Traditionally, spring is the season to throw open the windows and get down and dirty with some serious housekeeping. If this feels like an annual obligation you look upon with dread, these potential health perks and tips might help you fling yourself into spring cleaning.
Take off the pounds: Let some vigorous vacuuming and scrubbing serve as your daily workout, because even 15 minutes of moderate exercise a day may add three years to life expectancy.
Achoo!: Budding bushes and wafting pollen aren’t the only causes of spring allergies. Household dust and pet dander may also cause you to sniffle and sneeze. A clean slate may help you breathe better and lessen the symptoms of allergies and asthma.
Calm the mind: Getting rid of things you don’t need or love may have a positive effect on mental health. Studies have shown that clutter can detract from a sense of well-being. In 20 years of research on attention, a Princeton psychology professor has found that visual clutter lowers our ability to pay attention.
Banish bugs: Insects and rodents can carry all kinds of sicknesses and may even contribute to allergies and asthma, but they’re much less likely to take up residence if there’s nothing to nosh. Get the crumbs out of those hard-to-reach places like under the couch.
Rest assured: Haven’t washed those sheets in a while? Add it to your spring cleaning list as you may get a better night’s sleep if you wash the linens regularly. Respondents in a National Sleep Foundation survey said they get a more comfortable night’s sleep on sheets with a fresh scent.
Inspired now to get cleaning? Read on for some tips that might help get your home in order.
Keep it clean: Store your brooms and mops handle-down or hanging on the wall so the brush/mop end doesn’t touch the floor. Sponges soak up bacteria, so replace them often or nuke them in the microwave in a mild bleach solution.
Go natural: Vinegar isn’t just for salads, it’s also been proven to kill some of the toughest germs. If you run a few cups through the dishwasher and washing machine you may score an even deeper clean.
Pucker up: Cleaning products that contain lemon oil not only do a bang-up job polishing and moisturizing wood surfaces, but their scent can also help increase memory.
There’s a place for us: How much time do you waste looking for keys, remotes, phones and cheaters? Designate a spot for everything you use on a regular basis, and you may save yourself a lot of time and frustration.