When you have a lot of rosemary on hand, you cannot simply make roasted chicken and potatoes for every meal. You can add rosemary to stocks, soups, or infuse it into oil, but eventually, you will tire of the herb’s flavor. Too much of a good thing is real…or is it? When you no longer want to enjoy rosemary in culinary applications, use it to make nourishing products for your skin and hair. 

Why Should You Use A Facial Toner?

Facial toner works to remove traces of grime, dirt, and impurities that remain in your pores after you wash your face. Adding a toner to your daily skin care routine can have a positive impact on the overall appearance and tightness of your pores. Turning back the hands of time? Although it isn’t the anti-aging secret of the century, facial toner does help to restore the skin’s pH balance, creating a smoother appearance and tone. 

Everyone can benefit from using facial toner, but people with oily or acne-prone skin benefit a great deal. The reason for this is because toner goes the extra mile to clean the gunk out of those pores. If you have acne-prone skin, though, consider a toner that contains salicylic acid. People with oily skin may benefit from toners that help to balance oil production. Continue reading to learn more about the ingredients in this homemade toner and how they benefit your skin. 

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is a common ingredient in many DIY face washes, acne spot cleansers, and toners. At this time, there isn’t sufficient research or scientific evidence to support the use of apple cider vinegar for facial skin care. That said, there are many anecdotal reports that suggest it works wonders for the skin. Apple cider vinegar works to remove excess oil, dirt, and other debris from pores. When incorporated into a toner or cleanser, apple cider vinegar can aid your skin-cleansing efforts. Because it is an astringent, apple cider vinegar lends itself to toners, creating more even skin tone and tighter pores. 

Rosemary

Rosemary, specifically rosemary oil, acts as a refreshing astringent that helps to balance skin tone. Topical application of this oil can help decongest oily skin types and acne-prone skin, while simultaneously maintaining the skin’s balance. The antimicrobial properties of rosemary help to invigorate the skin and increase circulation to the skin’s surface, contributing to a more youthful glow. Rosemary works to hydrate the skin and control oil production, while also providing antibacterial properties that help to keep breakouts at bay. Additionally, the use of rosemary oil on the skin has been associated with less flaking and dryness. It is a common ingredient in skin care products because it encourages healthier skin tissues. 

Homemade Facial Toner With Rosemary

Ingredients:

• 2 cups water
• 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary
• 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

Instructions:

• Combine the water and rosemary in a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and allow it to simmer until the liquid has reduced by half. 
• Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the liquid to cool before straining it through a fine mesh strainer and into a glass jar. 
• Pour in the apple cider vinegar and mix well to combine. 
• When ready to use, shake well to combine, dip a cotton ball or pad in the mixture, and gently pat your face with it to apply. 
• Leave for a minute or so and then follow with your favorite moisturizer.

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It is very common for people to neglect their feet. They are out of sight, out of mind, especially when the weather is a little colder. Only when the socks come off and the sandals come on do people realize that they need to do something about their cracked heels. After all, nobody wants to walk barefoot in the grass and have those thin blades enter those cracks. 

What Are Cracked Heels?

Cracked heels are very common and they occur when the dry, thick skin on the bottoms of your heels crack and split. Most cases are relatively minor and cracks are only a small nuisance or unattractive to look at. If you do not treat the cracks and heel fissures become deeper, you may experience difficulty walking or have a higher risk of infection. 

Cracked heels are not an overnight problem. In the beginning stages, you will see dry, hard skin around the heel, also known as calluses. As you walk and put more pressure on that area, the pads under your heels expand and force those calluses to develop small cracks. Other factors that contribute to cracked heels include:

• Hard or unsupportive footwear (open-back sandals or flip flops)
• Obesity
• Chronic health conditions, such as diabetes
• Being on your feet for long periods of time, especially on hard surfaces
• Walking around barefoot because that provides not support or protection for your feet
• Taking long, hot showers

How Do You Treat Cracked Heels?

