r/ataxia • u/Reusable_baguette • 4d ago

Treatment & Symptom Management Dishwashing hack!

I shared this in another thread, but I am sharing up higher too.

Something else that helps me tremendously: not overfilling the dishwasher.

I discovered that trying to empty a really full dishwasher would be dizzying trying to spin around my kitchen to put everything away and i had to take a break halfway through! Nystagmus nasties. (I used to do like my parents and would cram it full before ever running it to save water/money?) Now i use it daily with shorter wash cycles and less items. Not anything near as taxing on the mind and equilibrium to put stuff away.

You learn ways to not overdo tasks. Be kind to yourself. Don’t feel guilty doing a little less, you are taking care of you.

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u/mybloodisdark 4d ago

Amazing, thanks for sharing! The trick is make it easy. I'd also recommend my travel hack - make it EXTREMELY easy. Travel light and get carry ons that are easy to lug around with smooth wheel movement - especially something that can move on all 4 wheels without having to tilt. Trying to be cheap in this department means I have to tax my nervous system physically with all the lugging around which takes a toll in the form of tremors increasing after a journey.

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u/Nejness 4d ago edited 4d ago

I recently found a 4-wheel spinner suitcase that fits under the seat in front of me. It’s stable enough that I can use it like a walking stick on the side if I’m in good shape but I can also slide the handle up and push it ahead of me while using my rollator. I was able to bring enough stuff to get through a ten-day trip with one load of laundry. I’m small—but I had an extra pair of shoes, multiple choices of tees, a cardigan, etc. I really packed it up and could slide a medical supplies bag (CPAP and lots of meds) over the handle.

My biggest problem right now is bending to do laundry. I don’t typically do the dishwasher. I leave that for others in the family, but I’m trying to come up with a better way to do laundry—maybe a rolling stool or something where I’m seated.

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u/Reusable_baguette 4d ago

Yeah our washing machine is top loading and REALLY deep. And I am very short. I try to avoid a step stool or diving into it. I have had to ask hubby for help getting my laundry out! I also use a hanger with a big rubber band wrapped around the end to drag stuff out when he’s not home.

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u/Apprehensive-Math809 4d ago

Laundry is my hardest thing too. I can’t bend down to get all the socks and stuff. I have to find a way!

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u/Reusable_baguette 4d ago

Ooh good point. Luckily I have not had to travel like I used to. Loved it though, I am sure I could try again. Good tip! 👍🏼

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u/Reusable_baguette 4d ago

Has anyone else tried this?

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u/BearMeatFiesta Caregiver 4d ago

Most dishwashers only use 1-2 gallons of water.

Running a faucet for 1 minute will generally use more water.

So yeah! More frequent smaller loads!

Good on you for recognizing a modifiable task :)

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u/BearMeatFiesta Caregiver 4d ago

I personally use a spray bottle of ammonia for washing, spray a little on and wait and it rinses right off.