5 Spring Cleaning Tips for Better Health

Spring cleaning your entire home can be daunting, from clearing out junk drawers to sifting through old toys. This season, learn how to tidy up your home and your health.

Filter Out the Dirt

Regularly changing your air filter ensures smooth HVAC operations and maintains premium air quality throughout your home. Follow the manufacturer's guidelines for the most effective replacement schedule. Standard filter models should be replaced:

• Every 30 days for fiberglass air filters
• Every 90 days for pleated air filters
  
  

A clean HVAC air filter traps and removes dust, pollen and other harmful particles in the air, improving indoor air quality, especially for those with allergies, asthma and other respiratory issues.

Eliminate Expired Products

Review the contents of your medicine cabinet every six months to remove items that are expired or no longer used. Most products sitting on our shelves come with expiration dates, such as:

• Skincare products
• Vitamins and supplements
• Over-the-counter medication
• Prescription medication

Safety tip: Prescription medications are typically assigned a one-year expiration date, after which they may lose effectiveness and pose safety risks.

Do Away With Daily Showers

Experts recommend only showering a few times a week unless you’re particularly dirty or sweaty. Showering every day could result in:

 Dry or irritated skin

• Skin infections or allergic reactions
• Weekend immune system

If you’re active or must shower daily, try using gentle cleansers, only applying soap to necessary areas, patting skin dry and applying a moisturizer on damp skin. 

Cast Aside Old Cosmetics

If you’re unsure about when to discard your makeup, there are various factors that determine your product’s shelf life: 

• Packaging: Airtight packaging with a pump last longer than stick or tub products.
• SPF: Products containing SPF will last for six months after opening.
• Water content: Dry products, like powders, have a longer shelf life than liquids or creams.
• Storage: Products stored in cool, dry areas will last longer because heat and humidity promote mold and yeast growth.
• When opened: Unopened products can last years, while opened products exposed to the air have a shorter shelf life.
  
  

Always assess the current state of your products before using them to avoid infections and acne. However, most makeup products have a standard shelf life once opened:

• Liquid or cream products, like foundation, eyeliner, mascara and lip products: Six months
• Powder products, like blush, setting powder and eyeshadow: Up to two years
  
  

Toss Out Your Toothbrush

How often should you replace your toothbrush? The answer varies based on your personal habits, health conditions and individual preferences: 

• Experts suggest replacing your toothbrush every three to four months
• Replace your toothbrush sooner if you’ve been ill
• Children may need to replace the toothbrush more often, as they tend to brush harder than adults
  
  

Check the bristles for wear – frayed bristles are less effective at cleaning teeth thoroughly.

Next Steps & Resources:

Make an appointment with a doctor near you or call 800-822-8905.