You treat cracked heels the same way you treat dry skin: you moisturize. If the cracks are minor, moisturize your heels two to three times per day to help relieve symptoms. You can also use a pumice stone before moisturizing to help remove any hard, dead skin that prevents the moisturizer from penetrating the skin effectively. After one week of this general foot care, check to see if symptoms are better or worse. If your heels have not gotten any better, you may need a combination of some of the following treatments:

• Use a dermal foot balm for skin nourishment and optimal moisture. This is similar to a moisturizer, only it uses urea, an ingredient that helps increase the balm’s efficacy. 
• Mechanical debridement of thick calluses or fissures using a scalpel blade to reduce skin buildup. 
• Foot and ankle strapping, which involves placing bandages around the heel to reduce skin movement. 
• Using appropriate footwear that provides sufficient cushion to the heel pads. 

Using A Heel Balm

Natural ingredients can help heal and protect your rough, dry and cracked heels. Specifically, shea butter, a featured ingredient in this DIY cracked heel balm, works effectively because of its emollient properties. It is also rich in anti-inflammatory properties and vitamins A and E. Dry skin can thoroughly absorb shea butter because of the fatty acid content. That helps create a protective moisture barrier on the heels, keeping them hydrated. 

Coconut oil is another ingredient in this cracked heel balm that helps moisturize and protect the skin. Just like shea butter, coconut oil offers anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce swelling and redness. Beeswax works to enhance the skin barrier, protecting your heels from the environment. This barrier helps lock in moisture and protect the skin from future damage. 

DIY Cracked Heel Balm

Ingredients:

• 1.7 ounces unrefined shea butter
• 0.2 ounces coconut oil
• 0.2 ounces beeswax pellets
• 2-3 drops peppermint essential oil
• 2-3 drops tea tree oil
• 2 drops vitamin E oil

Instructions:

• Add the shea butter, coconut oil, and beeswax pellets to the top of a double boiler over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally until liquid.
• Once melted, remove from the heat and allow to cool for a few minutes before adding the essential oils and vitamin E oil. 
• Stir to combine and then transfer to a glass container. Allow the balm to solidify at room temperature. 
• Ideally, use this balm nightly on your feet, massaging it into your heels before applying socks to protect your skin overnight, and to prevent the balm from staining your sheets.

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Do you ever wonder which fruits and vegetables are most contaminated with pesticides? Or are you one of those shoppers that just hopes for the best when they buy produce? If you have concerns, fret not because the Environmental Working Group (EWG) publishes an annual Shopper’s Guide every year. In this guide, the EWG highlights the Dirty Dozen and Clean 15, two lists that help consumers reduce exposure to potentially harmful chemicals while helping them consume lots of produce.

The EWG suggests that even after you wash and peel certain fruits and vegetables, they can still contain pesticide residue. Nearly 75% of non-organic fresh produce sold in the United States contains pesticide residue. That underscores how widespread exposure has become, even for people who habitually and thoroughly wash fruits and vegetables. 

This information should not scare you away; rather, it should help you make smarter, healthier produce choices. If you are looking for the most up-to-date information from the EWG, it recently published both the 2026 Dirty Dozen and 2026 Clean 15 lists. 

The Key Findings

In the 2026 Dirty Dozen and Clean 15 lists, researchers note several insights of importance. Some of the key findings are detailed below:

• 96% of the Dirty Dozen samples contained pesticide residues
• Nearly 60% of Clean 15 produce had no detectable pesticides
• More than 54,000 produce samples were analyzed across 47 fruits and vegetables
• On average, some samples contained four or more pesticides 
• PFAS (or forever chemicals) were found in a large number of samples
• Nearly 75% of conventional produce contained pesticide residues, even after washing practices
• Researchers found 264 different pesticides overall

2026 Dirty Dozen List

Researchers note that there were no major items removed or added to the 2026 listThe 2026  Dirty Dozen list includes both fruits and vegetables with the highest pesticide contamination. Below, you will find the 12 most pesticide-laden produce items:

• Spinach
• Kale, collards, and mustard greens
• Strawberries
• Grapes
• Nectarines
• Peaches
• Cherries
• Apples
• Blackberries
• Pears
• Potatoes
• Blueberries

From samples on the Dirty Dozen list, researchers found 203 total pesticides, and pesticides were found on 96% of all samples on the list. PFAS were found on 63% of all Dirty Dozen foods. Potato samples had an average of two pesticides, while all other 11 produce items had four or more pesticides. All of the foods on this list tend to have thin skins that easily absorb pesticides. When available, buy organic versions of these items. 

