Carol Eustice is a writer covering arthritis and chronic illness, who herself has been diagnosed with both rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.

Nick Blackmer is a librarian, fact-checker, and researcher with more than 20 years’ experience in consumer-oriented health and wellness content.

Cleaning house can be more than a chore for people with arthritis. Limitations such as pain, range-of-motion limitations, and fatigue can be challenging even with mild arthritis.

That said, there are a number of household cleaning products available that are designed to help you get the job done with less effort. Let’s take a look at some products which will not only make your life with arthritis easier but reduce the wear and tear on your body as well.

Does pushing around a vacuum, and especially bending to get into tight corners and under furniture leave your joints hurting just to think about it?

If so, a robotic vacuum may be the right solution. In addition to helping your joints, this product can be helpful in controlling indoor allergens if you have allergies (which, as happens when you have more than one medical condition, can compound your symptoms.) A robotic vacuum is also a plus if you have pets.

Robotic vacuums require little from you. Program it, recharge it and set it free to do the job. iAdapt Responsive Navigation Technology enables Roomba to find its way around any shape or size of a home.

The physical limitations of arthritis become obvious when you see a speck of something on your otherwise clean floor. You may mourn the days when you could simply reach over and pick up that item with ease.

A long handled dustpan and broom can make this activity simple again. With this tool you can clean up without bending over, making this a “must have” for people living with arthritis.

Repetitive pushing and pulling not only make vacuuming difficult for many people with arthritis but are risk factors for the development of arthritis in the first place.

A self-propelled vacuum, however, can make vacuuming nearly effortless. No more strenuous pushing and pulling that leads to pain and can harm your joints further.

There are plenty of times when you don't want to drag out the vacuum or swifter for light jobs. But you may still wish to have your floors a bit cleaner.

When this is the case, a Rubbermaid dual-action floor and carpet sweeper may be just the answer and can allow you to sweep your floors and carpets in a snap.

If you have a robotic or self-propelled vacuum as well as a long-handled broom, you may feel set. But what about cleaning your ceiling fans, cabinet corners, and baseboards?

If you are limited in your bending and don’t really want to climb a ladder to get at your fans, here is a great solution.

Swiffer Dusters 360 Extendable Handle Starter Kit features a handle that extends three feet, with a pivoting head that can be adjusted and locked into place for cleaning just these surfaces.

Tired of mops that just smear dirt around? Swiffer WetJet is said to have a unique dual-nozzle sprayer, allowing the all-in-one mopping system to trap dirt so it can't be spread around.

Each of the tools mentioned here may help with your regular cleaning, but if you’re living with arthritis you’re likely coping with other limitations as well, often including fatigue. Whether those activities have to do with cooking or personal grooming, or other activities, meeting with an occupational therapist can be very worth your while. Arthritis can affect many of your activities of daily living, and just as with housework, there are many practical solutions available.

You may also be interested in learning more about arthritis-friendly garden tools or arthritis-friendly kitchen gadgets.

One of the worst things about arthritis is the physical and functional limitations. Fortunately, there are a number of tools which can make day to day living, whether it’s cleaning your home, cooking, or simply spending some time with fun leisure activities, much more enjoyable.

Leino M, Tuominen S, Pirilä L, Tuominen R. Effects of rheumatoid arthritis on household chores and leisure-time activities. Rheumatol Int. 2015;35(11):1881-1888. doi:10.1007/s00296-015-3313-2

By Carol Eustice Carol Eustice is a writer covering arthritis and chronic illness, who herself has been diagnosed with both rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.

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