'Tis the season for spring cleaning

Hello, spring! We welcome this highly anticipated season and all that it brings — longer, warmer days and beautiful, blossoming flowers throughout the Ardenwoods campus. One great way to celebrate the change of seasons is to echo nature’s rebirth with your own “fresh start,” embracing spring cleaning in your living space.

A clean environment does wonders for well-being, often making you feel refreshed and anew. This process can manifest in many different ways, whether it’s deep-cleaning the cabinets, organizing a cluttered closet or simply ridding yourself of unused items. Below are some helpful ideas to get the wheels turning.

1. Clean out the closet. Have you worn the shirt in the bottom of the drawer in the last year? How about that sock with no match? If not, chances are you won’t be reaching for them in the coming year, either, and they ought to go. Whether you decide to pass them down to a friend or family member, choose to donate or simply toss unworn and unwanted items, your closet (and your most-loved outfits) will thank you for the extra room to breathe — and you’ll be spared the frustrations of shoving hangers in as tight as they allow. There are several clothing donation centers near Ardenwoods, many of which provide clothes to those affected by Hurricane Helene.
       • Goodwill, 51 Mills Gap Road in Asheville
       • Fletcher Habitat for Humanity Restore, 2712 Hendersonville Road in Arden
       • Western Carolina Rescue, 225 Patton Ave. in Asheville

2. Monitor your medicine cabinet. Prescriptions and over-the-counter medicine often go out of date quicker than you might realize. Do you have any medications that are expired or no longer needed? Check out which medications are safe to flush and which should be disposed of via drop-off. The Asheville Police Department and most CVS pharmacies accept drop-offs, depending on the substance.

3. Freshen up the first aid kit. While first aid kits vary, the average life span of items within a kit can range from two to five years. Sterile, adhesive items such as bandages and tape are among the most likely to expire. It is also vital to monitor the expiration dates of medications such as creams, ointments and pain relievers. No one wants to be stuck in a pinch with an expired, ineffective ointment.

4. Deep clean the dishwasher and washing machine. It’s time to clean the cleaners! For a dishwasher, start by removing and cleaning the filter. Then, run a hot water cycle with a cup of white vinegar poured into the basin. Lastly, do a second cycle with just baking soda. Now for the laundry: While it is suggested that a washing machine be cleaned about once a month, it’s an easy thing to forget. If you have a front loader, it is recommended to add two cups of white vinegar to the detergent drawer and run an empty, hot water cycle; then, add baking soda directly to the drum and run another empty, hot cycle. For a top-loader, use four cups of white vinegar in the washer tub and start the cycle. Then, after a minute or two, hit pause and let the vinegar mixture sit for an hour, then resume the cycle.

5. Rifle through file cabinets. Are your important papers where they belong? Are the folders clearly labeled and organized? Do you have any documents you no longer need? Take time this spring to take inventory of your printed documents to ensure they are stored properly and truly necessary. (You’re probably safe to toss out that decade-old receipt from your mechanic!)  

We hope that these tips are beneficial and spark some inspiration! And remember: If you need any help with spring cleaning, don’t hesitate to reach out. Your Ardenwoods family is happy to help!