2026 Clean 15 List

The Clean 15 list remained unchanged from 2025 to 2026, but the rankings may have shifted slightly. What is clear is that this list highlights the produce items with the lowest pesticide levels. Nearly 60% of the produce on the 2026 Clean 15 list had no detectable pesticides, and only 16% of the produce had residues of multiple pesticides. 

• Pineapple
• Sweet corn (frozen or fresh)
• Avocados
• Papaya
• Onions
• Sweet peas (frozen)
• Asparagus
• Cabbage
• Cauliflower
• Watermelon
• Mangos
• Bananas
• Carrots
• Mushrooms
• Kiwi

Many of the foods on this list have thick skins or natural resistances to pests. That ultimately reduces pesticide exposure, and they are generally safe to buy conventionally if you are on a budget and cannot afford organic varieties.

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Any “beauty drink” worth its salt contains collagen, or at least ingredients that support collagen production. No single beverage is going to magically minimize the appearance of crow’s feet, fine lines, and wrinkles, but there are ingredients that can help. As you enter your 30s, 40s, and beyond, collagen levels start to decline, which makes skin damage more noticeable. Eating foods that aid collagen production can help improve skin elasticity, which ultimately helps reduce early signs of aging.

In order to make a beauty smoothie, you need ingredients that promote healthier skin. The good news is that this smoothie contains beets, oranges, strawberries, and mint, all of which contain beneficial antioxidant compounds, nitrates, and carotenoids. These ingredients are also considered beneficial for fighting signs of aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles. Beets are also great for improving circulation and vascular health. The natural nitrates convert to nitric oxide in the body, relaxing and widening blood vessels, a process known as vasodilation. That ultimately improves blood flow, reduces blood pressure, and enhances oxygen delivery to muscles.

Strawberries are rich in antioxidants, such as vitamin A and vitamin C, which work to improve skin properties. These antioxidants facilitate sebum production, enhance hydration, improve elasticity, and reduce skin discoloration. Lastly, mint is well-known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. That makes it potentially beneficial for acne and acne scarring. It is possible for skin to unclog pores, which are contributing factors to acne.

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There is nothing wrong with getting a little sun, especially when the weather is pleasant. It is easy to spend most of the day at the beach, in the park, in the garden, or by the pool. Problems arise if you do not take proper care of the skin when you are in the sun. While sunshine is necessary for vitamin D production in the body, too much sun can lead to a nasty sunburn, even if you are not in full summer heat. 

What Is A Sunburn?

All it takes is some sun exposure without proper protection and the result is red, itchy skin that is warm to the touch. When you have a sunburn, ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun or tanning bed burn the skin. Some people get sunburns just doing everyday things like gardening without sunscreen or taking a lunch break outside. If you get sunburnt often, you increase your risk of premature skin aging and skin cancer. Fortunately, you can take steps to reduce sunburn risk by applying sunscreen, being in the shade between periods of sunshine, and wearing protective clothing. You can also: 

• Wear a hat to cover your head, neck, and ears (depending on the hat)
• Stay out of the sun during the most intense hours of sunshine (about noon to four in the afternoon)
• Wear light colored clothing to repel the sun’s rays

Getting out of the sun during intense hours may not always be convenient. You could be at a ball game, a child’s soccer practice, or at a work function. Tank tops and shorts leave skin exposed, and even the best sunscreen may not fully protect the skin. You also have to worry about the severity of skin damage from sunburn. The two most common types of sunburn are:

• First-degree sunburn, which damages the skin’s outer layer, typically heals on its own within a few days to a week. 
• Second-degree sunburn, which damages the middle section of the skin (dermis), can result in blisters on sunburned skin. The skin can take a couple weeks to heal and you may require medical treatment. 

How Common Is Sunburn? 

