5 Spring Cleaning Tips That Will Improve Daily Health

The weather is warming up, which means it's also time to take part in spring cleaning, the time of year where individuals spruce up and de-germ their home and offices. As well as taking other steps to get ready for upcoming nice weather. With longer days and motivation brought on by pleasant temps, this is an annual time to clean up and clear out. 

In order to make the most of your cleaning efforts this year, look toward additional fixes that not only improve your living space, but can help make your home healthier. 

1. Steam Cleaning

Did you know it's recommended to get your carpets cleaned once per year? And your mattress? An overwhelming majority of folks do not have their sleeping or walking surfaces cleaned, which can leave them full of germs and allergens. Have yours cleaned to remove these symptom triggers. Additionally, steam cleaning is the most effective way to sanitize without introducing chemicals. 

2. Air Purifier

When the weather is nice, it's a common practice to open the windows. However, doing so can let airborne germs into the home. Set up an air purifier in your bedroom (or whenever windows are open) to help eliminate these triggers. 

3. Air Ducts

Even though they pump air into every room of the home, air ducts are given surprisingly little attention. When left alone for only a few months, who knows what could be lurking in their depths … aside from dust. Have your ducts professionally cleaned for fresher air, or consider vacuuming them out yourself. 

4.  Freshly Laundered Everything

We rarely get around to cleaning the bedspread, or the pillows, but spring is a great time to start fresh. Wash what you can at home, or head to a local laundry mat that has bigger machines and more extreme settings. 

5. Keep it Clean

Generally, the entire reason we need spring cleaning is because we slacked all winter long. Who wants to tidy up when it's freezing out, after all? Once you've cleaned this spring, keep a short routine of picking up (laundry, vacuuming, etc.) to ensure your efforts last. 

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How the Wind Can Have a Negative Affect on Your Health

Depending on where you live, you might be more prone to windy days … or very rarely experience them. Either way, it's likely that you're wondering what the big deal is – either it's windy or it's not, Mother Nature's way of clearing out leaves. 

But windy days can actually affect us much deeper. Like with what it blows in with it.

Every time it's windy there are thousands of germs, allergens, and other microbes that make their way through the air. Pollens, molds, and more (even unpleasant scents) also get carried through the wind. In some ways, this can be considered a positive, by allowing your immune system to gain exposure to (and ward off) various triggers. However, if you suffer from severe allergies, this can cause an ongoing slew of symptoms. Even worse when you spend time outdoors during the changing season. Meaning that each time it's windy, you can develop cold-like reactions, allow further substances into your home, and even lower your immune system's efficiency.

In order to avoid the negative side effects of windy days, there are a few steps you can take. First of all, make sure you have a clean yard. Sure, neighbors' leaves and yard clippings can blow onto your property, but the cleaner it is outside in general, the fewer items that will be out in circulation (and adding air allergens). If you have severe allergies, remember to have someone else clean up; raking and bagging leaves puts triggers directly into your breathing space. 

Next, be careful about opening windows. Especially when it's blustery, which can let even more airborne germs into your home. And finally, gear up for some spring cleaning. The actual jump date to spring might be a few weeks off, but in our book, any nice weather qualifies. The earlier you start cleaning, the earlier you can start benefitting from an organized, wind-free home.

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