Spring cleaning means it's time to clean out a big closet

My closet needs a thorough cleaning. Oh really. Last weekend, I was getting ready for a party with friends and realized my closet was in disastrous condition as I tripped over shoes, rifled through my floor-to-ceiling clothes, and rummaged through every corner full of hats, shoes, bags, and other accessories.

Spring cleaning is the perfect time to spend hours going through the drawers of your closet and dresser, weighing each item of clothing to see if it should be kept or donated. Not only will you give your wardrobe some much-needed wiggle room (for adding more items, of course), but it will also feel like a mental reset to get rid of things that no longer serve a purpose.

This story is part of 12 Days of Tips and will help you get the most out of your technology, your home, and your health this holiday season.

It can be difficult to get rid of clothes that have been in your closet for a long time, even if you haven't worn them in years. But in the usual chaos of life and full-time work, we need an overcrowded wardrobe that prevents us from quickly finding our favorite jacket or belt. The advantage is that it only takes an afternoon to go from a cluttered closet to an organized one. Here are some simple and effective tips to help you organize your closet.

For more cleaning tips , also consider organizing your refrigerator , removing grime buildup in your Keurig coffee maker , and cleaning your makeup brushes .

1. Take everything out and take inventory.

The first step to cleaning your closet is to completely empty it and give it a thorough cleaning. I recommend removing everything, including clothing, hangers, and shoes, and placing them on your bed or the floor. Remember to also pick up items from shelves, containers and drawers.

Not only does this mean you can easily dust your shelves and vacuum the floors and baseboards in your closets, but you also have to start from scratch. Now you can think and think about each piece you want to keep.

Stack all of your clothes and start taking inventory.

Alina Bradford/CNET

2. Prepare your order materials

Next, you need to take garbage bags, a marker and tape. Place a strip of tape on the first bag and write "Trash" with the marker. Place a strip of tape on the second bag and label it "Donations."

If you have a lot of fashion or designer clothing, consider purchasing a third bag for items you can sell at a consignment store.

3. Start by cleaning your clothes

Okay, now that you're done preparing, it's time to be ruthless. They form four piles: keep, repair, throw away and donate (or sell). The trash pile and the donation pile are the labeled bags. Storage and repair batteries can be placed on your dresser, a chair, or somewhere separate from the rest of your clothing.

What to throw away, donate, send or keep:

CNET

• If you haven't used it for a year and it's still in good condition, it goes in the donation bag.
  
• If it has holes, worn rubber bands, or irreparable tears, throw it in the trash bag.
  
• If you need a button or have a hole that you or a cutter can easily repair (and you are committed to repairing it), place the item on the repair pile.
  
• If it's not your style, it goes in the donation bag.
  
• If it becomes discolored or the fabric peels off, throw it in the trash bag.
• If it's great, you love it and use it, put it on the save stack.
  
• If there are stains, put them in the repair pile and try these stain removal tips .
• If you don't like it, donate it.
  

Identify the things that worry you

For many of us, we have that one item of clothing that we always keep as our "goal" outfit, a dress, pair of jeans, or swimsuit that is too small but that we keep as motivation to lose weight. While it's worth encouraging ourselves to live a healthier lifestyle, it's not worth keeping an item that makes us feel ashamed of our shape or size.

Clothing should make you feel empowered rather than make us feel guilty. If you keep an item to motivate yourself to reach a certain size, consider giving it as a gift so as not to trigger compulsive or unhealthy behaviors. And when you reach that milestone, you can always reward yourself with a shopping spree.

Are you still fighting? Try this cleaning method

Take inspiration from the KonMari method if you're having a hard time deciding on clothes. Ask yourself: Does this make you happy? Are you happy with how it fits your body? If the answer to both questions is "no," throw it away.

These rules also apply to shoes. Do you have holes or extreme wear on your soles? You have to go. Haven't you used them in a year? On the way to charity. Do you love them and use them? They are guardians. And if your shoes are a little dirty, you can easily clean them .

4. Reorganize and act

Your closet cleaning journey is almost complete. The only thing you need to do is put away everything that was in the closet. Furthermore, it is important to take care of it immediately. Taking action will prevent these items from taking up space and potentially returning to your closet. Place the trash bag in your trash can immediately. Bring the donation bag to your local drop-off location immediately. No waiting!

Finally, get to work on the items that need repairs or cleaning . If you don't have time to process it yourself, take it to the tailor or dry cleaner immediately after dropping off the charity bag.

How often should you clean your closet?

After you've cleaned out your closet, when should you do it again? This mostly depends on your personal preference and cleaning habits, but I would recommend at least twice a year: once for spring cleaning (between the warmer months of spring and summer) and for New Year's (between the colder months of fall and winter). And if you really like it, you can raid your closet seasonally to donate or consign the items when they're in style.