Sunburns are very common, especially in young people, as they are not as careful about applying sunscreen and taking other measures to protect the skin. Somewhere between 50% and 75% of children under the age of 18 have sunburns every year. More than 50% of adults between ages 18 and 29 reported having one or more sunburns in 2015. If you have a sunburn, the good news is that you can treat it on your own. Some easy ways to promote accelerated healing include:

• Take a cool bath or shower, or experiment with an oatmeal or baking soda bath to soothe irritated skin.
• Cover your sunburned skin when you go outside so that you do not worsen your existing sunburn.
• Once the skin is cool, stop ongoing damage by applying ointments or petroleum jelly to the affected area. These will help moisturize the skin and aid healing without scarring. 
• Drink a lot of water to avoid dehydration. 
• Use topical cooling and hydrating products, such as creams or aloe vera gel.
• Use the sunburn relief lotion bars (recipe below), which contain ingredients that help to soothe and soften sunburned skin, while aiding quicker recovery in the process.

DIY Sunburn Relief Lotion Bars

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup coconut oil
• 4 tablespoons shea butter
• 1/2 cup dried chamomile 
• 6 tablespoons beeswax
• 4 tablespoons aloe vera gel
• 20 drops lavender essential oil

Instructions:

• Preheat your oven to 200 degrees F. Add the coconut oil, shea butter, and chamomile to an oven-safe pan or saucepan and place in the oven for two hours to infuse the chamomile into the oil and shea butter.
• Remove from the oven, strain the oil, and discard the chamomile. 
• In the same pan or saucepan, add the infused oil and beeswax and then place the pan back in the oven so the beeswax can infuse with the already melted mixture. 
• Remove from the oven and stir in the aloe vera gel and lavender essential oil.
  Pour into silicone molds or ice cube trays and allow them to completely solidify at room temperature. 
• Once firm, pop the bars out of the molds and store in the fridge in an airtight container in the fridge if you want a cooling effect. They will keep fresh for up to six weeks. 
• Apply to sunburned skin as needed.

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Wrinkles are a natural part of the aging process. Nobody wants to see the effects of Father Time, but it is inevitable. The lines and creases in the skin tend to form on skin that is regularly exposed to the sun, such as the face, hands, neck, and forearms. UV exposure can break down collagen and elastin fibers in the skin, which causes wrinkling. Smoking, poor diet, and other pollutants can also increase the development of wrinkles.

If your wrinkles bother you, there are many options to help make them less visible and smooth them out. Various medications, skin care techniques, diet corrections, and even DIY solutions can help. Creating the DIY wrinkle reducer in this article may be the right first step toward more youthful looking skin. Just keep this in mind: although the ingredients in the wrinkle reducer are highly beneficial for the skin and exhibit anti-aging properties, this is not a quick fix item that can make wrinkles vanish. Couple the use of this wrinkle reducer with healthy eating, regular exercise, and proper skin care for best results. 

Benefits Of Witch Hazel

Renowned for its astringent properties, witch hazel may help tighten the skin and reduce the appearance of pores. Witch hazel has a rich polyphenol content, which aids skin rejuvenation. Those polyphenols, which are antioxidant compounds, can help improve collagen and elastin production, which is essential for maintaining firm skin. Using witch hazel may also help soothe inflamed skin, making it beneficial for those with irritated or sensitive skin. When you apply witch hazel to the skin, it helps ease puffiness and redness. 

Benefits Of Argan Oil

This versatile carrier oil is rich in vitamin E and essential fatty acids, which may play an integral role in moisturizing the skin and simultaneously providing antioxidant protection. According to research, argan oil helps to enhance the skin’s elasticity, which makes it an excellent choice for combatting dry skin. It has demonstrated an ability to help maturing skin retain moisture and prevent the appearance of fine lines. 

How Do Argan Oil And Witch Hazel Work Together?

Combining argan oil and witch hazel creates a synergistic effect that targets signs of aging. As witch hazel firms and tightens, argan oil adds deep moisture, preventing dryness that can increase the risk of wrinkles. Both ingredients contain antioxidants, which enhance their efficacy. Additionally, the blend of witch hazel and argan oil helps boost the skin’s natural repair processes, protecting it against environmental stressors. Consider these two ingredients as a harmonious duo that helps contribute to a smoother, more youthful complexion. 

