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Closets<\/h3>\n
By the time you have finished rummaging through those shoes you got for the David Bowie concert in the \u201980s, or the blouses that still have tags on them, one thing is clear: your old goods are worth recycling rather than throwing away.<\/p>\n
Reach for a trash bag when it comes to unwearable or stained clothing items, but box up those that can be donated or sold at a consignment shop. Your closet will be prepped for summer duds to come while your old ones are given to someone new.<\/p>\n
Robin Wilson\u2019s tip:<\/h4>\n
Start with the closets for one very important reason: Start with your closets so you\u2019re not dumping everything into a room you\u2019ve already cleaned. Closets are dust mite havens because of the clothing and junk that sits untouched for years and collects dust. Empty it, trash what you don\u2019t need, and put it back together neatly and organized. Then take on the rest of the room.<\/p>\n
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Photo: Matt Armendariz<\/p><\/div>\n
Bathrooms<\/h3>\n
Staying in touch with the eco-friendly theme mentioned above, try filling your bathroom with natural, sparkling citrus scents. Luxurious, heavy candles are best for colder seasons and holidays, so switch it up for spring and use an organic air freshener. Or open the bathroom doors and allow the scent of boiling citrus peels and sage to seep in from a bubbling pot in your kitchen. The powerful herbal blend will waft away any stubborn odors.<\/p>\n
Robin\u2019s Wilson\u2019s tip:<\/h4>\n
Bathing the bathroom: Get rid of vinyl shower curtains because they hold mold more easily and off-gas. Use a nylon curtain instead. Give the entire room a good scrub down using eco-friendly and non-toxic cleaners.<\/p>\n
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Photo: Matt Armendariz<\/p><\/div>\n
Floors<\/h3>\n
If your carpet is here to stay for the season, and you have some fluffy friends or little feet are pattering across your floors, be sure to thoroughly de-dander and deodorize them. Before using a HEPA-filtered vacuum, sprinkle some baking soda on the floor and allow it to set for about 10 or 15 minutes. You\u2019ll be left with a carpet free of any old scents or remnants from Fido\u2019s last haircut.<\/p>\n
Robin Wilson\u2019s tip:<\/h4>\n
For fresh floors: Get rid of wall-to-wall carpeting. Tile and hardwood floors are preferable, but don\u2019t forget to vacuum on a regular basis. Ensure that your vacuum has a HEPA filter to better manage dust particles in your home, especially since dust can be a leading trigger for allergic or asthma reactions.<\/p>\n
One Room at a Time<\/h3>\n
Take a good look at what you really need in your home. Spring is all about new life and color, and it may be time to represent that in your kitchen or home office.<\/p>\n
Many people often change wardrobes and sort through clothing while dressing. However, you might not take the time to step back and recognize that your antique end table is falling apart. Evaluate and donate before replacing your possessions with items that are more convenient to use or add unique qualities to your home.<\/p>\n
Robin Wilson\u2019s tip:<\/h4>\n
Empty each room: For the ultimate in spring cleaning, remove everything from each room as if you were moving, and mop or steam clean the floors. You\u2019ll be shocked at all the nastiness living underneath and behind furniture and appliances.<\/p>\n
![\"LIVING_ROOM_750\"](\"https:\/\/healthyaging.net\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/LIVING_ROOM_750.jpg\")
Photo: Matt Armendariz<\/p><\/div>\n
Living Room Brightening<\/h3>\n
For homes with light walls, such as white or beige, it\u2019s easy to see where scuffs and marks are, especially when windows will be open and shining natural light on them. Try a simple vinegar trick by rubbing wood stains or smoke residue from a fireplace with apple cider vinegar in a circular motion.<\/p>\n
Robin Wilson\u2019s tip:<\/h4>\n
Lighten up the living room: Consider using slipcovers on upholstered sofas, which can be washed regularly and have come a long way from slipcovers of 10 years ago. Eliminate dust-catching drapes and horizontal blinds. Try washable rolling blinds or shutters instead.<\/p>\n
Newspapers are Useful Cleaning Tools<\/h3>\n
