Cleaning Countertops and Other Flat Surfaces

You wiped down the countertops after making a great meal. But then you put your hand down on something sticky. So, you must have missed a spot. Ugh.

Well, we’ve got some tips and tricks that’ll have you successfully cleaning flat surfaces like these, no matter your level of vision. Right off the bat, you should try and keep all your cleaning products together in a container like a bucket or caddy. Put it in an easy to get to spot near the areas you’ll use it in. This way, you won’t have to search for the items you need. And you’ll be less likely to pick up the wrong thing. If your cleaning products all look the same, you can check out the labeling workshop for ways to keep track of what’s what.

To clear off the countertop before cleaning, you’ll use a systematic, grid-like approach; front to back, left to right. Start with making a loose fist, then move it front to back over the surface.

Once you’ve covered that strip, you’ll shift a bit to the right and start again, moving your fist from front to back.

As you go, you’ll find things along your path, like a trivet or liquid soap container. Remove them from the surface before cleaning.
Moving from front to back, left to right as you remove items from the counter will help when it comes time to putting them back, too. Just reverse the order. That way, everything will end up right where it belongs.

Once you’ve cleared the surface, check the counter for anything you may have missed and to feel for any other sticky spots, crumbs, dust and so forth.

Now, if you’re using a spray bottle, use your fingers to position the nozzle. Then spray it on the cloth or paper towel.

Start cleaning from one corner, then, using overlapping movements, clean back to front, repeating this back to front motion over the entire counter area or section you want to clean.

Then left to right.

This way you’ll know where you started and keep track of your progress until you’ve cleaned the entire area.

Let the area dry. Then, use your fingers again to make sure the surface is clean. And repeat any steps necessary.

Now, let’s tackle those mirrors and windows. Once again, use your fingers to position the nozzle on the spray bottle. Then spray the cleaner on the cloth.

With your free hand, find one corner of the mirror. Bring the cloth to that corner. This is where you’ll start. Use that same grid pattern, moving first in a horizontal direction, repeating this horizontal motion over the entire mirror are or section area you want to clean. Then up and down.

Remember to use overlapping movements so you can be sure you’re thoroughly cleaning the entire area. And yes, with vision loss, streaks are even harder to spot. But, if you use a dry cloth or paper towel and wipe twice in both directions—up and down, then side to side, you’re more likely to get rid of them.

As always, contact a learning expert if you have questions or your own tips to share. Of course, as with anything new, give yourself time, patience, and practice and you’ll get there.