t forget to polish up your white canes or spend a loving spring grooming session with your guide dog. For me, a thorough brushing session with Boaty is the perfect way to decompress from a deep and thorough cleaning session. We all know that dogs are curious and wonderful. Skilled professional partners will be watching every move we make, and they will love the puppy-to-person contact afterwards as well.
Happy spring cleaning, everyone!