My mother is legally blind, and so was her mother, (my grandmother). Both could see a little, but not nearly as well as most people can. Their limited vision meant that they were unable to see the dirt on a table or countertop. Instead, they would clean “by touch”.
There are many different methods one can use to clean a flat surface. Most people who have no vision problems decide when something needs to be cleaned based on how much dirt or dust they can see on a table, shelf, or countertop. I learned the cleaning by touch method from my grandmother. I am not visually impaired. However, I have found that the cleaning by touch method is quicker, and more efficient, than any other cleaning technique that I have tried.
It’s very easy to do. First, go get the cleaning product of your choice, and some paper towels. Next, remove everything from the surface you want to clean. For example, if I were cleaning off the countertop by my kitchen sink, I would unplug the toaster and coffee maker, and move them completely off the countertop. I would also remove all the small things that have gathered on the countertop, whatever they may be. Everything that can be removed, should be.
Now, you are ready to begin. Spray the entire surface with your favorite cleaning product. Fold the paper towel over a few times, so it makes a square that is slightly larger than the palm of your hand. Start at the part where the countertop meets the wall, (or, if you are cleaning a table top, choose an outside edge). Using the paper towel to wipe, start all the way on the left side of the surface, and slide the paper towel all the way across to the right side. You can follow the edge straight across because you can feel where the counter meets the wall, or where the edge of the table is. When you reach the end, move your hand one half inch closer to where you are standing. Now, slide the paper towel all the way over to the left side of the surface, in a straight line. Apply constant pressure to the paper towel. Continue moving one half inch closer, and wiping across the surface, until you have gone all the way from one end to the other. (You may need to replace the paper towel when it becomes too saturated with cleaning product to be of any use). Work slowly, until you get good at this technique.
This method is a quick and efficient way to keep your house clean. It doesn’t take long to do, and it works every time, equally well. You will never “miss a spot”. You don’t need to be able to see well for this technique to work.