It’s that time of year again, when the holidays are in full swing and the end of the year is approaching. Before you get ahead of yourself, don’t start stressing about the new year. Enjoy the holidays, and then you can start to plan what you’ll do when January 1st approaches. 

A lot of people want to lose weight, eat better, and exercise regularly at the beginning of the year. Weight loss and diet resolutions always top the list, but seldom do people follow through with those goals. Gyms in January look a lot different than they do in March, specifically regarding crowds. The reason that many people give up on their resolutions is because the goals are too lofty, and there is no plan in place. To make “weight loss” your resolution is a nice idea, but there is no structure. Instead, it’s better to say, “I want to lose five pounds in January,” for example. 

The new year isn’t just about exercise and dieting, though. One of the best things to incorporate into your “new year new you” plan is self-care. One could argue that the new year is the perfect time to start fresh with self-care. