The beginning of the year is a common time to adopt new habits and make big life changes. Spring also marks a time of starting fresh, as flowers bloom and temperatures rise. There is a big push for a lot of people to freshen up the home and surrounding environment. Not only does spring cleaning create a more visually appealing space, but it also brings some notable health benefits for the body and mind. 

Mental health experts note that people with less clutter in the livers report higher psychological well-being. They may also express more happiness being in their own space. Additionally, people with respiratory problems, such as allergies or asthma, may find symptom relief after deep cleaning their indoor space. 

Now, spring cleaning should not be viewed as a chore, even though it technically is. Focus on the mental and physical health benefits that spring cleaning can provide and you’ll be scrubbing the floors in no time. Continue reading to learn about five possible health benefits of spring cleaning. 

May Enhance Productivity

One study found that people with cluttered office spaces experienced higher rates of emotional exhaustion, indecision, and job-related tension than those with less clutter. They also reported lower rates of job satisfaction and were not as efficient at time management. All of these factors contributed to poor overall job performance. Basically, cleaning your home or office desk may help clear your head and contribute to better workflow. Additionally, you may experience a boost in productivity, especially if you work from home. 

Potentially Minimize Allergies

Allergic to dust, pollen, dander, or other allergens? A deep spring clean may help reduce the severity (or completely get rid of) your allergy symptoms. If you are allergic to anything inside your home, such as pet dander or dust mites, spring cleaning may benefit your nose, eyes, and chest. According to health experts, removing indoor allergens from the home can reduce the signs and symptoms of allergic rhino-conjunctivitis. Such symptoms include runny nose, sneezing, itchy eyes, and general congestion. Use a vacuum with a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter to remove allergens as you clean. You can also use an indoor air purifier to help improve air quality in the home. 

May Boost Your Mood

Do you ever feel a sense of pride and mood elevation when you clean up your space? Well, researchers have observed that spring cleaning is a helpful strategy to improve overall mental wellness. One study found that people with less clutter in their homes reported a higher sense of well-being than those with more clutter. Additionally, other research indicates that more clutter in the home causes higher levels of cortisol (the stress hormone), especially in women. The reason for this is because clutter can cause distress or impairment in a person’s life. Getting rid of items that no longer serve a purpose can help bring about a greater sense of self. 

May Promote Heart Health And Longevity

Spring cleaning, or any cleaning for that matter, is a form of light exercise. It gets your heart pumping and helps you burn some calories. In fact, the American Heart Association (AHA) even recommends spring cleaning as a way to get active and boost heart health. By improving heart health, you could positively affect your longevity as well. An earlier study found that housework was one of the many daily activities that contributed to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease. The only thing that would get in the way of cardiovascular benefits is using extremely harmful chemical cleaners. You can easily avoid this by using all-natural DIY cleaning products. 

May Improve Asthma Symptoms

The birds are singing and the flowers are in bloom, but people with asthma may dread this time of year. Flower plants and pollen can worsen asthma symptoms, but not all allergens exist outside. You can easily encounter asthma triggers in your home, but spring cleaning can help you keep your home allergen-free, potentially curbing your symptoms. Researchers note that spring cleaning can help remove cockroach allergens, dust mites, and pet dander in your home. Removing such allergens, if allergic, will help relieve any respiratory irritation or symptoms. Finally, consider wearing a mask while cleaning to help you avoid inhaling large amounts of allergens while cleaning.

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Spring has officially sprung, which means it is time to shed those winter layers and enjoy some warmer temperatures. Some people like to freshen up their homes, getting rid of clutter that accumulated during the fall and winter seasons. Although spring cleaning is a self-care tip, it is not the only way to practice self-care this season. We would like you to think of spring as a chance to pay more attention to your own well-being, however that looks to you. We just hope the suggestions in this article resonate with you. 

On the surface, self-care refers to taking care of yourself, be it mentally, emotionally, or physically. Perhaps you take yourself to a spa or head to the gym to fit exercise into your day. On a deeper level, though, self-care might translate to changing your overall outlook to help you feel more comfortable and self-assured every day. Begin your self-care regimen wherever (and however) you see fit. Consider the following tips to get you going.

Embrace Doing Nothing

The power of relaxing is an art form. Sometimes, you just have to unplug from life and take the day to do absolutely nothing. Allow yourself to feel bored and consider revisiting a former hobby. You may also want to catch up with old friends or family members on the phone. If that sounds painful to you, consider “escaping” from your life for the day. Don’t worry about timing or chores that must be done. Take the day and watch some TV shows or movies. Don’t overexert yourself because a lot of people need rest to rejuvenate the body. 

Get Out In Nature And Ground Yourself

Given that spring exhibits warmer temperatures, now is a great time to go outside. According to researchers, spending time in nature is one of the best ways to reduce stress, promote mental clarity, and regulate the nervous system. That may look like a hike in the hills, a walk through a neighborhood park, lounging on the beach, or sitting in your backyard with a book. When you are in nature, take off your shoes and consider grounding yourself. Remove your shoes and connect with the earth’s energy through your bare feet. Identify the things you see, hear, feel, smell, and taste during this grounding exercise, and it will help you focus on the present moment. All you have to do is be wherever you are. 

Do An Emotional Check-In

Different seasons affect your mood more than you realize. For example, winter can take a toll on mental health, resulting in seasonal depression, or seasonal affective disorder. During spring, take the time to check in with yourself in the following ways:

• What patterns from winter do you want to get rid of?
• Are there emotions that have been present in your life lately?
• What are you looking forward to in the coming weeks or months?

Write down your thoughts or consider discussing them in therapy, as both of these methods can help you gain better insight to what your body needs this spring. A spring journal, or mood tracker, can help you note behavioral patterns from day to day.

Get Moving, If Possible

If you live in an area that experiences severely cold weather, spring provides the warmth needed to get you out and about. Cabin fever is all too common during the winter, but warmer weather allows for a hike in the forest, or a surf session in the ocean. If the weather is too wet to go out in nature, consider taking part in an indoor yoga class. A session of stretching can also be beneficial to your body, loosening you up for optimal movement. 

Meditate

One of the best ways to boost overall mental health is to be more present and mindful. New to meditation? Get started by sitting in a comfortable spot and engage in deep breaths, in through your nose and out through your mouth. Try your best to clear your mind and direct your focus to your breath. Meditation is a mental journey and even though your mind may wander, always come back to your breath. 

Try A New Self-Compassion Exercise

Self-care is not just about what you do; rather, it is how you speak to yourself. During this spring season, practice self-compassion by replacing your own criticism with kindness. If you find yourself talking to yourself in a negative way, pause and ask, “What would I say to a close friend in this same situation?” Would you speak to them in the same negative tone? If the answer is no, alter the way you talk to yourself to encourage positivity.

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Whether you look under the kitchen sink or in the hall closet in the average home, you will most likely see an assortment of cleaning products. People have their preferences for brands and scents, but there are sprays or scrubs for different needs. One product cleans the countertops, while another one makes wood furniture shiny. And then you have products that clean showers, toilets, the floors, and so on. 

Building this collection of cleaners can be expensive, not to mention damaging to your health. According to a 2018 study from the University of Bergen in Norway, people exposed to cleaning products for 20 years have the same lung function as people who smoke 20 cigarettes per day. They also experience a 40% greater risk of developing asthma. There’s a reason why you cough or find it difficult to breathe when you use oven cleaner. In fact, many of these products have warnings that you should wear protective gloves or masks while using them!

Making the switch to natural products can seem challenging or overwhelming, but it’s an easy transition to make. You just need to master a few simple cleaning hacks with ingredients you may already have in your home. There are many harmless ingredients that prove to be excellent non-toxic cleaners. Continue reading to learn more about seven natural cleaning hacks. 

Load Up On Vinegar

Whether you need to clean tubs, windows, tile, or other surfaces, distilled white vinegar is right for the job. Although it isn’t a proper disinfectant, it does work great as a natural cleaner. It works to clean and mildly sanitize many surfaces, especially bathtubs, shower doors, and metal faucets. The downside to vinegar is the smell, but you can mix it with essential oils to counteract the intensity. Click here to learn more about scented vinegar cleaners. 

Lemon Essential Oil For A Clean Microwave

Need to clean your microwave and make it smell great at the same time? Combine 15 drops of lemon essential oil and one and a half cups of water in a heat-safe bowl. Microwave for five to 10 minutes, allowing the steam to condense inside the microwave. Once complete, remove the bowl safely and wipe the grime away with a damp sponge. 

Degrease Your Stove With Baking Soda

Stovetop cleaners and degreasers are some of the harshest cleaning products to inhale. They emit very unpleasant odors and it can be difficult to breathe when you use them. Instead, pour baking soda on your stove, sprinkle with a little water, allow it to sit for one hour, and then wipe away. Your stove will look shiny and clean as ever!

Baking Soda Removes Carpet Smells

Because it’s such a great natural cleaner, let’s stick with baking soda for a moment. If you want to get rid of carpet odors, baking soda is right for the job. Next time you vacuum your carpet, sprinkle some baking soda on it first. Vacuum the carpet and you’ll be left with an odor-free carpet. This is great if you have pets that love to get their stank on carpets. 

Remove Pet Hair With Rubber Gloves

This isn’t so much a natural cleaning hack as much as it is a useful pearl of wisdom. Pet hair can be very difficult to vacuum off carpets or furniture, especially if your pet sheds a lot. When your standard vacuum can’t get the job done, slide on the rubber gloves and rub any areas that need extra cleaning. You’ll find that pet hair clings to your rubber gloves, and it will only unstick when you wash it away. 

Dust With Coffee Filters

Need to dust your electronics, which you probably neglect to clean for most of the year? Grab a coffee filter or two to help clear dust from tv screens, computer monitors, and any other electronics you have in the home. The great thing about dusting with coffee filters is that they don’t leave behind any fibers. 

Buff Surfaces With Olive Oil

You may be familiar with the health benefits of olive oil, but do you know that it can help you clean the house? Olive oil can help buff stainless steel, pots and pans, and other appliances. Drizzle some olive oil on a soft cloth and apply it in a circular motion to buff out any dirty spots. You may need to give the surface a wipe with a clean rag to reduce oil residue on the surface you buff.

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Winter is almost a distant memory that fades more and more with the arrival of warmer temperatures and blooming flowers. The fresher air makes you want to open the windows and invite the beautiful scents and warmth into the home. Even though it may look fresh and less gloomy outside, the inside of your home may be in shambles. Invite the opportunity and seasonal change into your life with a cleaner home. In fact, this is a long-standing tradition in many cultures. 

Why Do People Deep Clean In Spring?

Spring cleaning stems from several cultures, including Iranian, Chinese, and Jewish. The arrival of the spring equinox on the solar-based calendar is a classic indicator of spring. For Iranians, the spring equinox marks the new year, which consists of festivals and celebrations that symbolize a time of renewal. This theme of “renewal” is common in many cultures, in regards to the new year. It’s a chance to reinvigorate life and start anew. In the two weeks leading up to the new year, Iranians practice “shaking the house.” This involves buying new clothes, getting rid of old clothes, cleaning everything in sight, and ensuring everything in the house is clean for the new year.

In similar fashion, the Chinese clean their homes in anticipation of the new year’s arrival. The belief is that cleaning the house gets rid of any possible bad luck, inviting positive energy into the house when the new year comes. In Jewish culture, Passover commemorates the exodus of the Jews from Egypt. Jewish slaves ate unleavened bread, which they adopted as a reminder of overcoming such hard times. In traditional Jewish culture, keeping leavened bread in the house during Passover is an insult to God. It has become tradition to scour the home for any possible crumbs, cleaning it meticulously before Passover, which comes right after spring. 

While your motivation to clean may not be cultural, there are serious health benefits to deep cleaning the home. Continue reading to learn how spring cleaning can improve your health. 

Reduces The Presence Of Allergens

When you clean the home, your indoor air quality is likely to improve. Clutter, mess, and neglecting to regularly clean results in an accumulation of dust. There are chemicals in dust that trigger allergic reactions, so cleaning the home can reduce the presence of harmful allergens. The home is insulated without opening the windows all winter, so the cleaning and fresh spring air can improve breathing and overall respiratory health.

Encourages A Healthy Lifestyle

When you inhabit a messy space, there’s a higher percentage of being unhealthier. Statistically, people who clean up their houses tend to clean up other areas of their lives. This can lead to better sleep, healthier eating habits, and improved sleep. There’s a link between decluttering, organizing, and cleaning the home and prioritizing your health and overall well-being. You may be surprised how much a good cleaning session inspires you. 

Reduces Stress

Some people will argue that a messy house inspires the chaotic freedom that inspires their creative thoughts. There’s not time for that nonsense. The act of cleaning and inviting organization into your life helps to relieve stress. A messy house can cause stress because you can easily misplace things or purchase things that you already have, but are hiding in the mess. Clutter in the home can also lead to higher anxiety, and cleaning it all up brings about a calmer feeling. 

Less Mess = Less Fatigue

You may not know it until your home is organized and clean, but clutter wears you down. It’s exhausting to have anything and everything occupy your space, be it your workspace or living space. All of the disorganization gathers dust and grime. Take the time to shed the non-essential items in your life. You don’t have to purge your house, but a solid spring cleaning can lift an incredible weight off your shoulders and help you feel lighter, emotionally speaking. Less brings about more happiness, more energy, and more positivity in your life. 

Increases Productivity

The warmer weather often excites people and inspires them to get more done in each day. Shorter days tend to have the opposite effect on people, hence why there is more clutter and dirt in the home during winter. You may notice that you feel the urge to clean as spring gets closer and closer. Now, we don’t advise cleaning the house in a single day because that is exhausting. Take at least one to two weeks to spring clean the entire house, tackling a room or problem area every day. 

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Whether you live in a six-bedroom house or studio apartment, you understand that a home can get dirty in a matter of days. In fact, it’s impressive how quickly dust, stains, or general grime starts to accumulate. It’s up to you to take action and keep the home clean. So what do you do? You go straight for the high-touch surfaces and make sure that they pristine. That is an excellent start, but there are so many neglected areas of the home that require cleaning. 

Spring cleaning has become a trendy movement, and people tend to go into somewhat of a frenzy. Some people decide that a furniture move is important or that getting rid of junk is the primary goal. Others seem to do a general once-over of the counters, fridge, floors, and carpets. This is wonderful, but spring cleaning is the perfect time to address those areas of the home that often go unnoticed. We are talking about every nook and cranny in the home. That means under the couch, the backsplash behind the stove, and the other parts of the home in this article. 

Remember, good health starts with a clean home. Start the spring season on a healthy note by including the following neglected areas in your cleaning routine. 

Base Of Toilets

When is the last time you cleaned the base of your toilet? Chances are that you neglect the base when you clean the seat and the bowl. If you don’t clean it, urine can accumulate, especially in a home with children. Leaving urine at the base of the toilet can harbor germs, while the moisture can increase the risk of mold, which can cause respiratory problems. Use an antibacterial cleaning agent to scrub the base of the toilet so that the porcelain sparkles.

Under The Couch

Unless you have a robot vacuum, chances are that you aren’t cleaning under the couch. Even the robot doesn’t get every square inch under there! Spring is here, which means that you need to move the couch, bed, or other furniture item and get in there. You may need a vacuum and a mop to complete the task. It’s not the most difficult thing to do, but it can be annoying. Get those spots clean once and for all, but don’t continue to neglect them from now on. 

Rugs

Area rugs can accumulate a lot of dirt, dust, and more, especially if they are in high-traffic areas. If you have pets, their hair doesn’t come off with each vacuuming session either. For small rugs that are machine washable, read the directions and toss them in the washer. For larger rugs, you may need a separate piece of machinery or plan of attack to deep clean them. Check the material of the rug and research how to wash it before you just go for it. The last thing you want to do is ruin a rug and have to buy a new one.

Windowsills

It’s common to see dust on windowsills, but mold can easily grow in these areas. Unfortunately, many homeowners or renters don’t consider this when it comes to cleaning. Mold spores are very small, discolored areas on the windowsills. If you don’t regularly clean them, it’s possible to damage your windows and indoor air quality. People with mold allergies or respiratory conditions have a higher risk of experiencing symptoms in regards to mold accumulation. It’s best to clean mold and condensation from windowsills with bleach diluted with water. Be sure to wear protective gloves and a mask. 

The Curtains

Sure, curtains help to keep out the sunlight and the rest of the world from looking in, but they are dust traps. You could make the argument that a curtain’s sole purpose is to collect dust. Most people don’t realize how dusty they are until they give them a quick shake and see the dust linger in the sunlight. Depending on the type of curtains you have, you may want to have a professional do the job. Some curtains, however, are machine washable and you can clean them yourself. 

HVAC Filters

If you have central ventilation, heating, or an air-conditioning system in your home, you should change the filter regularly. Most filters should be changed every three months, so be sure to check if you are overdue. Filters work to catch particles that affect indoor air quality, including animal allergens, mold spores, and pollen. If you don’t change your filters, they can fill up and become less effective. 

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Next time you walk down the cleaning product aisle at a hardware or grocery store, carefully inspect the ingredient lists on the various products. Whether you look at a disinfectant, floor cleaner, or bathroom spray, you’ll find that many of the labels contain chemicals that are quite harmful to the human body.

Cleaning product companies tell you that their products are necessary for keeping the home free of bacteria and germs. Sprays, wipes, powders, liquids, and more promise to improve your home and health by removing grime and dirt. Many of these products, including Pine-Sol, exhibit fresh or clean scents that smell similar to lemon or pine. What these companies don’t tell you is that their products can contain toxic chemicals. Well, they may explain this, but in the fine print on the label, which people seldom read thoroughly.

How Do Cleaning Products Affect Your Health?

Popular cleaning product manufacturers include chemicals in their products that may negatively impact your health. For example, it’s possible for these products to cause endocrine disruption, pregnancy complications, allergies, birth defects, and cancer. Women’s Voices for the Earth (WVE) published a report that commissioned an independent laboratory to test 20 popular cleaning products. The results indicated that the toxic chemicals they detected were not disclosed on product labels.

The reality is that manufactures do not always have to disclose the ingredients in their fragrance blends in cleaning products. These signature scents are often copyrighted, meaning that disclosing them would allow other people or companies to produce the same sense. The same applies for perfumes and other products where “fragrance blend” is on the label. Many known allergens are often included in these fragrance blends, but also in products marketed as “fragrance-free.” This is to say that harmful chemicals may hide in your cleaning products.

Does DIY Pine Oil Cleaner Work?

Many people love Pine-Sol for its ability to clean the home. Unfortunately, it contains known endocrine disruptors and other toxic chemicals that increase the risk of birth defects and cancer. Switching to the natural alternative in this article is not only more beneficial for your health, but also for the surfaces you clean. The pine cleaner in this article is effective on tile floors and wood furniture. The biggest plus to this cleaner, besides the effectiveness, is that you can clean your home without plaguing it with cancer-causing chemicals. Continue reading to learn how to make the pine cleaner.

DIY Pine Cleaner Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 gallon distilled water
• 1/4 cup unscented Castile soap
• 15-20 drops pine essential oil
• 5-10 drops lemon essential oil

Instructions:

• In a large glass container, mix the water with the Castile soap. The water may turn cloudy, but this is completely normal.
• Add the essential oils into the container, screw on the lid, and swish it around to thoroughly combine the ingredients. It is ready to use.

