
Spring has well and truly arrived, and with longer days comes that familiar urge to give the house a proper clean.
But if you've noticed that reaching high shelves or getting under furniture isn't quite as easy as it used to be, you're certainly not alone. More than 15 per cent of Australians aged 65-74, 26 per cent aged 75-85, and 48 per cent aged 85 and over live with mobility disabilities, making traditional cleaning methods increasingly challenging.
That's where Kmart's latest release is turning heads—and for all the right reasons.
The $8 solution that's got professional cleaners talking
Kmart's 3 Piece Dusting Telescopic Set costs just $8 and comes with three different dusting heads and a telescopic pole, designed specifically to tackle those hard-to-reach areas that often get neglected during cleaning.
The budget retailer's new cleaning tool helps reach areas that are very rarely cleaned, like under the fridge, on top of shelves and other hard-to-reach areas.
'Great for under the furniture like the fridge and washing machine where it's hard to reach'
But it's not just everyday shoppers who are impressed. Professional cleaners are giving this budget-friendly tool their stamp of approval too.
According to cleaning expert Allan, there's one affordable tool that's a total game-changer: the Kmart two-in-one mop head attachment, paired with the extendable telescopic pole. For just $9 ($4 for the pole, $5 for the mop head), you get a dust-busting duo that's not only budget-friendly but also built to last.
The mobility challenge facing Australian seniors
Research shows that mobility issues significantly impact daily activities for older Australians. With aging comes a higher chance of mobility issues, cognitive challenges, and vision impairment, making it difficult to climb stairs, kneel down, or access ceiling fans and high surfaces. Nearly one-third of 70-year-olds report restrictions on mobility in their homes, rising to most 80-year-olds.
Why this matters more than you might think
With aging, there is a high chance of having mobility issues, cognitive challenges, and vision impairment. This makes it difficult to climb stairs, kneel down and scrub the floor, access ceiling fans or cabinet tops, etc. Plus, this involves a potential risk of physical injuries and accidents.
The telescopic design means no more wobbly step ladders or dangerous stretching. The telescopic pole extends, making it easy to reach those pesky ceiling crevices, fans, and exhausts without risking life and limb on a wobbly step ladder.
For many seniors, this simple tool can mean the difference between maintaining independence in their cleaning routine and having to rely on others.
Customer Dina Santos, who discovered the product while browsing at her local Kmart, explains that it's particularly valuable because 'it's easy to set up' and the three different heads are machine washable. This means you're not just pushing dust around—you're actually removing it from your home.
What makes this cleaning set special
The product has earned a five-star rating on Kmart's website, with one person writing, 'Awesome, excellent reach. Great for dusting the chandelier and other hard to reach places'. 'Great that they are so flexible and easy to get into difficult spots,' another customer agreed.
The three interchangeable heads are designed for different cleaning tasks:
- A fluffy duster head for delicate surfaces and ornaments
- A flat microfibre head for walls and skirting board
- A bendable head that can be shaped to fit around fixtures and fittings
Professional cleaning tips for seniors
Professional cleaner Allan recommends using the flat side of the mop head for skirting boards and ceiling corners: just spritz on your favourite multipurpose cleaner, press the pad against the surface, and watch the dust disappear.
Her expert advice for maintaining a clean home includes giving your walls a good clean every three months, and tackling ceiling fans, skirting boards, and crevices at least once a fortnight. If you live near a construction site or a particularly dusty area, you might want to up the ante and clean those skirting boards and crevices weekly.
Safe cleaning strategies for seniors
- Use telescopic tools to avoid climbing ladders or step stools
- Clean from top to bottom to avoid re-dusting lower surfaces
- Choose machine-washable attachments for hygiene
- Take regular breaks and don't rush through tasks
- Focus on high-dust areas every fortnight
- Ask family or friends for help with heavier tasks
More Kmart cleaning solutions that work for seniors
While the $8 telescopic duster is getting all the attention, it's worth noting that Kmart has several other cleaning tools designed with accessibility in mind. The Extendable Wool Duster helps clean hard-to-reach surfaces with ease, while the Telescopic Cleaning Pad is a practical tool for reaching high or hard-to-clean areas with ease, ideal for keeping your home tidy with less effort.
The extendable telescopic handle extends up to 120cm (3.9ft) and can work with any of the Mix & Match Click range broom and mop heads, creating a versatile cleaning system that grows with your needs.
The bigger picture: independence and aging at home
This trend towards accessible cleaning tools comes at a crucial time for Australian seniors. The government runs the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP), in which the government pays care providers to offer transport, shopping, and cleaning services to seniors, but many older Australians prefer to maintain their independence as long as possible.
Older adults who lose their mobility are less likely to remain living at home; have higher rates of disease, disability, hospitalisation, and death; and have poorer quality of life. Simple tools like these telescopic cleaners can play a surprisingly important role in helping people stay independent in their own homes.
Did you know?
Did you know? Australia's new Aged Care Act 2025, starting November 1st, includes 'independence support' as one of three key service categories, covering rehabilitation services and mobility aids that help older people remain active at home.
What customers are saying
The reviews speak for themselves. 'So handy!' writes one customer. 'Love that I can reach all the hard-to-reach places and the three heads'.
Shopper Dina Santos sums it up perfectly: while she wishes the pole were a bit stronger, she says 'It's a great bargain and so handy to have. Definitely worth the $8!'
The simple truth is that staying on top of household cleaning doesn't have to become impossible as we age. With the right tools and a bit of planning, you can keep your home spotless without putting yourself at risk.
At $8, this telescopic duster represents excellent value for anyone looking to make their cleaning routine safer and more efficient. Whether you're dealing with mobility challenges or simply want to avoid the risks that come with climbing on chairs and ladders, this could be exactly what you've been looking for.
Have you tried Kmart's telescopic cleaning set, or do you have other cleaning tools that have made life easier? We'd love to hear about your experiences and any tips you have for safe, effective cleaning as we age. Share your thoughts in the comments below—your advice could help fellow community members maintain their independence and keep their homes sparkling!
Original Article
https://au.lifestyle.yahoo.com/kmar...g-cleaning-problem-a-must-have-034301057.html
Understanding Home Activities Challenges of Older Adults Aging with Long-term Mobility Disabilities: Recommendations for Home Environment Design—PMC
Cited text: Compared to other physical disabilities, mobility disability is the most prevalent type of disability among American older adults, affecting more than...
Excerpt: More than 15 per cent of Australians aged 65-74, 26 per cent aged 75-85, and 48 per cent aged 85 and over live with mobility disabilities
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9670020/
Kmart's new $8 appliance solves annoying cleaning problem: 'A must-have'
Cited text: The 3 Piece Dusting Telescopic Set is just $8 and comes with three different dusting heads and a telescopic pole.
Excerpt: Kmart's 3 Piece Dusting Telescopic Set costs just $8 and comes with three different dusting heads and a telescopic pole
https://au.lifestyle.yahoo.com/kmar...g-cleaning-problem-a-must-have-034301057.html
Kmart's new $8 appliance solves annoying cleaning problem: 'A must-have'
Cited text: The budget retailer has just released a new cleaning tool that helps reach those areas that are very rarely cleaned, like under the fridge, on top of ...
Excerpt: The budget retailer's new cleaning tool helps reach areas that are very rarely cleaned, like under the fridge, on top of shelves and other hard-to-reach areas
https://au.lifestyle.yahoo.com/kmar...g-cleaning-problem-a-must-have-034301057.html
Pro cleaner’s $9 Kmart secret turns whole-house dusting into a breeze | YourLifeChoices
Cited text: · But according to cleaning expert Allan, there’s one affordable tool that’s a total game-changer: the Kmart two-in-one mop head attachment, paired wi...
Excerpt: According to cleaning expert Allan, there's one affordable tool that's a total game-changer: the Kmart two-in-one mop head attachment, paired with the extendable telescopic pole.
https://www.yourlifechoices.com.au/...cret-turns-whole-house-dusting-into-a-breeze/
How to Help Seniors in House Cleaning | Bond Cleaning In Gold Coast
Cited text: With aging, there is a high chance of having mobility issues, cognitive challenges, and vision impairment. This makes it difficult to climb stairs, kn...
Excerpt: With aging, there is a high chance of having mobility issues, cognitive challenges, and vision impairment.
https://www.bondcleaningingoldcoast.com.au/help-seniors-maintain-a-tidy-home/
Pro cleaner’s $9 Kmart secret turns whole-house dusting into a breeze | YourLifeChoices
Cited text: The telescopic pole extends, making it easy to reach those pesky ceiling crevices, fans, and exhausts without risking life and limb on a wobbly step l...
Excerpt: The telescopic pole extends, making it easy to reach those pesky ceiling crevices, fans, and exhausts without risking life and limb on a wobbly step ladder
https://www.yourlifechoices.com.au/...cret-turns-whole-house-dusting-into-a-breeze/
Kmart's new $8 appliance solves annoying cleaning problem: 'A must-have'
Cited text: Other shoppers shared their love for the product on the Kmart website, where it has a five-star rating, with one person writing, "Awesome, excell...
Excerpt: The product has earned a five-star rating on Kmart's website, with one person writing, 'Awesome, excellent reach.
https://au.lifestyle.yahoo.com/kmar...g-cleaning-problem-a-must-have-034301057.html
Kmart's new $8 appliance solves annoying cleaning problem: 'A must-have'
Cited text: 'Great that they are so flexible and easy to get into difficult spots,' another agreed.
