Spring-clean your health

Tidying up isn't just about making your home look its best after a long winter—it also benefits your wellbeing. A few tweaks to your cleaning routine can lower the spread of germs, allergens and indoor toxins. The result? You'll feel sharper, healthier and more energized.

- ANN GREEN

Reduce allergies by tumble drying

For up to 90% of us with chronic sniffles, sneezing or dry eyes, the culprit may be microscopic dust mites, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. And they thrive in pillows. The simple fix: Next time you're washing a load of bedding, toss your pillow in the dryer. Just 10 minutes of heat kills 100% of sniffle-causing mites, suggests Australian research. Tip: Boost the benefits by adding 4 drops of lavender essential oil to a fabric scrap or dryer ball and toss it in during the drying cycle. A study in Life Sciences suggests that lavender calms allergic airway inflammation, easing breathing.

Dodge colds with a microfiber cloth