How to Tidy Up Your Home in a Weekend: A 9-Step Guide - Country Living Magazine

With spring just around the corner, there's never been a better time to shake off the winter blues and declutter your space.

Keeping track of clutter can seem like a daunting task, especially in high-traffic rooms like kitchens and hallways, but eliminating smaller pieces can bring big results.

"Think of decluttering as a constant and sometimes even slow process, rather than a quick search of your home followed by the inevitable acquisition of new items," Catharina Björkman, Scandinavian lifestyle expert at Contura , tells Country Living .

"It's about making lasting change and scheduling regular meetings that happen infrequently and often in the right order. This reduces the risk of feeling overwhelmed and increases our chances of accomplishing the task at hand."

The good news is that you can declutter your home in just a weekend (or less).

To help you get started, we've put together a list of everything you need to do on Saturday and Sunday. If time permits, get a head start by completing some tasks on Friday evening.

Ordering Tips: What to do on Saturday

Step 1: Decide what you want to order

The first step is to make a list of what needs to be organized. Focus on small spaces like a drawer, closet , corner, or shelf rather than entire rooms.

"Make a list of all the areas you want to clean and renovate. Pay special attention to areas that may have been neglected during these winter months," said interior designers at Hiatt Hardware . "Planning ahead will help you identify key elements in your home that will make you feel fresher if you give them a little attention."

Decluttering tip : Take photos of the rooms you want to declutter. Your perspective changes when you look at the room through a screen. This will also keep you accountable and give you a satisfying before and after.

Annie Torrode

Pictured: Bathroom furniture and accessories from Next Home.

Step 2: Plan your day

Begin your decluttering process by developing a detailed, step-by-step plan, focusing on areas that have not yet been addressed.

Kate from Fantastic Removals suggests writing down specific times for each task, while Elaine Penhaul from Lemon and Lime Interiors suggests writing down the things you plan to do.

"With notebook in hand, slowly walk through your house and identify the strengths and problem areas you would like to improve in each room. Look for overcrowded shelves or cupboards."

You might want to start by clearing out a kitchen drawer before tackling your closet in the afternoon. Kate tells us: "Plan the weekend in detail, including specific times for each task, and make sure they are all completed on time. This will help you stay on track and ensure you have enough time to complete everything you want to accomplish. ".

Sorting tip : Sort in small chunks lasting anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours. And don't forget to plan important coffee breaks.

Photographer Basak Gurbuz Derman // Getty Images

Step 3: Sort the items into three piles

Once you've decided where to start, sort the items into three groups: keep , donate/sell , and throw away (like expired products). You can also find items that can be reused to create something new, but save the DIY project for another weekend.

Decluttering tip: "Start with a space that will give you a quick win, like a small closet or drawer. This will help build momentum and keep you motivated to keep cleaning up," says Kate.

Marco Antonio Fox

Step 4: Choose what you want to stream

It can be difficult to let go of it, even if you no longer need or use it. However, many people hold on to items that have become too useful, especially sentimental possessions. You don't have to part with everything: create a "souvenir" box with your favorite things and donate other items.

Vlatka Lake, space station storage expert, suggests: "Do you have a lot of clothes in your closet that you never wear, or are you struggling to find space on your shelves due to the amount of candles and decorations you have accumulated over the years to find?" ? ". ? When considering how to control your hoarding, you should first ask yourself what things you really need and what things are taking up unnecessary space. »

Tidy-up tip: Donate unwanted items to your local charity shop or refugee donation centers across the UK.

Oleksandr Kondriianenko // Getty Images

Step 5: Decide what you want to keep

Decluttering isn't just about throwing things away, it's also about finding ways to organize anything you want to keep. As you walk through each room, think of useful things and objects that bring you joy and bring back fond memories. "If you're having trouble deciding which items should stay or go, ask yourself whether they bring you joy or evoke a fond memory. If the answer is no, you should remove it," says Catharina.

"Once you've decided which items you want to store, all you need to do is find a place to put them on Saturday," Lisa Cooper, product manager and home expert at Thomas Sanderson , tells us.

"Bedside tables and kitchen counters can often be crowded, so it's important that everything has a home (or that everything has a home). Use a decorative container for accessories you want to access quickly, like keys and phone chargers, and put them away." Store all of your toiletries in a drawer after use so they don't clutter up your surfaces.

Clean-up tip: "Every family member can help at home, including with tidying up and keeping things tidy in the common room," adds Catharina.

Juan Luis

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Ordering Tips: What to do on Sunday

Step 6: Get rid of items quickly

Clearing out clutter is all well and good, but don't allow tidied items to pile up again. Once you've got everything organized, use Sunday to return items, drop them off at recycling centers, or advertise anything you sell online. Don't put this off, otherwise your things could end up in the tidy drawers.

Tidying Tip: "When it comes to organizing your home and keeping surfaces clean, decorative baskets are lifesavers and can store everything from toys to toiletries," says Elaine.

Step 7 – Use storage solutions

Smart storage doesn't mean everything has to be hidden. To maintain a clean look, use stackable drawers, beautiful baskets, and boxes throughout the home.

"Go through each room to decide what can be stored, including books, electronics, magazines, clothing, shoes, toiletries, linens, towels and toys. Increase storage space wherever you can and utilize every corner. You will probably find unused space in the sink, under stairs, under beds and in kitchen or bathroom cupboards," explains Catharina.

Cleaning tip: Built-in cupboards that can be installed precisely in niches, under eaves or under stairs to make optimal use of every square centimeter

Step 8: Create a system

Kate tells us: "When sorting, it's important to classify items and create an organization system for them. Use color-coded labels or boxes to help you remember the contents of each container. »

Tidying Tip: Create a new tidying routine by incorporating these tasks into your daily routine

Natalia Kostikova / EyeEm // Getty Images

Step 9: Celebrate your progress

And at the end, celebrate your progress with a well-deserved glass of champagne. "At the end of the weekend, take a moment to celebrate your progress and achievements. Enjoy your new space and appreciate the benefits of a clutter-free home," concludes Kate.

Tidying Tip: Tidy up a little every week to keep things organized. Even a simple bathroom cabinet, a chest for storing belongings or a toy box for children is a manageable task.

Related stories

Lisa Joyner

Deputy Daily Editor, Country Living and House Beautiful

Lisa Joyner is the deputy daily editor of House Beautiful UK and Country Living UK , where she continues to write about home and interior design, gardening , dog breeds , pets, health and wellbeing, country news, small space inspiration and the most popular properties on the market. . She has previously written for Condé Nast Traveler magazine, House & Garden and Marie Claire magazine. Lisa studied at the University of Creative Arts and graduated with a degree in fashion journalism.

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These Seemingly Innocuous Habits Can Be Harming Your Glass Oven - Allrecipes

Although I love my glass cooktop for the extra counter space, it can be quite frustrating to maintain. You might think that the smooth, flat top would be very easy to clean, but the glass surface is so delicate that you have to be very careful not to damage it, even during the cleaning process.

Unfortunately, some seemingly harmless habits can wreak havoc on a glass cooktop, although some damage can be repaired with a thorough cleaning . But as they say, prevention is the best medicine, and that goes for chefs too. These are all the cooking and cleaning habits you should avoid to keep your glass cooktop in top condition.

1. Use thick sponges or steel wool.

If you have burnt food or stubborn stains on your stove, you may be tempted to use the heavy-duty scrubbers to remove them. But even the scrubbing side of a sponge can be too harsh for the delicate surface of a glass cooktop. Abrasive cleaners or scouring tools (including steel wool) can cause minor scratches or even deep holes in the oven. Stick to the soft side of the cake or, better yet, buy some hotplates. These sponges are designed to minimize scratches on a glass cooktop. You can find them at Walmart, Publix or any other local grocery store.

If there is stuck-on residue that cannot be removed with a soft sponge, try using a plastic or silicone spatula to lift the food from the surface. For very serious dirt, you can use a razor blade scraper (try softening the food with white vinegar or glass cleaner first). Just be careful not to puncture the pot with the corner of the blade.

2. Use a cleaner while the stove is still hot.

Sometimes washing dishes while they're still a little warm can help remove grease and grime more easily, but the same principle does n't apply to glass cooktops. You should allow the stove to cool completely before using any type of cleaning product, chemical or otherwise, as the cleaner can burn the stove and cause permanent damage.

Cunaplus M. Faba/Getty Images

3. Clean your oven with a window cleaner.

It seems logical to use a glass cleaner (like Windex) on a glass oven, but it's best to avoid it. The ammonia in the cleaner is too strong for a glass cooktop and can leave permanent stains and streaks. Not to mention, if you turn on a burner while the cleaner is still on the surface, it will release ammonia fumes into the air.

It's best to use a glass cooktop cleaner (GE Appliances recommends one of my favorite cleaners: Cerama Bryte Ceramic Cooktop Cleaner) or pantry staples like white vinegar and baking soda .

4. Place hot lids upside down on a cold stove.

It gave me a headache at first, but there have been cases where glass cooktops have broken, leaving hot pot lids on the surface. How does this happen? Apparently the heat gets trapped under the lid, creating a vacuum and the pressure causing the pot to burst. I have to say that I have put many hot lids on my stovetop without any problems, but I won't do it again. It's better to be safe than sorry, so from now on I'll put my hot lids on a potholder or tea towel.

5. Drag heavy cookware (e.g. cast iron) over the stove surface

Yes, you can still use cast iron if you have a glass or ceramic stove. In fact, the folks at Lodge Cast Iron Test Kitchen often cook with cast iron on glass stoves. Your advice? Be careful not to drop it or drag it across the surface. Instead, carefully lift it up and lower it back down, using the handle to move it from place to place. The same applies to other types of heavy cookware, such as ceramic ones.

6. Do not clean your ceramic hob after each use

Leaving the mess for another day will only make things worse later. If something overflows or splashes, clean it as quickly as possible with a damp cloth (remember not to use the cleaning solution while it is still hot, but a damp cloth is sufficient). After each use, allow the stove to cool completely, spray the stove surface with vinegar or your favorite stove glass cleaner, wipe with a damp microfiber cloth , and dry with a dry microfiber cloth.

Cunaplus_M.Faba/ iStock/ Getty Images Plus

7. Place dirty pots and utensils on the stove when cooking.

If you're like me, you tend to put dirty utensils on the glass cooktop... and that just adds to the mess you'll have to clean up later. Instead, place the utensils on a spoon rest or paper towel. The most important thing is to make sure that the bottom of the cookware you put on the stove is completely clean. A greasy pan + a hot stove = a mess that will be difficult to clean up later.

8. Putting too much weight on the stove

According to GE Appliances, the weight limit for a glass cooktop is typically around 50 pounds. In most cases this won't be a problem, but it does mean that you should never stand over the stove to reach a tall cupboard, and heavy pots can also exceed the weight limit of a glass stove.

Related:

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Top 3 Tips from a Celebrity Makeup Artist for a Stylish Look – MindBodyGreen

In this episode of Clean Beauty School, I chat with popular columnist and celebrity makeup artist Fiona Stiles . Stiles' long list of clients includes the always great Gabrielle Union and Lily Collins. She's also the founder of shopping destination Reed Clarke , where Stiles himself tests and curates all the beauty finds.

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Help! I tried to do a good deed by taking out my elderly neighbor's trash. I can't believe it...

Dear Prudence is Slate's advice column. Delia Cai replaces Prudie with Jenée Desmond-Harris   during paternity leave. Submit your questions here .

Dear Prudence,

I live on the top floor of a five-story building without an elevator. I have a small dog that I have to walk twice a day. I work from home so I do some exercise. I usually take out the trash for my elderly neighbors since I'm on my way there anyway. The only thing I ask is that they double pack the bag and not make each bag too heavy.

Well, my neighbor directly below me had her pregnant granddaughter move out. It wasn't great. He left me more than one unpleasant message about my "trampling." It looks like my living room is above his bedroom. I've already put the carpets down and there's nothing else I can do. Anyway, the baby was born and the trash started piling up. I received even worse news about the trash when I was sick and unable to move for several days. I felt sorry for my neighbor and the next time I went out I took a big load with me. None of them were double bagged and broke, so the trash and dirty diapers ended up two stories high. I went into the apartment and asked my granddaughter to help me clean. She told me she couldn't leave the baby and that I was a slut for asking her to. I could see my neighbor at the door and she didn't say a word. I had to ask my other neighbors and the caretaker to help me clean up the mess.

I haven't taken out this neighbor's trash since. At all. Since then, the granddaughter has moved away and my neighbor has left me several "kind" messages and even a plate of cookies (I returned them). I can't be a good neighbor again after being treated like trash and not saying a word. Several of my other neighbors brought it up and said she was just an old lady and I will be one someday so I should have more compassion. I'll soon stop picking up all the trash except my own. I've always tried to maintain a "live and let live" philosophy, but cleaning up someone's shit in another country is way over the top. Thoughts?

– Take out the trash

Dear Fang,

Frankly, I think it's unfair of you to blame your neighbor for the actions and rudeness of her granddaughter (who clearly wasn't at her most altruistic and considerate state during her pregnancy). I think you should chalk this whole ordeal up to an unfortunate case where you had to step in for the greater good for a while; I guess everyone involved was overwhelmed. But now it's over and you can reconsider how you want to structure your relationship with this neighbor.

It can be helpful to tell her directly how unappreciated and taken advantage of you felt during this time, for which she may or may not apologize. In any case, you need to consider what role you would like to play with your elderly neighbors if there is usually no "reward" in the form of appreciation or consideration that you would like. Is it worth helping, even if it's painful? This isn't a trick question: I think you should really ask yourself whether you're capable of helping with garbage disposal if it's just annoying you.

Ultimately, I think we need to accept the fact that helping others is generally an unpleasant proposition and that it can feel like a pretty one-sided "agreement." Is it worth it to simply feel more connected to your neighbors or have a relationship with them that you have to trust at some point? In my experience, living alone is great until it isn't, and I imagine that in the event of a real emergency, it would selfishly be very helpful to have a good relationship with your neighbors, elderly or not .

Dear Prudence,

I'm lucky enough to rent a house on a very quiet cul-de-sac. My 12-year-old daughter is the oldest in the neighborhood and started babysitting for our neighbors after completing her training with the Red Cross. I often babysit until midnight or later on Fridays or Saturdays. The parents always keep me updated about their schedule. My daughter is never more than five houses from home and feels very comfortable crossing the street and entering the house. Everyone has cameras. I stayed awake the first few times she babysat late into the night, but it was never someone we didn't know. Now I usually sleep when she comes home.

My favorite summers were the ones where my grandmother kicked us out of the house and told us to go explore. Of course it was in the country and not the suburbs, but I would rather instill courage and independence in my daughter than anything else. The problem is that when I talk about it with other moms and peers, people look at me like I'm abandoning my daughter on Skid Row. Apparently I'm "careless" and "terrible" for being comfortable sleeping when my daughter isn't home. I pointed out that when my brothers and I were much younger, we often went camping farther from home and that my grandparents and parents didn't care. And that was before cell phones and surveillance cameras became widespread.

They say it's not the same and that my daughter is "too young" or that she doesn't get the "right" rate. These jobs are constant and she likes the money, while our neighbors don't want to spend a lot of money on a date. She was so proud when she bought her own gaming system this Christmas and Santa brought her the games she wanted. Now he is saving to buy an electric scooter. What do I say to these people? Several friends complained that their daughters now wanted to babysit but were not allowed to.

– The sadness of childcare

Dear Blues,

I have the impression that you have an excellent relationship of trust with your daughter and that your babysitting activities are within appropriate safety limits. Tell the helicopter parents that what works for you and your daughter won't work for everyone, but the parent suggestion box is closed.

Get advice: Ask a question!

Keep questions short (150 words) and do not submit the same question in multiple columns. We cannot edit or delete questions after publication. Use pseudonyms to maintain anonymity. Your post may be used in other Slate advice columns and edited for publication.

Dear Prudence, *

Signing your letter

your pronouns

Your email address (optional and confidential; indicate whether you are willing to receive further information from Dear Prudence)

Dear Prudence,

A while ago I took on a second job. There I met Jessica, 15 years younger than me; She was bubbly and charismatic and definitely one of those cool girls you want to be friends with. She went out of her way to include me and we became friends. Report the pandemic. We finished work and all left work. Jessica started her own business and wanted goods. I love helping people, especially with my art. But I always forget that mixing work and friendships ruins everything. Anyway, I designed their logo, bought a box of hoodies and painted them, knowing I might never get paid, and I didn't.

Waiting for:

1) I've been making masks during the pandemic, got a little overwhelmed (sold over 10,000 copies) and had to figure out how to vertically integrate my family, neighbors and friends into a "factory" to make them. We did everything but it ruined my mental health.

2) I started IVF a year after COVID started and it drove me crazy. When it worked and I was pregnant, I wasn't the type of person to have fun. When the baby was born, it could barely function. Jessica hated babies and never wanted to be a mother, so I stayed away. I kept waiting and hoping to feel "normal"…my baby is almost 2 years old.

3) I am a pandemic homosexual. Spending a lot of time on podcasts and not having to declare my gender made me realize that I was non-binary. When I worked with Jessica, she never used the correct pronouns for a non-binary colleague, even though my colleague didn't seem to mind. Jessica's apology: All of her non-binary friends agreed not to use "they" pronouns. So I don't really want to share that part of my life with her.