Excerpt: 'Great that they are so flexible and easy to get into difficult spots,' another customer agreed
https://au.lifestyle.yahoo.com/kmar...g-cleaning-problem-a-must-have-034301057.html
Pro cleaner’s $9 Kmart secret turns whole-house dusting into a breeze | YourLifeChoices
Cited text: · The flat side of the mop head is perfect for skirting boards and ceiling corners: just spritz on your favourite multipurpose cleaner, press the pad ...
Excerpt: Professional cleaner Allan recommends using the flat side of the mop head for skirting boards and ceiling corners: just spritz on your favourite multipurpose cleaner, press the pad against the surface, and watch the dust disappear
https://www.yourlifechoices.com.au/...cret-turns-whole-house-dusting-into-a-breeze/
Pro cleaner’s $9 Kmart secret turns whole-house dusting into a breeze | YourLifeChoices
Cited text: Give your walls a good clean every three months, and tackle ceiling fans, skirting boards, and crevices at least once a fortnight.
Excerpt: giving your walls a good clean every three months, and tackling ceiling fans, skirting boards, and crevices at least once a fortnight
https://www.yourlifechoices.com.au/...cret-turns-whole-house-dusting-into-a-breeze/
Pro cleaner’s $9 Kmart secret turns whole-house dusting into a breeze | YourLifeChoices
Cited text: · If you live near a construction site or a particularly dusty area, you might want to up the ante and clean those skirting boards and crevices weekly...
Excerpt: If you live near a construction site or a particularly dusty area, you might want to up the ante and clean those skirting boards and crevices weekly
https://www.yourlifechoices.com.au/...cret-turns-whole-house-dusting-into-a-breeze/
Extendable Wool Duster—Kmart
Cited text: Bring home this Extendable Wool Duster and clean hard-to-reach surfaces with ease.
Excerpt: The Extendable Wool Duster helps clean hard-to-reach surfaces with ease
https://www.kmart.com.au/product/extendable-wool-duster-43389698/
Telescopic Cleaning Pad—Kmart
Cited text: The Telescopic Cleaning Pad is a practical tool for reaching high or hard-to-clean areas with ease. Ideal for keeping your home tidy with less effort....
Excerpt: the Telescopic Cleaning Pad is a practical tool for reaching high or hard-to-clean areas with ease, ideal for keeping your home tidy with less effort
https://www.kmart.com.au/product/telescopic-cleaning-pad-43560240/
Extendable Telescopic Handle—Mix & Match Click Range—Kmart
Cited text: Make cleaning your floors a breeze by attaching any of the Mix & Match Click range broom and mop heads to this extendable telescopic handle.
Excerpt: The extendable telescopic handle extends up to 120cm (3.9ft) and can work with any of the Mix & Match Click range broom and mop heads
https://www.kmart.com.au/product/extendable-telescopic-handle-mix-and-match-click-range-42885498/
Extendable Telescopic Handle—Mix & Match Click Range—Kmart
Cited text: Handle extends upto 120cm / 3.9ft.
Excerpt: The extendable telescopic handle extends up to 120cm (3.9ft) and can work with any of the Mix & Match Click range broom and mop heads
https://www.kmart.com.au/product/extendable-telescopic-handle-mix-and-match-click-range-42885498/
Comprehensive analysis of Australia’s aged care system to inform policies for a sustainable future—PMC
Cited text: For instance, the government runs the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP), in which the government pays care providers to offer transport, shop...
Excerpt: The government runs the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP), in which the government pays care providers to offer transport, shopping, and cleaning services to seniors
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12021627/
Maintaining mobility and preventing disability are key to living independently as we age | National Institute on Aging
Cited text: Older adults who lose their mobility are less likely to remain living at home; have higher rates of disease, disability, hospitalization, and death; a...
Excerpt: Older adults who lose their mobility are less likely to remain living at home; have higher rates of disease, disability, hospitalisation, and death; and have poorer quality of life
https://www.nia.nih.gov/news/mainta...isability-are-key-living-independently-we-age
Kmart's new $8 appliance solves annoying cleaning problem: 'A must-have'
Cited text: 'So handy!' writes a third. 'Love that I can reach all the hard-to-reach places and the three heads.'
Excerpt: 'So handy!' writes one customer. 'Love that I can reach all the hard-to-reach places and the three heads'
https://au.lifestyle.yahoo.com/kmar...g-cleaning-problem-a-must-have-034301057.html
Kmart's new $8 appliance solves annoying cleaning problem: 'A must-have'
Cited text: Kmart's new 3 Piece Dusting Telescopic Set is sure to be a popular cleaning item.
Excerpt: 'It's a great bargain and so handy to have. Definitely worth the $8!'
https://au.lifestyle.yahoo.com/kmar...g-cleaning-problem-a-must-have-034301057.html