Stepping up

During my cleaning blitz recently, I had to share something that made a world of difference, to what I could accomplish. I didn't always own one of these. A chair often sufficed. But when you have a lot of jobs that require "height", it's worth getting this simple tool.

In the kitchen

A portable step-ladder has several advantages over a chair - ease of getting up and down, non-slip rubber surface, and a place to stick a bucket, or tools, if you only need to go as high as the second step. Plus, you don't have to wreck your chairs. Especially if they're wooden, like ours

This folding step-ladder lives in one of our utility cupboards (flat) for the most part - which saves on storage space. But easily unfolds again, for use. It's handy for reaching on top of, or inside, wall cabinets. I like to be able to see right inside, to clean the back corners.

Near the ceiling

With a step-ladder, I can also see right over the ceiling fans as well. Which is handy for reaching that built-up grime, you wouldn't normally see from the underside. Thankfully, we have a standard ceiling height, throughout our house, which makes this step-ladder a suitable tool.

Nine-foot ceilings, on the other hand, require a proper safety ladder, to get up that high. We've lived in rentals with those lovely high ceilings before, but sure was difficult to change light bulbs. Getting the big ladder inside the house, was quite a task too.

Fiddly jobs

In fact, changing light bulbs, would have to be the #1 reason, we now keep a smaller step-ladder in the house. If you have light covers (like ours) that require unscrewing several nuts, to be able to clean the bug carcasses out - you'll really appreciate the step-ladder, for this specific job too.

Because if I don't have a pocket to place the bulbs, or screws into afterwards, I just use the top of the step ladder. No traipsing up and down, which can be incredibly arduous. Especially since I never clean just ONE light cover, when the ladder is out.

Caution required

Step-ladders, are also handy to reach above sensitive areas, such as the television. Recently, I needed to clear the shelf above the television for Christmas decorations - then put them away in the new year, again. Followed by a good dusting.

I try to avoid reaching up so high (on tiptoes) close to the television screen. Just in case, I bump it with my body. A sturdy step-ladder however, keeps my footing secure, while allowing enough clearance to reach the shelf, without accidents.

Use with care

Each brand of step-ladder, is designed to hold a maximum weight capacity. So observe the limitations, clearly identified on the ladder. Occasionally, you may want to use the top step, to hold a bucket of water while cleaning. So keep in mind, not only your weight, but anything you might take up with you.

If you're in the market to buy a new step-ladder, be sure to open it out and test it, before leaving the store. We purchased ours a while ago now, but there were so many that wobbled like a drunken sailor. I've never regretted our investment in a step-ladder. There are so many jobs I do, which require a higher purchase, it's made my life easier.

Has a step-ladder found it's way into your home yet? Or how else do you make do? Other things we've been known to use in the past, were coffee tables and overturned, milk crates. Just not as easy to get up and down from.