At first Jessica contacted me to check on me, but eventually she gave up. Well, it's been about 5 years now (I shudder). Every time I go into my closet I see his box of personalized sweatshirts and it makes me shudder. I don't care if they pay me, I'm just not sure if she still has the business. Should I continue since there are enough compatibility issues? I don't know if I should trust my instincts because I become a hermit, I don't know how to maintain friendships in general and that's why I don't have many friends. But I can't donate their products because I know one day I might see someone using them and hate me (and I can't destroy them). I feel like I've already ruined everything. What do i have to do?

— Sweating in sweatshirts

Dear Sweat,

I think you need to talk to Jessica. Much of your letter gives the impression that you have come to certain conclusions about him without giving him a chance to respond, explain, or change anything.
For example, you're not sure whether the news of your baby will scare or upset her, or whether she won't bother using the correct pronouns if you make it clear to her how important it is. To you.

As far as Jessica knows, you have distanced yourself from her professionally and socially. You can't blame someone for not reading your mind or magically knowing what's going on in your personal life if you haven't talked about it, and you certainly can't use another person's judgment as a reason to avoid them . Admit to Jessica that your life has become very complicated recently and you didn't know how to approach this problem with her. None of us have navigated our pandemic and post-pandemic decisions as easily as we would have liked, and any sensible person will understand your plight. Give him the hoodies (I'd forego the payment for now) and apologize for failing as a friend, then give him a chance to respond.

Do you want more Prudie? Slate Plus members receive an additional column each week. Subscribe to Slate Plus now .

Dear Prudence,

My online boyfriend and I have been friends for years and I really enjoy their friendship and our late night chats. We've talked about meeting in person one day, but that's more of a vague future possibility than a concrete plan. Sometimes she wants to meet me and invites me to visit her, but then balks because she is not ready to meet in person. This inconsistency was tiring, but I understand your doubts. After all, we are strangers on the internet.

Well, my girlfriend just told me that she is planning to move abroad in the next few years. I'm trying to be happy and excited (I understand why she wants to leave the United States), but for me this means the end of our friendship. She means a lot to me and moving abroad will put an end to our late night conversations (due to the time difference) and certainly an end to the ability to meet in person. I asked him if we could meet sometime before he moved in and he said no.

My feelings are hurt. I hope to find myself and have waited so long only to see it wither and die right before my eyes. How could I talk to her about this without her feeling like I was involved in her exciting plans? Or should I just say nothing because this decision is about them and not me?

– Left behind

Dear retarded person,

It seems like your friendship with this person has been out of balance for some time. You have repeatedly expressed your expectations of friendship (meeting in person), and she has repeatedly rejected you in this regard. Now he has told her his plans for the future, which apparently do not take their friendship into account. It's no wonder you feel hurt: having late-night conversations with someone for several years indicates, to me, a high level of intimacy and closeness. Just because it's an online friendship doesn't mean someone is exempt from the basic standards of consideration you'd want from any other type of long-term relationship.

I think you can express your disappointment in a way that honors the fact that you clearly have incompatible expectations. Is this friendship more about convenience for her: Does she only want to talk to someone at night? Or are you committed to making something work (even if it's just online) if you take the plunge? Are you willing to settle for online-only interaction for now, at the risk of it becoming less frequent in the future? Once you've sorted out these differences, you'll need to figure out whether you can both agree on the shape of your current friendship and this potential move.

First of all, is it absolutely true that this friendship ends when it's several time zones away, or is that just an assumption you made? You should have a direct conversation about what you think will happen if she moves out and what you both would like to see continue the friendship in a new format. You may find that you cannot agree on this point: for example, if you cannot imagine being happy without meeting in person, then you may decide that it is time to leave this friend. Friendship is about figuring out what you both need and what you can give to each other. If a breakup occurs and you can't come to an agreement together, you'll have to decide whether you want to give up on the friendship entirely (at least for now) or be the person who is "slightly less" content with it.

Send us your questions about the workplace!

In an upcoming advice column, we would like to help you master your social dynamics in the workplace. Does your colleague constantly harass you after work? Has an ill-advised business romance gone wrong? Ask us your question here !

Dear Prudence,

I'm gay and currently live in a one-bedroom apartment with my half-brother. (We compromise on who sleeps where; that will be relevant in a moment.) Our new neighbor "Bee" is charming, pretty, and lives in a very small southern town. He loves to cook and around 7pm he knocked on our door with fresh bread and introduced himself. The bee comes every two weeks with treats. I don't think she's alone, she just likes to cook and is good at it.