To really allow light in, use another vinegar trick along with newspapers. Lemon and vinegar are perfect, powerful additions to water, which you can easily shake up and spray to remove buildup before using the paper towel substitutes to do the dirty work.<\/p>\n
Robin Wilson\u2019s tip:<\/h4>\n
Neaten up with the news: Use newspaper to clean windows. Newsprint is a cousin to paper towels, but its high absorbency makes it more effective and will leave windows sparkling. Newspaper is also recyclable. But be careful: the one downside is wet ink can stain wood moldings so use extra caution. Use microfiber cloths instead of paper towels on floors, tile, and countertops. They do a great job sanitizing and can be reused.<\/p>\n
![\"Undermount-sink.750x629\"](\"https:\/\/healthyaging.net\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/Undermount-sink.750x629.jpg\")
Photo: Matt Armendariz<\/p><\/div>\n
Getting Rid of Mold<\/h3>\n
Another pesky part of spring cleaning, mold poses a health threat depending on the type and how long it\u2019s been growing. Gross and dangerous. To safely clean mold before it comes to that point, use hydrogen peroxide and baking soda to scrub it away without the need for bleach or harsh chemicals. Your appliances will be at their cleanest minus the migraine-inducing cleaners.<\/p>\n
Robin Wilson\u2019s tip:<\/h4>\n
Mind the mold: Hot spots to look for mold build-up are dishwashers, the water pan under the fridge, and sink and bath drains. Change water dispenser and ice-maker filters while you\u2019re at it.<\/p>\n
Teddy Bear Tips<\/h3>\n
Holding onto the past is not part of the spring agenda. Live and let die, or in this case, donate. Spread the joy that old stuffed animals provided your family\u2019s young ones by giving them away to charities or local families in need. Toys for Tots is a great alternative, and your house will be free of extra items, ready for new ones or simply more open to enjoy.<\/p>\n
Robin Wilson\u2019s tip:<\/h4>\n
Take care of Ted E. Bear: Wash or freeze stuffed animals to kill dust mites. Keep all toys, games, and stuffed animals in sealed bins when not being used.<\/p>\n
Pet-Friendly Home<\/h3>\n
For indoor pets who are part of the family, filing down claws can be an asset for your home. Avoid their marks by asking your groomer to include nail trimming in their regular cleaning regimens. Not only will your floor be clear and your carpet free of tugs or pulls, but your family will appreciate not having to dodge playful pawing.<\/p>\n
Robin Wilson\u2019s tip:<\/h4>\n
Keep Fluffy dander-free: Groom your dogs or cats as part of your spring cleaning ritual and keep them away from bedrooms and any rooms that contain carpets. If it\u2019s an option, keep pets outdoors to avoid excess dander in your home.<\/p>\n
Dust-Free Tips<\/h3>\n
Spring is an allergy haven. Noses clog up and snoring levels may have you ready to try out the guest room. Along with a clean bed set, try out a humidifier and nose strips, which you can buy at convenience stores. By keeping your body moisturized inside and out and opening your airways during the ups and downs of spring weather, you\u2019ll be sure to breathe in all of the clean air you just aided in purifying.<\/p>\n
Robin Wilson\u2019s tip:<\/h4>\n
Breathe easy in bed: Switch to hypoallergenic pillows and comforters. Make sure to wash pillowcases, pillow protectors, and mattress protectors on a regular basis to protect against dust mites.<\/p>\n
Choosing Allergen-Free Paints<\/h3>\n
VOCs, or volatile organic compounds, are released as normal paint dries. Once in the air and ingested, they may cause dizziness and lightheadedness along with headaches or migraines. Pass on paints whose labels do not specify they are VOC-free, as the research on what their longterm effects are is still uncertain and definitely not worth the risk.<\/p>\n
Robin Wilson\u2019s tip:<\/h4>\n
Pick Non-VOC paint: Spring is a great time to paint a room. Use non-VOC paints, which won\u2019t give off gas or leave an obnoxious odor and stir up asthma or allergies. It looks just the same on your wall.<\/p>\n
Cleaning your home is more than just a task involving scrubbing and folding. A home is where you and your loved ones grow and bond, and with summer coming up, a place to gather around a fire or grilled meal. Wilson\u2019s tips and tricks are lifestyle additions to boost happiness and healthiness in the most personal of places.<\/p>\n