For more home tips , check out how often you should clean your bathroom and laundry symbols you should know so you don't ruin your clothes.

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Remove carpet stains in minutes with an unusual product that a cleaner swears by

QUICK AND EASY: Although it's most effective on water-soluble stains, people say it also works on nail polish (Image: AndreyPopov/Getty)

If something spills on the carpet, you need to act quickly to avoid permanent stains. But it's easy to panic as soon as your coffee cup or glass of red wine goes flying , let alone when you have blood on your strand of hair.

Luckily, according to cleanliness queen Lynsey Crombie, if you have a specific item in the bathroom, there's no need to rummage through cupboards for special carpet cleaning products. "Shaving foam isn't just for shaving," the cleaning expert wrote on her Instagram page .

"It's also an amazing, inexpensive stain remover that works wonders on carpets and mattresses ." Shaving cream is simply a form of whipped soap. Once applied, it foams up, penetrates and moisturizes almost every stain.

MORE CLEANING TIPS

The active ingredients in shaving foam correspond to those of many household cleaners and stain removers. It clings to the carpet fibers, keeps the cleaner in contact with the stain, and starts working very quickly, reports the Express .

"Simply use warm water and a small brush or soft cloth and scrub the stain very gently, let it sit for 10 minutes and then rinse," Lynsey said. "Then open the fabric into a square and dry it. I decide to use a white cloth to see how the stain comes off. Allow it to air dry.

He added that he only uses white shaving cream because "it doesn't contain any dyes" but urged people to do a test on an inconspicuous area. The technique is most effective on water-soluble stains such as mud and non-greasy foods, and works best on recent liquid spills. It can also be used to clean upholstery.

Some fans tried the carpet cleaning trick and shared their opinions in the comments section. @kolijohnson wrote: "I did this to a stain on our carpet and it worked great. Thank you for the advice.

While@_kimholland wrote: " My cat threw up on the hallway carpet in the middle of the night . I used the shaving cream tip to remove the stains and it worked incredibly well and left no stains or marks on the carpet. Thank you for this brilliant but easy to use tip.

And @kazmcgaz76 added: "We used this when my daughter had nail polish all over the carpet. I was going crazy while the other half googled as fast as their fingers would allow. Wow, I couldn't believe that brought this to light! »

It's time for some spring cleaning

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“I'm a cleaning expert: Decorate your toilet to keep it clean with ease” - Daily Record

A cleaning expert shared a simple trick she uses to keep her toilet clean and smelling good. But people are divided when she points out several problems with this method.

3:23 p.m., March 8, 2025

Decorating your toilet can help you keep it clean effortlessly (stock image) (Image: Filartface via Getty Images )

A cleaning guru on TikTok has gone viral for sharing how she "decorates" her toilet to keep it clean while making it look beautiful, but not everyone is convinced it's worth it.

TikTok creator Anouk, better known online as "clean_with_anouk," is known for her cleaning videos where she shares her top tips for keeping your home looking and smelling great with her simple cleaning tips.

However, one of her videos caused a stir among her 37,000 subscribers when she was seen "decorating" her toilet to make it look nicer and keep it clean.

"Decorate my toilet with me," she wrote in a video, showing how she used different scented and colored cleaning pads on the inside of the toilet bowl to create a multicolored pattern.

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These gel discs are drawn from a tube into the toilet bowl, where the antibacterial gel slowly dissolves with each flush, helping to keep the toilet clean.

Anouk started by placing the brown colors in a circle at the bottom of the container before adding the yellow ones on top. He then continued with blue and pink slices until he reached the top of the bowl.

Despite this fun and useful tip, people were not impressed with Anouk's cleaning tip as many of them saw several problems with decorating the toilet in this way.

One user expressed concern, saying: "Imagine how much 'dirt' will be trapped between the flowers?!" However, he assured them that the discs were designed to get smaller with each flush, effectively removing any "dirt."

Another person expressed concern about the impact on the environment, saying: "And so all the chemicals end up in the water and nature," while a third person said: "So much wasted product."

However, others expressed their admiration for the trick, although some questions remained. One person commented: "I love it but it's a shame when number 2 leaves a stain and you have to wipe it all off," while another viewer asked: "What if you had to use a toilet brush?"

The article continues below.

A third person then replied: "You have to go in with a toothbrush to go through all the nooks and crannies around each flower."

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Homeowner reveals little-known way to cut energy costs by 15%: 'I just discovered it'

Nessa from Origin Energy (@originenergy) recently posted a great tip for saving energy in a fridge.

the shovel

"I just found out that clean appliances can help reduce energy consumption," he said.

@originenergy Did you know that clean devices work more efficiently? Click the link in our bio to get our deep cleaning tips that will make your spring cleaning a breeze 🧼 @Nessa 🌸 #CleanTok #CleanWithMe #CleaningHacks #Satisfying #ASMR #Cleaning ♬ Original sound – Origin Energy

Nessa emptied her refrigerator, removed the shelves, placed it in the bathtub, and cleaned it thoroughly. He also checked the temperature of his refrigerator and cleaned the interior. While the refrigerator was bright and empty, he pulled it out to clear dust from the bottom and compressor area.

It is then put back into place, leaving enough space on the sides to allow air circulation. Then the shelves with all the food are brought in.

as help

Nessa said that just improving air circulation around the refrigerator can save up to 15% of the refrigerator's energy consumption. This is because a refrigerator works by transferring heat from the refrigerator to the surroundings. The less air there is to circulate around the refrigerator, the more difficult this transfer is and the harder the compressor has to work to keep the refrigerator cool.

Since the refrigerator is one of the appliances that consume the most energy in the home , reducing its consumption could mean significant savings. The Department of Energy also recommends cleaning a refrigerator's coils regularly to optimize performance.

Saving energy consumption is a good way to reduce monthly electricity bills. It also reduces pollution caused by home energy consumption. Since houses are a major source of pollution , all energy saving tips and tricks will benefit the environment.

What everyone says

TikTok commenters had their own ideas for cleaning the fridge.

"I should have let the temperature drop before putting the food back in," one commenter suggested. "No," said another challenger.

Sign up for our free newsletter for easy tips on how to save more and waste less , and don't miss this exciting list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.

Great options

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Prepare Your Home for Patio Season: Essential Spring Preparation Tips - Burlington Today

As winter comes to an end and spring approaches, it's time to breathe new life into your outdoor space. A well-maintained landscape is not just about appeal, but also about creating a space that can be truly enjoyed. Whether you're preparing for backyard gatherings, relaxing by the pool, or simply enjoying the beauty of the season, now is the time to renovate, protect, and enhance your property.

Spring cleaning: A fresh start for your landscape 🌿
Winter can leave behind damage: dead leaves, dirt and worn surfaces. A thorough spring cleaning will keep everything fresh and ready for the next season.
✅ Remove leaves, branches and winter residue.
✅ High pressure cleaning of patios, driveways and patios
✅ Edging and mulching flower beds for a well-groomed look
✅ Prune trees and shrubs to promote healthy growth
✅ Fertilize lawns and gardens for lush greenery

Open the pool: Dive in without any problems 💦
Proper opening of the pool guarantees crystal clear water and good functioning throughout the season. Don't wait for the first heat waves: being ahead of the curve will allow you to enjoy your pool sooner!
✅ Remove and clean the pool cover.
✅ Check the equipment and put it into operation.
✅ Balances water chemistry for safe swimming
✅ Remove and remove residue for a flawless finish

Commissioning and optimization of the irrigation system 🚿
A well-functioning irrigation system is the key to a thriving lawn and garden. Spring is the perfect time to make sure everything is in top condition.
✅ Check and adjust sprinkler heads to ensure optimal coverage
✅ Check for leaks or inefficiencies that waste water.
✅ Plan watering schedules for maximum efficiency
✅ Make sure all irrigation areas are working properly

Landscape maintenance: Preserve and beautify your outdoor area 🏡
Your patio, driveway and walkways will withstand the harsh winter conditions. With a little care they will now look good all year round.
✅ Deep cleaning of hard surfaces
✅ Fill sand into the joints of interlocking paving stones
✅ Reinforce mortar joints to prevent shifting
✅ Seal patios and walkways for long-term protection

Landscape lighting: brighten your evenings 💡
Good lighting improves both safety and the environment. A quick adjustment ensures your landscape lighting is ready to shine.
✅ Replace burned out light bulbs for consistent lighting
✅ Adjust accessories according to plant growth.
✅ Optimize timer settings for daylight changes

📅Book early - spring spots fill up quickly!
Spring is a busy season for outdoor projects and the best time to plan your maintenance is March and April so your space is ready when you are.

📞 Are you already a member of the LandArt community? Call or text Natasha at 365.889.0764 or email [email protected] to reserve your spot.

🌱 New to LandArt? Let's change that! Call or text Devon at 905.906.8556 or email [email protected] to reserve your spot.

Make Spring 2025 your best outdoor season yet! ✨

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Allergy season is here: check and clean your HVAC system to breathe easier

[Full text content could not be retrieved]

One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning, HVAC service and maintenance experts, recommends regular system maintenance and professional cleaning to alleviate the problems...

This $13 hair catcher prevents clogged drains—here's why it has over 120,000 reviews

If you're tired of your long hair clogging your bathtub drain, meet your new best friend: the TubShroom Drain Protector, available at Amazon Canada . TubShroom fits into most drains to capture hair without mess, tangles or harsh chemicals. It has more than 120,000 rave reviews from Amazon shoppers who call it "a small price to pay for a clog-free drain." At just $13, TubShroom is also *much* cheaper than a plumber. Keep scrolling for more information about this cool little invention.

Amazon

How does it work?

TubShroom's unique mushroom shape traps surrounding hair and allows water to pass through smoothly.

To use it, you just have to insert it into the bathtub drain and watch it work. It easily fits most standard drains and you don't have to worry about additional tools.

When it's time to clean, simply remove it from the drain and remove the accumulated hair. Voila, done!

What do the critics say?

⭐️ 4.4/5 stars

💬 More than 120,000 reviews

🏆 "This is definitely the best hair catcher I have ever used!"

Amazon

TubShroom has received an average of 4.4 stars from Amazon shoppers who say they "will never go without a shower drain again!" »

"I was skeptical, but it works great," said one five-star reviewer. "The product holds hair well," another added.

"I love it," shared one reviewer. "It saves me from having to call a plumber to cover the drain."

Although Amazon shoppers agree that TubShroom "captures hair effectively," it's not without its drawbacks. This version is designed for drains with a diameter of 1.5 to 1.75 inches. You must therefore check whether it is compatible with your tub before placing your order.

As one reviewer wrote, "It's not a bad product," but "just make sure it fits your bathtub drain before you buy it!" »

What is the verdict?

TubShroom is a quick and cost-effective solution to easily and effectively prevent blockages from forming in your bathtub. Although TubShroom is backed by thousands of five-star reviews, buyers point out that size really does matter in this case. Make sure the diameter of your drains is the correct size before adding them to your cart.

Shop Amazon for more gadgets to make your life easier

The revisions cited above reflect the most current versions at the time of publication.

Let us know what you think by leaving a comment below and tweeting @YahooStyleCA ! Follow us on Twitter and Instagram .

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Turn Clutter Into Money: 9 Clever Spring Cleaning Hacks – Money Talks News

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These simple and clever spring cleaning tips can help you declutter and save extra money in your pocket. Pro Tip : Make sure you invest what...

Step up clean-up efforts ahead of Swachh probe, say officials | Gurgaon News-The Times of India

Gurgaon: MCG Commissioner Ashok Kumar Garg ordered health workers to ensure cleanliness in the city before the next one Survekshan Investigation.
While chairing a meeting with sanitation staff on Wednesday, he assured that the civic body would resolve all grievances of the staff but stressed their responsibility to keep the city sparkling clean. The commissioner also said efforts would be made to put all vulnerable waste sites under CCTV surveillance.
Garg said improving and maintaining cleanliness is a top priority for the society. "Immediate steps will be taken to provide sheds, seating, toilets, warehouses and drinking water facilities at sanitation workers' sites. The tender process has been completed and supervisors have been asked to identify locations in their respective areas for setting up these facilities," Garg said.
At the meeting, sanitation department supervisors expressed concern about this illegal waste disposal throughout the city. They found that this practice forced them to clear trash before carrying out regular cleaning tasks such as sweeping streets, causing delays. In response, the Commissioner assured them that surveillance by health security personnel would be increased at these vulnerable landfill sites to deter such activities and arrest violators.
During the meeting, the commissioner introduced a new policy requiring two employees to be stationed at each dumpster point.

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Wirecutter Bonus Episode: How to Survive Daylight Saving Time

Published March 4, 2025

Image: NYT tap; Photo source: iStock/hellojulie

By Caira Blackwell , Rosie Guerin and Abigail Keel

Listen and follow The Wirecutter Show

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Youtube | iHeartRadio | Other platforms

It's time to turn the clocks forward, but don't let daylight saving time harm your health. Here are our top tips for overcoming jet lag in the future.

Products we recommend:

• Best Blackout Curtains: IKEA Rose Almond Blackout Curtains or Target Pillowfort Blackout Cotton Chambray Kids Panel
• Best Eye Mask: Alaska Bear Natural Silk Sleep Mask
• Best sunrise alarm clock: Philips SmartSleep Wake-Up Light HF3520
• Caira loves this alarm clock: Hatch Restore 2

Transcript of the episode

ROSIE: Hello, I'm Rosie from The Wirecutter Show and here's a special bonus episode called "How to Survive Daylight Saving Time." Next Sunday, March 9th, begins Daylight Saving Time (DST), the time of year when we set our clocks forward one hour. We spend most of the year in daylight saving time and stay there until November when we return to standard time.

For most people, these twice-yearly time changes are just a part of life. Minor disadvantages.

But there's more than that. Scientists and researchers have studied the effects of the change to daylight saving time and found that it can have negative effects on our health. Caira, co-host of our show, talked about sleep hygiene and in particular what you can do to prepare your body for jet lag and some tips on how to best adjust to it. I will talk to her about this after a short break. We'll come back immediately.

ROSIE: Hello, Caira.

CAIRO: Hello.

ROSIE: Caira, I understand that we are about to enter your least favorite time of the year.

CAIRO: Yes. I really don't like this part of the year when we switch to Daylight Saving Time, and this year it starts on March 9th at 2:00 am local time.

ROSIE: So the saying goes, "Push forward, push back." That means we'll lose an hour of sleep right at the start of Daylight Saving Time, right?

CAIRO: That's right. But it's actually worse. Some people look forward to this moment because the nights are brighter. And it's pretty fun, especially in the summer, but it comes at a price. Studies have shown that even a small time difference of an hour can disrupt our circadian rhythm, which is essentially our body's internal 24-hour clock that keeps track of the sun. This can lead to jet lag-like symptoms simply because your biological clock doesn't match your social clock. Basically, your phone says it's 3:00 p.m., but our body knows it's actually 2:00 p.m. And this deviation can lead to a number of health problems. You may feel it when you have trouble falling asleep or waking up in the morning. But especially after the turn of spring, car accidents, heart attacks and certain types of strokes are more common during this time, according to the National Institutes of Health.

ROSIE: So the next natural question is: Why are we doing this to ourselves? All these years I've done it and assumed it's part of everyone's life. But why?

CAIRA: It's not that we, the individuals, do it. But you may have heard that farmers need it, but that's not true. Daylight saving time really benefits large companies. These include gas companies, golf clubs and garden equipment, which sell more because people spend their money outdoors in the summer.

ROSIE: Uh-huh.

CAIRA: Mm-hmm. So that's capitalism. But farmers famously hate daylight saving time because it's completely at odds with their schedules, which are based on the sun, just as our bodies should.

ROSIE: Well, well.

CAIRA: So we actually have 4.5 months of standard time, which is actual time, and then almost eight months of daylight saving time. So summer time has a lot more time. And most people think that the two-year-a-year time difference is, at worst, annoying and confusing. You think you sleep an hour in the fall, even if it's dark at night, but in the summer you have longer days. But in reality, daylight saving time is pretty bad for us all year round. A 2024 study found that standard time, which we are currently replacing with daylight saving time, is the optimal option for health and safety.

ROSIE: Follow the sun.

CAIRO: Yes.

ROSIE: Basically.

CAIRA: Mm-hmm.

ROSIE: Maybe you feel like you're trying to get out of major jet lag. And I find it very difficult to fall asleep at a reasonable time during my shift. What is your best advice to help people go to bed at a reasonable time and mitigate some of these impacts as we prepare for this time shift?

CAIRA: Let's say you usually go to bed around 10 p.m. You want to start changing your routine on Wednesday before making the change on Sunday morning. So in this case it would be tomorrow. You have to start. And all you're going to do is go in 15-minute increments starting Wednesday so that your body is ready to sleep at 9 p.m. on Saturday before the time change. And you do this in 15 minute increments every day.

And the same goes for your meal plan. So if you want to go to sleep earlier, that means you need to eat a little earlier so that your body doesn't try to digest the food while you're trying to relax, because that keeps you from sleeping. Again, this seems like common sense, but don't drink caffeine or alcohol, especially caffeine, before bed. You should give yourself at least six hours to fully digest this before beginning your relaxation routine.

ROSIE: A lot of this information is tips for good sleep hygiene in general.

CAIRO: Yes.

ROSIE: And it also seems to tie in with how you try to adjust to a new time zone when you go on vacation or move somewhere.

CAIRO: Absolutely. And every expert I spoke to basically explains how to have a healthy sleep routine. Her biggest tip is to simply have a good sleep routine, then it will be much easier to change or adjust it as needed. And if you generally find it difficult to fall asleep earlier, there are some tricks you can use to get your body to relax at night.

ROSIE: What's wrong with you?

CAIRA: The thing I use every night that my partner hates is temperature regulation. Therefore, the optimal sleeping temperature is between 60 and 67 degrees Fahrenheit.

ROSIE: Absolutely not.

CAIRO: Yes. It's cold.

ROSIE: That seems very low.

CAIRO: It's cold. I won't even lie. But when you're in bed and it's warm and you have the right blankets, it's nice. I'm enjoying it now. However, this temperature range has been shown to signal your body that it is time to shut down and it will begin to do so.

Another way to start this is when you take a hot shower at night. As soon as you get out of the shower, your body temperature drops again, which also signals to your body that it's time to go to sleep. Another thing that is really beneficial during this time is light regulation. Therefore, you should eliminate as much light as possible in the early evening so that you don't stay awake late at night. And then when you wake up in the morning knowing it's very dark at the start of daylight saving time, you just want to get as much sunlight as possible as early as possible. Blackout curtains are therefore very useful in preventing light from entering. And when you wake up, open it and enjoy the sun.

ROSIE: Flood your house with sunshine.

CAIRA: Mm-hmm. If you don't want to buy blackout curtains, I understand. If you have an eye mask or even a dark t-shirt, that will work.

ROSIE: And we'll add links to eye mask and blackout curtain recommendations in our show notes.

CAIRA: Mm-hmm. And then everyone knows it now, even if we don't follow it, including me. However, try to limit devices at night, as blue light again tells your brain it's time to wake up, not go to sleep. This means your TV, laptop, and cell phones emit the blue light that keeps your brain awake. So try to put an end to it as much as possible.

ROSIE: What my kids call wake-up time. "Is it time to wake up?"

CAIRA: Oh, that's nice.

ROSIE: Or at night: "Is it time for a nap?" Again, many of these tips are actually general sleep hygiene tips, but they become even more important when you're trying to adjust your body to the sundial's time shift.

CAIRO: Yes.

ROSIE: So how about waking up instead of making the sun come out as boldly as possible? I fear it will be impossible for me to get my children out of bed in the morning when it is still dark, let alone myself.

CAIRA: No, it's very hard to fight morning sleepiness because it's very dark. So I live in a basement apartment. My room is in the basement. And something I use all year round is a sunrise alarm clock to simply simulate the warmth of the sun in my bedroom when I wake up in the morning. I like the Hatch, but our official pick is the Phillips Alarm Clock. And besides, it's not the sun, but you turn on the light, you get up, you set the alarm on your phone somewhere far away, so you have to get up to turn it off.

ROSIE: Anything that tells your brain the lights are on is during the day.

CAIRA: Mm-hmm. Yes.

ROSIE: It may not feel like day on your body, but it is.

CAIRA: Exactly. Anything to tell your body to come get it. That's too much even for me, but getting out in the sun and doing something active is the best thing you can do for your body at this time. Go for a run, do window yoga, anything that really gets your body moving and tells you again that it's time to start the day.

ROSIE: Ripe fruit, maybe you could go outside if you have a balcony. Having a front door signals to your brain and body that it's morning and time to go to bed when you step out with your morning coffee to enjoy some sunshine.

CAIRA: Exactly.

ROSIE: Okay, so Caira, if you could recommend something, just one thing, to help people get through this change, what would it be?

CAIRA: I'm going to sound like a broken record, but it's easy, easy, easy. Lock up at night, pick up again in the morning.

ROSIE: I love it. Very good Caira, thanks for the advice.

CAIRA: Of course.

ROSIE: Next time we meet, I think we'll talk about vacuum cleaners.

CAIRA: I'm excited.

ROSIE: Hang in there. To learn more about Wirecutter's Daylight Savings coverage or to see the products Caira recommended today, visit NYTimes.com/Wirecutter or find a link in the show notes. I wish you a peaceful transition to summer time. Thank you for listening.

The Wirecutter Show is produced by me and Abigail Keel is the executive producer. Technical support from Maddy Masiello and Nick Pittman. Today's episode was mixed by Sonia Herrero. Original music by Dan Powell, Marion Lozano, Elisheba Ittoop and Diane Wong. Wirecutter's deputy editor and CEO is Cliff Levy. Ben Frumin is Wirecutter's editor-in-chief. Thanks for listening.

Credits

The Wirecutter Show is produced by Rosie Guerin and executive produced by Abigail Keel.
Edited by Abigail Keel.
Technical support from Maddy Masiello and Nick Pitman.
The episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson.
Original music by Dan Powell, Marion Lozano, Elisheba Ittoop and Diane Wong.
Wirecutter's deputy editor and CEO is Cliff Levy.
Ben Frumin is Wirecutter's editor-in-chief.
Presented by Caira Blackwell and Christine Cyr Clisset.

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How to Remove the Smoke Smell from Your Home After Wildfires in the Myrtle Beach Area - Post and Courier

MYRTLE BEACH – As wildfire smoke continues to blanket the Carolina Forest , experts have offered tips on how local homeowners and renters can eliminate the lingering smell of smoke.