My brother's girlfriend, "Em," holds a grudge and is as paranoid as a junkyard dog. Em saw Bee delivering sourdough and became angry. He started staying at my house a lot and taking my brother with him when Bee came over.

Well, Em tried to "confront" Bee and Bee was very confused. Apparently she thought my brother and I were a couple and she blushed when I laughed and told her the truth. He then asked Em if he wanted to look at the clothes he was giving away because it was better to give them to his friends. Em was offended by the offer because Bee is taller and taller than her. And they're not friends? I laughed some more and told Bee I would take him up on his offer. I have several cute sweatshirts on the market.

Em is still upset, my brother wants me to stop dating Bee, but despite his funny mistake, I like him. She's very sweet and kind and it would be a funny story if Em wasn't such a bitter cat. She doesn't pay rent but believes she has the right to ask me to move into my own apartment. So what should I do? I wish Bee was a real friend.

– Break bread

Dear Breaking,

It seems like your current life situation is forcing several of your relationships to become confused. Technically, your individual relationships with Bee, Em, and your brother should be separate, but they've gotten into a big mess because they're so close to each other. If this is simply the reality of your current life situation, you need metaphorical space.

For example, it is not your responsibility to negotiate any kind of understanding or peace agreement between Em and Bee. It's your business. If one of them tells you something about the other, just shrug your shoulders and say it sounds like something they need to figure out. If you want, stay friends with Bee and talk to your brother about some boundaries you both need to set: how much time Em spends in the apartment and how unacceptable it is for her to tell you to "go away." . "If he refuses to set boundaries with Em, you need to seriously consider how sustainable this living situation is. In the short term, negotiate with your brother specific nights when you can swap the apartment for yourself (and perhaps communicate this time). Bee if you want him to come when your brother and his girlfriend are not present).

– Delia

Classic Prudie

I recently separated from my partner; We were together for a little over a year. I continued to notice toxic behaviors, namely lack of trust, trying to trap myself in lies that didn't exist, constantly knowing my location, and questioning where I was/who I was with. We were separated and made unsolicited and sometimes hurtful comments about my appearance. I mentioned these things every now and then, but the feeling that he didn't trust me was always there. I love this person and the decision to end things was difficult because we have a very strong bond. During our separation, which only lasted two days, we both realized that we didn't want to miss out on something like this. We reconciled and I promised to work on my dynamic (fear of injury, better communication, etc.). I discovered that he had been posting derogatory comments about me on Reddit over the course of two days.

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Regular flossing can help reduce the risk of stroke and atrial fibrillation - Healthline

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Flossing can be an easy way to reduce the risk of certain forms of cardiovascular disease, including stroke. FILM DZ/Getty Images

• Cardiovascular disease, including stroke, remains the leading cause of death among Americans.
• New research suggests that flossing and maintaining good oral health may help reduce the risk of atrial fibrillation and stroke related to blood clots.
• Flossing is a simple, inexpensive habit that's easy to incorporate into your daily routine.

Cardiovascular disease, including stroke, remains the leading cause of death in the United States, according to the latest data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services American Heart Association (AHA) .

Lifestyle interventions, including healthy dietary changes and regular physical activity, are among the most effective prevention methods for cardiovascular disease (CVD) .

A lesser-known tactic involves a secret weapon you may already have in your medicine cabinet: dental floss.

Flossing should be part of any regular oral care routine, but it could also have important benefits for heart and brain health.

New research shows that regular flossing was associated with a significantly lower risk of certain types of stroke and atrial fibrillation (AF) . The results are presented in the American Stroke Association International Stroke Conference 2025 this week.

"We know that gum disease and tooth decay are risk factors for stroke and heart attack . "It is already known that flossing reduces heart attack rates," said Dr. Souvik Sen, MPH, chair of the department of neurology at Prisma Health Richland Hospital and the University of South Carolina School of Medicine, told HealthLine. .

"Our research suggests that flossing can reduce the risk of stroke and that more frequent flossing results in greater reductions in stroke rates."

Flossing can reduce the risk of stroke and atrial fibrillation

Researchers analyzed data from more than 6,000 participants in the ongoing Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) cohort study, which began in 1987. The study uses a comprehensive questionnaire to assess various lifestyle factors and behaviors related to atherosclerosis (narrowing of the arteries). . .

