Spring has arrived! Flowers, sunshine, and… spring-cleaning! Your cleaning ritual may consist of swapping sweaters for dresses, vacuuming, or maybe even dusting your shelves. While these are all important, you’re probably overlooking a few things that are in desperate need of a good cleaning.
Makeup
Your makeup bag is probably crying out for a little freshening. It is really important to clean out your makeup bag routinely to avoid the spread of germs and bacteria, which could cause something as simple as acne or as serious as pink eye. Experts recommend that you replace your mascara every three to six months. Trust me, I know how expensive makeup has gotten lately, and I’m as guilty as anyone for scraping every last ounce of mascara out of the tube before purchasing a new one. However, it’s best to toss the mascara and avoid any sort of eye problems down the road. When was the last time you bought a new tube of mascara? You may also want to consider cleaning your makeup brushes. Dirt, oil, and bacteria can all build up on these brushes. With every application of powder or blush, you’re also putting dirt back on your skin, which will increase your chance of acne or make your existing acne worse. Try cleaning your brushes in warm water with antibacterial soap once a week.
Toothbrush
It is so easy to overlook this little guy. Maybe you’re the type of person that changes your toothbrush every six months when you get a new one from the dentist. You may only change it once a year when you get a new toothbrush in your stocking at Christmas… Either way, you need to change your toothbrush at least every three months. Old brushes are not as effective at removing plaque and can even increase your risk for gum disease. Also, you should change your toothbrush after being sick. The principle is the same as makeup. When you are sick, germs in your mouth transfer to your toothbrush. Every time you brush you are putting germs back in your mouth. Change your toothbrush as soon as you overcome your cold so that you prevent the chance of getting sick again.
Scarves
Your clothes attracts dirt and sweat so you wash them, but what about your scarves? Scarves can be soiled just like your clothing so you may want to throw those in the washer or take them to the cleaner’s with your other apparel. Before you pack them away, give them a good cleaning so they are nice and fresh when you pull them out in the fall.
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Coffee pot
I don’t think my coffee pot has been washed since… Well, I don’t think my coffee pot has ever been washed! Gross, right? If you’re like me, you make coffee pot in the morning, drink all the coffee, and make a fresh pot the next morning, but it may not be so fresh. Cleaning your coffee maker once a month will prevent hard water build up and impurities. Coffee build up can even cause the brewer to stop working effectively. Plus, cleaning your coffee pot will just make your coffee taste fresher! Try combining one part vinegar and two parts water to create a cleaning solution. Pour the mixture into your coffee pot’s water reservoir. Turn on your coffee pot and let it run one cycle. When it’s finished, dump the solution and perform the same activity with fresh water to ensure all the cleaning solution is washed out.
Remote control
It’s no surprise that your remote control is full of germs and bacteria, but you may never remember to clean it. Wipe your remote with an antibacterial wipe to remove some these germs. While you’re at it, wipe down your cell phone, computer mouse, microwave handle, and other appliances that you touch on a daily basis.
Spring is the perfect time to freshen up, but spring-cleaning is not limited to your closet. Don’t overlook all the little things that could be filthy and dying for a little cleaning action!