DIY Wrinkle Reducer

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup witch hazel
• 1/4 cup argan oil
• 5 drops lavender essential oil

Instructions:

• Pour the witch hazel and argan oil into a mixing bowl and whisk to combine. Add the essential oils and continue to mix well for 10 seconds or so. 
• Pour the mixed solution into a glass container (preferably an amber glass container to preserve lavender essential oil’s properties) and seal tightly for freshness. 
• We recommend that you use this wrinkle reducer twice daily. Start by washing your skin to prepare the skin. Apply a small amount of the wrinkle reducer to your fingertips and massage into areas of the face prone to wrinkles, such as around the eyes and mouth.

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Do lip balm and lip butter serve the same purpose? Although the products are similar, there is a difference between lip balm and lip butter. Like the rest of your skin, the lips can take a beating, especially if you don’t protect them. Food, ultraviolet light, the wind, and acidic substances all affect the lips in different ways. Both lip balm and lip butter can help protect your lips from these daily elements. 

What’s The Difference Between Lip Balm And Lip Butter?

Lip balm and lip butter have different capabilities. Lip balm can help remedy chapped, cracked, or sunburnt lips, drawing moisture to the lips to help resolve these issues. More often than not, lip balms contain natural ingredients and vitamin E, which acts as an antioxidant to help restore health to damaged cells. Lip butter, on the other hand, cares for your lips, but does not last as long as a balm. It can be harder to apply, since it is a thicker, creamier consistency, but it is made from natural ingredients, such as coconut oil, shea butter, almond oil, beeswax, or mango butter. 

It’s hard to say which one is better, as that will depend on personal preference. You may find that your lips feel amazing after you apply lip butter. Some people may not enjoy the messier application, though, so you have to choose what’s right for you. Should you make the lip butter in this article, your skin can benefit from the following ingredients:

Mango Butter

You can apply mango butter as a preventative or to provide relief from chapped or irritated lips. Mango butter contains numerous antioxidant compounds that work quickly to combat dryness and chapping. It contains vitamins A, E, and C, all of which work together to trap moisture in, which is especially beneficial when your lips are exposed to colder days. Mango butter also has some astringent properties, so it doesn’t leave the skin feeling greasy. 

Cocoa Butter

As a highly effective natural emollient, cocoa butter is an excellent choice if you want to provide your lips with deep hydration. Cocoa butter works to seal in moisture and repair cracked or chapped skin. Cocoa butter is rich in fatty acids and antioxidants that help form a protective barrier to keep the lips safe from environmental damage. The palmitic and saturated stearic fatty acids work to create a lipid barrier to prevent moisture loss. 

Meadowfoam Seed Oil

This oil may be unfamiliar to you, but is a lovely cosmetic ingredient that comes from the Meadowfoam plant. Meadowfoam seed oil is a great carrier oil that adds a little lightness to the blend of butters in the DIY creamy lip butter recipe. Because it is an emollient, it helps to lock in moisture. The skin can also absorb this oil easier than heavier carrier oils like olive oil or avocado oil. If you do not have Meadowfoam seed oil or it proves difficult to acquire, you can use any liquid carrier oil you prefer, but that will alter the absorption and texture of the lip butter. 

DIY Creamy Lip Butter

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon cocoa butter
• 1 tablespoon beeswax pellets
• 1 tablespoon mango butter
• 1 tablespoon Meadowfoam oil
• 8-10 drops essential oil of choice lavender, peppermint, orange, and geranium make for nice choices)

Instructions:

• Add all of the ingredients (except the essential oils) to the top of a double boiler over medium-low heat. Heat and stir occasionally until completely melted. 
• Once the ingredients have fully melted, remove from heat and add the essential oils of choice. 
• Pour the lip butter into containers and allow it to cool completely at room temperature. 
• Once solidified, screw on the tops of the containers and store in a cool, dry place and it will last about six months or so.