Smoke from wildfires is usually a mixture of gases and fine particles produced when trees, plants and other materials burn. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, inhalation can cause coughing, wheezing, asthma attacks, itchy eyes, scratchy throat, runny nose, sinus irritation, headache, fatigue, chest pain and tachycardia.

That's why experts recommend cleaning as soon as possible to remove traces of smoke. But before neighbors start, they should contact their insurance company, said Damien Monaghan, a 16-year restoration veteran who works for Rumsey Construction and Restoration , which has offices in South Carolina, North Carolina and Georgia.

"A lot of people don't realize that things like this are part of insurance coverage," Monaghan said, referring to odors that come from a home after an event like a fire. "There are parts of insurance that help alleviate and solve this problem."

For best results, he recommended hiring a professional restoration company or, if cost is a barrier, finding a nonprofit organization that offers affordable professional restoration services.

Although no homes suffered major structural damage from the Carolina wildfire, some porches were charred and siding was melted.

"Resolving the source of the fire is the critical step in any fire recovery," Monaghan said. "Remove and dispose of the source, vacuum the debris, clean the debris, and cut off any material that needs to be removed and cannot be cleaned."

For surface cleaning, people should use special cleaning products to clean walls, ceilings, floors and countertops. According to Home Depot, cleaning products neutralize and absorb odors.

Additionally, people should clean the inside and outside of their HVAC equipment. You can use a shop vacuum cleaner indoors.

"Smoke particles often enter homes' HVAC systems, which can create a lingering odor that constantly circulates throughout the home," according to Home Depot. "Check the system's air filters and grilles, clean them thoroughly, and replace any damaged or excessively dirty filters to restore them."

However, Monaghan said professional help may be needed in severe cases of smoke damage.

"Your home's HVAC system is like the lungs of your home," Monaghan said. "The insulation within the walls, under the house and in the attic cannot be removed by vacuuming or cleaning once smoke has settled on it. You would have to remove and replace the insulation … and clean those areas."

Home Depot also recommends specific treatments for carpets, rugs, and upholstery. These include steam cleaning delicate furniture or carpets, removing heavily soiled carpets and rugs with hot water, and dry cleaning water-sensitive materials that can be damaged if exposed to moisture.

It is also important to prioritize safety when it comes to areas affected by smoke. Home Deport recommends ensuring adequate ventilation by opening windows and using fans to circulate fresh air.

But Monaghan said ventilation could become a no-win situation.

"You turn on the fans and open the windows, but the conditions outside could be worse," Monaghan said. "Please consult the professional for advice on your specific situation... as this can be very specific depending on the situation, particularly in a situation like the one we are currently experiencing on the coast with bushfires."

Monaghan's crew often uses ozone and hydroxyl generators, which release ozone molecules to break down smoke particles and neutralize odors. This forces the air to evaporate faster than normal, Monaghan said.

It was also recommended to use a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtration system and air purifier.

Additionally, when cleaning their homes, people are advised to wear protective gear to avoid being exposed to potentially harmful particles and chemicals during the cleaning process. According to Home Depot, these include rubber gloves, safety glasses or respirators.

According to the latest press release from the South Carolina Forestry Commission, the Carolina wildfire had grown to 2,059 acres and was approximately 30 percent contained as of the morning of March 4. More than 500 rescuers are deployed to contain the fire.

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Meghan's Top Tips: From Using Your Bee Voice to Prepping a Guest Room - Yahoo News

In her new Netflix series, the Duchess of Sussex offers countless cooking tips and suggestions for a happy family life.

From cleaning on the go to finding affordable items at the grocery store to choosing flowers by color and California-style gardening in small London apartments, Meghan is full of recommendations.

In 2012, the Princess of Wales' sister Pippa Matthews wrote a book called Celebrate, which was touted as a comprehensive guide to entertaining but was derided by some for its overly simplistic advice.

Meghan gave tips on how to achieve her hosting lifestyle in California (Yaroslav Sabitov/PA)

"With Love, Meghan," which premiered on the streaming giant on Tuesday, has already been described as "infinitely usurpable."

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Here are some of Meghan's suggestions:

– Cook pasta:

"You put the dry pasta in, pour boiling water over it and you're done," explains the Duchess.

But then he turns on the stove.

– Californian lifestyle in small London apartments

Meghan says: "People would see it and walk away, but I don't have that space at home," as she takes chef Alice Waters on a tour of her extensive vegetable and herb garden.

Meghan shares tips for adding sliced ​​dried fruit to cocktails (Aaron Chown/PA)

But the Duchess suggests placing them on her windowsill, saying: "Even if you're in a small apartment in London or a small apartment in the city, what can people do to make them feel like they have a little piece of it?"

– Choose flowers by color.

Meghan talks about her flower selection process: "The first thing I do is see what color I'm drawn to and then go from there.