How To Use:

• Apply the solution with a sponge or cleaning rag to the area you want to clean.
• Rinse the area and dry with a cloth or towel. The solution stores best in a glass container.

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Can you clean glass with natural ingredients? The short answer is “yes,” but there are certain ingredients that stand out from the rest. There are some that you should avoid altogether because they don’t do a great job, or they leave a lot of streaks on your windows, which you don’t want. 

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: you can make DIY cleaning products with ingredients you already have in the home. Most people have distilled white vinegar, cornstarch, and rubbing alcohol in the home, and these are the ingredients you need for this recipe. Yes, you read that right. Cornstarch is an integral component to this cleaner. In fact, it leaves them sparkling like you’ve never seen them sparkle before. 

Cornstarch For Glass Cleaning?

Yes, this is the secret weapon for keeping your glass, mirrors, and windows as clean and streak-free as possible. It’s a surprising ingredient to incorporate into a DIY cleaner, but it works great! Cornstarch granules are very fine, which makes it abrasive at an atomic level. That means that it cleans glass thoroughly without scratching it. In fact, you may find that it cleans glass better than any glass cleaning product you’ve ever purchased. Cornstarch is similar to baking soda in that can it can help get rid of unpleasant odors. So put some in your stinky shoes after you finish cleaning your windows. 

Rubbing Alcohol

Rubbing alcohol is an excellent glass cleaner, and way better for your lungs than traditional glass cleaners that contain ammonia. When isopropyl alcohol was first invented in 1920, it was primarily used as an industrial propellant and cleaner. Only later did it make its way into the medical field. Alcohol contains a high concentration of non-polar particles. Most stains on your glass come from fingerprints or old food, both of which have oil as a common denominator. Almost all oil particles are non-polar, so they don’t have a negative charge. Like dissolves like, without getting into too much scientific lingo. That means that alcohol works to dissolve these oil particles to give your windows a clean shine. 

Vinegar

Cleaning with vinegar has become quite the trend, as it is both a natural and effective cleaning agent. When it comes to cleaning glass, vinegar’s acidic composition works to break down the oily film that you typically see on glass surfaces. Cleaning a window with a solution that contains vinegar may assist with removing streaks and keeping it shiny. According to several studies, vinegar can safely kill certain germs in a non-toxic way, unlike other harmful cleaning agents. 

DIY Window Cleaning Solution

Ingredients:

• 1 cup white vinegar
• 1/2 cup isopropyl alcohol (70%)
• 2.25 cups filtered water
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Instructions:

• Use a funnel to pour all of the ingredients into a 32-ounce glass bottle. 
• Screw on the top and shake well until thoroughly combined. 
• Before you use, shake up the bottle and spray the glass surface with the solution.
• Wipe away with a dry cloth and enjoy clean, sparkling glass. 

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There are some people who wish they could shower in disinfectant. Often times, those people have children, which harbor germs like nobody’s business. There are others who simply loathe public restrooms, public transport, bars, restaurants, and other places that contain bacteria in all sorts of places. The point is that while showering in disinfectant may seem like an attractive plan to be germ-free, it isn’t the healthiest plan for your skin or overall health. 

Most disinfectant sprays that you purchase in the store contain harmful ingredients. If you are conscious of this and desire to clean the home in a non-toxic way, there are DIY options that also help you kill germs. Certain chemical disinfectants can disrupt endocrine function and lead to numerous respiratory illnesses. Not to mention the intimidating caution warnings about the product touching your face or eye area. There are chemical-free, healthy alternatives to classic disinfectant sprays, and the recipe in the article is an excellent place to start. 