Sen and his team were particularly interested in the association between flossing and cardiovascular disease outcomes, independent of other oral care factors such as tooth brushing and regular dental visits.

Approximately 65% ​​of the cohort (4,092) reported flossing. Over a 25-year follow-up period, 434 participants suffered a stroke, 97 of whom were diagnosed with a specific subtype called cardioembolic stroke , in which ablood clot travels from the heart to the brain .

Compared to those who did not report flossing, those who flossed had a 22% lower risk of ischemic stroke and a 44% lower risk of cardioembolic stroke.

Flossing was also associated with a 12% lower risk of atrial fibrillation, the most common form of cardiac arrhythmia. Atrial fibrillation is also the most common cause of cardioembolic strokes.

"Awareness of the role of inflammation in the development of atrial fibrillation is growing and it will be interesting to conduct further research into this connection and, if true, the possible mechanism," said Rod Passman, MD, professor of medicine and director of Das Arrhythmia Northwestern University Research Center, which was not involved in the research, told Healthline.

"Studies like this are limited by self-reporting and the potential for confusion: people who floss also engage in other activities that could be good for their heart and that may not be measured in the study," Passman warned.

Oral health, inflammation and heart disease.

The mechanism by which flossing may reduce the risk of stroke is still unclear, but researchers are studying the role of it inflammation as a risk factor for heart disease.

"Oral health behaviors are linked to inflammation and hardening of the arteries. "Flossing can reduce the risk of stroke by reducing oral infections and inflammation and promoting other healthy habits," the senator said.

Periodontitis is an inflammatory gum disease that can lead to chronic inflammation .

As with other forms of inflammation, there is evidence that periodontitis may be linked to cardiovascular disease. The link also suggests that good oral health habits such as brushing and flossing could be a potential lifestyle factor that reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Researchers explored further links between oral and intestinal health and stroke risk and presented their findings this week at the American Stroke Association's International Stroke Conference.

Lead researcher Shuichi Tonomura, MD, a physician in the department of neurology at the National Center for Cerebral and Cardiovascular Diseases in Osaka, Japan, noted an apparent link between the presence of Streptococcus anginosus bacteria and stroke.

Streptococcus anginosus normally lives in the oral and intestinal microbiota , but Tonomura and his team found that it was abundant in the gut of stroke survivors.

In fact, the amount of Streptococcus anginosus in saliva and gut was associated with a higher risk of stroke and worse outcomes, including death and other major cardiovascular events, after a stroke.

"I would like to suggest that studying gut microbiota patterns may be helpful in assessing stroke risk and prognosis," Tonomura told Healthline.

Tonomura and Sen's research illuminates the complex relationship between oral health and cardiovascular disease and points to new areas of prevention research.

Tonomura suggested that Streptococcus anginosus could one day serve as a biomarker to determine stroke risk and that combating harmful bacteria through appropriate oral health strategies could reduce stroke risk.

According to Sen, regular flossing can also be a relatively easy way to improve oral health and prevent cardiovascular disease.

"Flossing could be an additional, cost-effective health behavior that could be adapted to prevent a stroke ," the senator said.

Tips for reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease

Doctors attributed nearly a million deaths to cardiovascular disease in 2022, the most recent year included in the study AHA Annual Report 2025 to heart disease and stroke.

To put it more concretely: On average, a person in the USA dies from cardiovascular disease every 34 seconds.

"Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, a trend that has continued for more than a century," corresponding author Latha P. Palaniappan, MD, FAHA, professor of cardiovascular medicine at Stanford, told HealthLine Medicine .

Cardiovascular disease accounts for more deaths than all forms of cancer and accidental deaths (including drug overdoses and car accidents), the second and third leading causes of death in the United States combined.

By making significant, concrete changes to improve your overall health, you can reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease. For better heart health, Palaniappan suggested following the AHA's recommendations. 8 Life Essentials Checklist :

• eat better
• be more active
• stop smoking
• Sleep well
• Control weight
• Control cholesterol levels
• Control blood sugar
• Blood pressure management

Carry

Cardiovascular disease, including stroke, remains the leading cause of death among Americans. Modifiable risk factors, including diet and exercise, continue to play a critical role in risk reduction.

Researchers are focusing on the role of poor oral health as a potential risk factor for cardiovascular disease. On the contrary, good oral health habits like flossing can reduce the risk, new research shows.

Flossing can be an easy and inexpensive way to reduce the risk of certain forms of cardiovascular disease, such as atrial fibrillation and stroke.