"Think of it like an outfit, and once you've decided on the basic style, you need to accessorize it in a meaningful and appropriate way."

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He also advises against placing flowers in a transparent vase.

"I don't know who has time to change the flower water every day," he said.

– Grocery stores offer beauty and affordability.

Meghan reveals: "When you go to the supermarket sometimes you find beautiful and really affordable things. »

She is seen preparing a huge pile of six or seven bouquets of different types of flowers to decorate her house, ready for a lunch with her "Suits" co-star Abigail Spencer and her friend Kelly Zajfen.

Harry and Meghan surrounded by a floral arch on their wedding day (Ben Stansall/PA)

"These are carnations. How can we make them great? Add more flowers," she says.

– Beautify store-bought foods.

"You don't always have time to make hummus or dip from scratch, and there are ways to make store-bought even better," says Meghan.

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"Put some olive oil on it, it's even better."

– Speak to the bees using your "bee voice".

The series begins with Meghan collecting honey from bees and saying, "The most important thing is to keep it quiet – to speak in our bee voice." »

Meghan whispers to a beekeeper who is helping her: "Do you know what this is?

A garden beehive is examined for honey (Ben Birchall/PA)

"It's also like a reminder to do something that scares you a little.

"I think that's part of it, but I try to stay calm because it's nice to be so connected."

– Prepare the guest room if people are staying there.

Meghan goes far beyond preparing the guest room.

He makes a tray of homemade bath salts and puts snacks in clear plastic gift bags for his friend, makeup artist Daniel Martin, noting that they contain peanuts, even though Martin is not allergic to nuts.

But warn: "Don't do it without a knot" in case your guest can't open it.

She describes that one of her favorite things to do when people come to her house is "getting the guest room ready" and thinking about "the good times in the morning and the evening."

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"When someone comes and stays, one of my favorite things to do is prepare the guest room," says Meghan.

"I think about both places in the guest experience as soon as they enter their room. What's in it for them at the bedside?

"It's their time for good morning and good night and what's in the bathroom so they can take a good bath, a good bath at the end of the night."

– If your partner likes salt in food, add less salt

Meghan admits she doesn't add enough salt to her recipes because the Duke of Sussex always adds salt himself.

"Well, I have a family, a husband, who salts every food that is presented to him before he tastes it, so I try not to salt it enough," she says.

– Children will definitely eat colorful vegetables.

The Sussexes enjoy a plate of vegetables every day, reveals Meghan.

"We have a source of raw vegetables in our house every day," she says.

She says that Prince Archie and Princess Lili love vegetables.

"Even for our kids, I think the beauty of it and why they love eating vegetables is because they look colorful and fun."

She also suggests that parents prepare a fruit platter in rainbow shapes and colors for their children's breakfast to make the morning "a lot more fun."

– A balloon pump can be used to inflate balloons.

During an episode of Welcome to the Party, Meghan creates food and decorations for a children's party with actress Mindy Kaling and reveals she now relies on a handy gadget.

Pippa Matthews, then Duchess of Cambridge, sister of Meghan and Kate, who published her own entertainment book called Celebrate in 2012 (Mike Egerton/PA)

Meghan talks about making a balloon arch: "When I first experienced the fascinating adventure of making it by hand, it can get really boring.

"Instead, there's a great little device you can buy: a balloon pump."

– There is no tap water for ice cubes.

Meghan demonstrates how to freeze edible flowers in ice cubes and orange juice for cocktails, but advises viewers against using tap water.

"I made this mistake. Don't just use tap water," he says. She recommends using distilled or boiled water.

"Otherwise the ice cubes come out a little cloudy and you want to see the flowers. »

– Make crepes, not pancakes.

According to Meghan, pancakes, not fluffy pancakes, are special.

"If you were making Sunday breakfast at home, yes, you can make pancakes for your family and the kids, but you can also make pancakes," he recommends.

"Why does a crepe seem more special than a crêpe?" I don't know, but it is true.

American pancakes are thick, fluffy pancakes made from a batter of eggs, flour, milk and baking powder, while pancakes are thinner and do not use a leavening agent.

– Use a dehydrator

Meghan has a dehydrator (a Christmas present her mother gave her and Harry) to dry fruit slices for cocktails.

"I have a dehydrator because it became a project that I did more often than I thought... so we used that, but you can also put it in the oven," she says.

– Clean on the go

"So just like in the kitchen, I will always have a trash can. "Everything stays organized and clean on the go," says Meghan.

"Lili made a song out of it," she says, and then sings herself: "I clean as I go: clean, clean, clean, clean." »

And he adds: "Once you understand the system a little, it's not difficult and anyone can do it at home." »

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