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Sometimes, you feel like bleach is the only cleaning agent that will get the job done. You might be in a bit of a dilemma, though, especially if you are trying to switch to a non-toxic lifestyle. Chlorine bleach is not necessarily the best thing for your health, but it does tackle tough cleaning jobs. The non-toxic bleach alternative in this article is beautifully effective without the side effects of traditional bleach. And it’s only made with three simple ingredients you probably have in your house. 

Why Is Chlorine Bleach Bad For You?

Traditional chlorine bleach can be fatal if you ingest it. If you have little ones running around your home, you may not want something like that in the house. Bleach contains sodium hypochlorite and other potential stabilizers, perfumes, and surfactants, depending on the brand. You can experience irritation of the mouth, throat, and gastrointestinal tract if you swallow household bleach. That can result in vomiting, abdominal pain, and nausea. Swallowing concentrated bleach products can permanently damage the digestive system, or even result in death. 

Bleach can also cause poisonous effects, including tissue damage and skin burns, if you swallow or inject it into the skin. It is always best to wear protective gloves when cleaning with bleach, as it can irritate and burn the skin. Typically, contact with bleach can cause redness, pain, and irritation. Only in severe cases can one experience ulcers, blisters, and long-term scarring. If your skin comes in contact with bleach, make sure to rinse the area with water for 10 to 20 minutes. 

Hydrogen Peroxide For Cleaning

On our website, you can find many cleaning products that contain distilled white vinegar. The non-toxic bleach alternative in this article does not contain it; rather, it focuses on hydrogen peroxide as the cleaning agent. Hydrogen peroxide can be helpful for disinfecting and stain removal. Sometimes, you can use a 50/50 mix of hydrogen peroxide and water to clean. Because hydrogen kills germs, it is a valuable cleaning agent, especially for the following objects and surfaces:

• Doorknobs
• Counters
• Cutting boards
• Refrigerators
• Mirrors
• Toys
• Toilets
• Sinks and bathtubs
• Garbage cans

You can also mix a small amount of hydrogen peroxide in a large bowl of water to clean your fruits and vegetables. Soak your produce items in the bowl before rinsing and drying them. That method helps remove germs and pesticides, and may even help your produce items last longer. Finally, you can spray hydrogen peroxide on clothing or carpet stains to help remove them. Some people even use hydrogen peroxide to clean nail clippers, tweezers, eyelash curlers, and other beauty tools!

Non-Toxic Bleach Alternative

Ingredients:

• 2.5 cups distilled water
• 1.25 cups hydrogen peroxide
• 1/4 cup lemon juice (either store bought or freshly squeeze)

Instructions:

• Add all of the ingredients to a large storage jar or spray bottle. Close the lid and swirl to combine. 
• Store the liquid at room temperature in a dark place to extend the shelf life. For the longest shelf life, store the mixture in an amber glass jar. 
• For cleaning, you can use this on enameled sinks, some tile and grout, and countertops. You can do a small patch test in one area of the surface you want to clean to make sure it does not negatively affect the surface.

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Let us get one thing clear before we get into this recipe: there are no chickpeas in this hummus. We’ll go so far as to say that you won’t believe that it is made without chickpeas. Garbanzo beans, or chickpeas, can be very difficult to digest in their raw form, unless they are sprouted before you eat them. For this reason, we omitted them from this hummus and focused on using zucchini, raw sunflower seeds, lemon, and several other ingredients. It really does look and taste like hummus, though, especially after you garnish it with some optional herbs, spices, and a drizzle of olive oil.

Zucchini exhibits a diverse nutritional profile and is particularly rich in antioxidants, more specifically carotenoids. Zucchini offers lutein, zeaxanthin, and beta-carotene, all of which may benefit your eyes, skin, and heart. These carotenoids may even offer some protection against certain types of cancer, such as prostate cancer. According to research, the skin of zucchini contains the highest levels of antioxidants, with yellow squash offering slightly higher levels than green varieties.

Because zucchini contains both soluble and insoluble fiber, it may promote healthy digestion in several ways. Soluble fiber feeds the healthy bacteria that live in the gut, which helps them produce short-chain fatty acids that nourish gut cells. Short-chain fatty acids may also lower inflammatory markers and reduce symptoms of certain gut disorders. Insoluble fiber adds bulk to stool and helps food move through the digestive tract. If all of that is not reason enough to eat this zucchini hummus, we don’t know what is! It is purely delicious and a great raw dip to have in your cleansing recipe arsenal.

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During the winter months, you tend to spend more time indoors. The drier indoor air can increase the likelihood of catching a cold, especially if an infected person is in the home. Colds happen this time of year, but there are several things you can do to help keep you and your family as healthy as possible. This article highlights five crucial tips to keep your home clean and germ-free throughout the winter. 

Manage Humidity Levels

If you have the heat on, the air is automatically drier. The humidity level in the home may also affect your risk of contracting a virus. In fact, a 2021 study found that moderate humidity levels between 40-60% may reduce the risk of viral transmission and make certain viruses less likely to survive in the air. Very dry indoor conditions may also worsen allergy symptoms, while excessive humidity can promote other allergens, such as mold. The goal is to find that sweet spot, which tends to be below 60% humidity. Typically, a thermostat can detect a home’s humidity level. And if your home’s humidity level drops below 30%, you may want to invest in a humidifier when colder weather arrives. 

Revamp Your Entryway

Do you have a shelf with a bowl of miscellaneous things right by the front door? Perhaps you have a small desk with a drawer of random mail, keys, and other things. Maybe your children toss their jackets and shoes wherever they want. Don’t clutter your entryway, as that is a germ trap. Consider the following tips to help declutter and clean your entryway:

• Create a designated spot for outdoor footwear, such as a shoe rack, and coats/jackets, such as a coat rack. 
• Remove your shoes when you enter the home. That helps prevent dirt and anything else from entering the home.
• Install a light fixture (even if it is a small lamp) to ensure proper lighting in the entryway. Making it well-lit will make it easier to spot dirty surfaces. 
• Organize your cleaning supplies, such as disinfectant spray and wipes, especially in the entryway. You can keep them on a shelf or in a nearby closet or basket. 

Establish A Disinfecting Routine

There is a difference between cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting. Here is a quick break down of what each term means:

• Cleaning is the process of scrubbing a surface with soap and water. It helps remove most but not all, dirt and germs from a surface. 
• Sanitizing involves using a sanitizing spray or diluted bleach solution to reduce the germs on a given surface. You clean and sanitize items and surfaces that come in contact with the mouth, such as toys and food-contact surfaces. Always clean a surface before you sanitize it. 
• Disinfecting is the process of using a stronger bleach solution or chemical cleaner to help get almost all germs off a surface or object. It can be beneficial to clean a surface before disinfecting it. 

Before you start sanitizing and disinfecting, identify your home’s most high-touch surfaces. Doorknobs, countertops, appliance handles, and light switches are great places to start. Take extricate cleaning and disinfecting these surfaces. Keeping a list of things you need to clean can help make tasks more manageable, while alleviating the overwhelming feeling that comes with cleaning. 

Wash Bedding Regularly 

The body naturally sheds sweat and skin cells throughout the day and night. All of that gunk can ultimately build up on soft surfaces around the home, such as your sofa, pillows, blankets, and bedsheets. Aim to change and wash your sheets weekly to help prevent the buildup of bacteria-causing dirt and grime. If you have eczema, or another skin condition, you may want to change and wash sheets twice weekly. Maximize your washing efforts by:

• Using hot water when washing sheets and bedding.
• Getting a second or third set of sheets to make swapping them out easier. 
• Using a high-heat dryer setting to dry your sheets, depending on care instructions.

Check And Change HVAC Filters Frequently

If you have a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system in your home, you have to regularly change the filters to keep the air in your home clean. The frequency at which you need to change filters depends on their thickness. Typically, the filter will tell you how long it lasts. Thicker filters usually last longer and trap more allergens than thinner filters. Some thermostats will remind you to change your filter based on usage. Don’t have an HVAC system? Consider investing in a portable air purifier to help improve indoor air quality. 

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