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What’s next for dry cleaners in 2025? (Conclusion) | American dry cleaners

CHICAGO – The dry cleaning industry is under pressure to expand beyond its traditional boundaries, and many cleaning companies are seeing an urgent need to evolve their service offerings and business models to capture new markets, particularly among young consumers.

Part 1 of this series examined the impact of industry consolidation in recent years and labor issues that are expected to continue into the new year. In the second part we look at the impact that technological advances could have in 2025. Today we conclude by exploring the opportunities that cleaners could take advantage of in the near future.

What was versus what is and will be

"I don't think formal wear will ever come back," says Mary Scalco, executive director of the Drycleaning & Laundry Institute (DLI). "So we need to figure out how to clean what people are wearing today."

One of the most promising paths to success lies in the circular economy of fashion, says Christopher White, CEO of America's Best Cleaners (ABC). There are increasing opportunities for professional cleaners and garment care specialists to play a critical role in extending the life of clothing, eliminating waste and supporting a more sustainable fashion ecosystem.

"The retrade is expected to be worth $73 billion in the United States alone [in 2025]," he says. "Even if 5% of these people were actively involved in cleaning once a year, that would be huge for our industry. »

Scalco also sees this change in consumer behavior.

"For many young people, vintage and second-hand have become a way of life," he says. "They don't shop at Forever 21 anymore. Instead of fast fashion, where it was cheaper to replace than clean, they are now investing in quality pieces.

This trend toward high-quality specialty care goes beyond vintage clothing. White points to opportunities in these services, he said. "They deal in unique items like Louis Vuitton bags, Chanel bags or Balenciaga sneakers."

However, capitalizing on these opportunities requires a fundamental change in the way cleaners are presented to the market.

"If I could find a word other than 'dry cleaning' to describe our industry, I would use it," says Scalco, noting that cleaners who take a more general approach could more easily connect with potential clients. "I just want you to take care of my clothes or take care of this or that for me," he said. "I really don't care how you do it."

White emphasizes how important it is for cleaners to help their customers make this mental shift by redefining what dry cleaners can do to care for their items and make their lives easier.

"There's a whole generation of two who don't even know our industry exists," he says. "We now have the opportunity to paint a new picture of how we are a sustainable solution. »

What you need to enjoy it

Both Scalco and White emphasize that success in these new markets requires a different mindset.

"I don't know if I would call it 'skills,' but I think it's a mindset," Scalco says. "Cleaners need to figure out how to raise the bar, appeal to this younger clientele and do more marketing."

White puts it more bluntly: "If you, as an owner, sit on the scouting committee and feel comfortable there," he says, "other people there will actively pursue their clients, like I did." I've never had the ability before had to do it.

Both point out that cleaners cannot wait for traditional activities to return.

"There are some in the industry who are still waiting for suits and ties to come back," says Scalco. "They waited 20 years. If they don't come back, I don't think they will come back.

Instead, successful cleaners in 2025 must actively seek new opportunities while maintaining their core competencies.

"There are many ways for dry cleaners to participate in this space that work for them without a large investment," White says. "You just have to be there and send appropriate messages to catch these people."

While the coming year could hold some interesting twists and turns, Scalco says cleaners need to take action to grow their business and look forward to taking advantage of every opportunity that comes their way rather than passively reacting to events.

"Let us be interesting in our own creation," he says, "and not in that of others."

To view the first part of this series, click HERE . For Part 2, click HERE .

(Image licensed from Ingram Image)

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Cleaning service Two Maids shares tips for staying organized in 2025 – WSFA

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The director of Two...

5 Things Our Refrigeration Expert Would Never Do to Your Air Conditioner - CHOICE

5 things our refrigeration expert would never do to your air conditioner

Our expert explains why he's a big fan of the fan and how cleaning keeps it cool.

Margarita Rafferty@margraff

Last updated: January 29, 2025

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Confirmed facts

Accuracy is verified by our qualified auditors and subject matter experts. Learn more about fact checking at CHOICE .

While most Australians (almost 8 in 10 according to our latest Consumer Pulse survey) remain concerned about electricity costs and high temperatures continue in many parts of the country, there has never been a better time to make sure. Cool your home as efficiently as possible.

We asked CHOICE refrigeration expert Chris Barnes to reveal his top five air conditioning problems. If you are one of those who regularly use air conditioning, these tips will help you enjoy the cool air without worrying too much about the electricity bill.

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We test to find the best for you.

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