05/12/2025 “Seasonal Cleaning Tips for a Safe Home and For Your Health” By Kaylee McGrath

Opening Statement:

Special seasonal cleaning of your entire home can be unnerving… but it definitely needs to be done. From clearing out refrigerators/freezers, junk drawers, closets, kitchen cabinets/food pantry, bathroom cabinets, to sifting through old clothing, books and toys. For the upcoming seasons, learn these helpful tips on how to tidy up your home and safeguard your health as well as your family.

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.

Remove and Throughout 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.

Caution on Long Daily Showers

Experts recommend only showering a few times a week or long daily showers unless you’re particularly dirty or sweaty.

Taking long and hot showers every day could result in:

·       Dry or irritated skin

·       Skin infections or allergic reactions

·       Weekend immune system

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

Throw away 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

Throw 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

Closing Statement:

I have been using all of these tips for a few years now, especially regarding replacing the bristle head on my electric toothbrush. I never use anything on or close to the expiration date or best used date. I only keep leftover food in my refrigerator for 2-days and if I haven’t used it, I toss it in the garbage. As far as daily showers, I do shower everyday…but two times a week I take a very short body shower and skip washing my hair. My dermatologist and hairdresser told me that it is good to give your hair a break for 2 or 3 days a week from washing it to prevent drying out your scalp, and the extreme heat from a hairdryer and other heat styling products that can damage your hair. As far as unused/expired medications, I drop them off at my local pharmacy drug drop off boxes. Never throw away prescription and non-prescription drugs in the garbage, down the kitchen sick, or flush them down the toilet because it is dangerous to the environment.    

Source of Information: Various Google Searches, Printed Publications, and Various Personal Experiences

Until Next Week, Stay Safe and Well!