Isopropyl Alcohol

Thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, 70% isopropyl alcohol is now woven into the fabric of our everyday language. Typically, isopropyl alcohol ranges from 60-90% alcohol content, with 10-40% being purified water. Isopropyl alcohol works fast to fight against bacteria, viruses, and fungi, with higher concentrations being desirable because of the bactericidal nature. 70% solutions, however, easily penetrate the cell walls of microorganisms more completely. Once isopropyl alcohol enters the cell, it coagulates the proteins and causes the microorganism to die. Higher alcohol percentages may kill bacteria, but require a longer time period for disinfection. That’s why many experts advocate for 70% isopropyl alcohol for proper disinfecting. 

White Vinegar

Is vinegar a disinfecting agent? Although many people use vinegar as an all-natural cleaner, it is more so a cleaner than a disinfectant. As a cleaner, white vinegar contains 5% acetic acid, which works to dissolve grime, dirt, and debris. As a disinfectant, it may only kill or reduce certain types of bacteria, including salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes, and E. Coli. Should you want to eliminate odors and remove dirt, however, white vinegar is an excellent agent for the job. It’s best to read up about which surfaces to clean and which to avoid with white vinegar, as it may do more harm than good. You don’t want to clean the wrong surface and have to replace it!

Essential Oils

Not only do essential oils make a DIY cleaning spray smell amazing, but they also exhibit antibacterial and disinfecting properties. Which essential oils do you choose, though? Well, that will depend on how you want your spray to smell. Great antibacterial essential oils include tea tree, lavender, cinnamon, rosemary, peppermint, and clove. Lavender and lemon essential oil make an excellent pair, but so do peppermint and orange essential oil. 

Homemade Antibacterial Spray

Ingredients:

• 1.5 cups 70% isopropyl alcohol
• 1/4 cup white vinegar
• 15 drops peppermint essential oil
• 15 drops orange essential oil

Instructions:

• Pour all of the ingredients into a glass spray bottle, screw on the top, and shake to combine. It’s important to use glass because both vinegar and alcohol can eat away at plastic, and you don’t want any spills. 
• Spray when ready to use, but make sure that the ingredients are appropriate for the surfaces you clean. 

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With spring just around the corner, the time has come to start the de-cluttering process. The days are longer and the flowers are blooming. Not to mention, that closet or garage may be overflowing! Many people cannot wait to go through their personal inventory and get rid of unnecessary things, while others consider it to be a daunting task. As intimidating as it may be, there are many health benefits that stem from spring cleaning. This article highlights exactly what they are. 

Cleaning the space in which you work or live can provide a host of health benefits. The stress of clutter, or lack of general organization, is enough to drive a person mad. From not finding the things you need to feeling guilty for not using the things you have, a cluttered space contributes to a cluttered life. According to several psychology studies, there is a direct connection between an untidy home and negative psychological impact. When you organize and get rid of the clutter, you can benefit your mental health, but also your physical health. Continue reading to learn how spring cleaning your home can improve your overall health.

Boost Happiness

Although the act of cleaning may not make you happy in the moment, having a clean and tidy home can increase happiness. The satisfaction that comes from cleaning may improve mood and promote better self-image. Several surveys identified that clutter creates more frustration, as it is a visible signal that things are not in the place you want them to be. Clutter can negatively impact self-esteem, increasing cortisol (stress hormone) as a result.

Prevent Illness

There are many high-touch surfaces in the home. From doorknobs and cabinet handles to countertops and refrigerator shelves, many surfaces can harbor germs. Minimize the spread of bacteria and viruses by giving the home a deep clean. Many people took it upon themselves to put more effort into cleaning as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Don’t let this motivation to clean slip away as the world reopens. Keep the immune system strong by regularly cleaning the home, especially the sink, toilet, fridge, and counters. Additionally, wash your produce before you consume it to help prevent food-borne illness. If you need chemical-free cleaning products, click here. 

Encourage Healthy Diet And Physical Activity

There are many studies that link a clean home with being more active and choosing healthier food options. This is because the state of your home can set you up to make healthier decisions. Additionally, spring cleaning may help motivate you to reset your healthy lifestyle. If your New Year’s resolution was to eat better and exercise more often and you feel off the wagon, spring cleaning can re-inspire that drive. Clear out the physical realm to clear up your relationship with food, people, and even technology and substances. 

Reduce Risk Of Injury

Did you know that more than one in four adults over the age of 65 fall each year? That accounts for three million emergency room visits, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Take steps to prevent falling in the home by decluttering your space. A clean home can help prevent injuries like slips, bumps, falls, and trips. When you have a clear path, especially if you are an elderly adult, the risk of injury is much lower than someone who has to walk over obstacles just to get to the kitchen. 

Improve Focus

When you keep your space tidy, you can positively influence your mental health. Psychologists say that people have an easier time thinking clearly and they sleep better in a cleaner space. A clean home also makes it easier to find things, which can help reduce stress in the heat of the moment. Several studies found that a clutter-free home can improve a person’s ability to focus. A home that’s in disarray makes it more difficult to organize your thoughts. Clear your clutter this spring and you’ll find that your mental space increases, along with your focus and attention span. 

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If you’re a messy person, the longer days and blooming flowers don’t indicate that it’s time to spring clean the house. At the same time, you know, deep down, that cleaning needs to happen. It doesn’t have to be a painful experience that involves days upon days of scrubbing, sweeping, and getting rid of things. We’re not saying that cleaning is the most enjoyable experience, but you don’t have to dread it either. There are ways to make the cleaning work for you.

Many people give advice about spring cleaning, but the general gist is, “Just do it.” Listening to your favorite songs doesn’t make the process easier, but it does make you want to sing and dance, putting you in a better mood. A naturally messy person won’t necessarily be inspired to clean from a song, though. That’s why you need advice from messy people who have risen from the ashes of their own mess and transformed their livings spaces. We gathered those tips and you can continue reading to see what they are. They’ll definitely make spring cleaning your home less painful and a whole lot easier.

Declutter The House

No matter if you live in a studio apartment or four-bedroom house, it’s possible to accumulate clutter. Before you even get out the cleaning spray and the broom, you should get rid of excess clutter. When you have too many miscellaneous junk items and you’re trying to clean and organize, you burn out and get exhausted. The clutter makes it more difficult to organize and to clean. It’s hard to get rid of things, but you’ll feel lighter and happier when you do. Clearing out a space to make room for the necessary things will make spring cleaning a breeze. 

Clean Room By Room

The house is an intimidating beast to tackle when it comes to cleaning. It can be overwhelming and cause a person, who may not be inclined to clean, to give up altogether. The best way to clean a house is to clean room by room. You don’t have to clean all the rooms in one day; rather, focus on a room and complete it before you move to any other part of the home. Cleaning a house takes time, and there’s no reason that you have to rush through it in one go. Take your time and do it steadily. 

Get Everything Off The Floor

A common theme between messy people is that the floor serves as the ultimate miscellaneous drawer. Dirty clothes, wrappers, dust, hats, books, headphones, pens, and all sorts of things find their way to the ground. When you see all of that on the floor, it’s easy to feel intimidated. Before you attempt to clean, get everything off the floor and place the items where they should go. Once everything is in its right place, cleaning will feel more approachable and you’ll have to exert a lot less effort. The important thing is to not put everything on the bed and then put it back on the floor once you’re done cleaning.

Entertain Yourself While You Clean

A lot of people advise putting your favorite show on while cleaning. You’ve watched, rewatched, and then rewatched all the seasons again. More often than not, you end up doing more watching than cleaning. That said, it can be beneficial to listen to podcasts, audiobooks, or music while you clean. They don’t involve visual cues, so your attention can remain on the cleaning tasks at hand. 

Top To Bottom And Left To Right

This tip can be used in conjunction with the room by room tip. Once you select your room and enter it, turn to your left, look up, and start cleaning. Work your way around the room, scanning from top to bottom as you move left to right. Once you finish the perimeter of the room, direct your attention to the floors and the center of the room. The most messy areas tend to be on the perimeter, so this is where you’ll most likely direct the majority of your time and energy. 

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The post 5 Spring Cleaning Tips For Messy People appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.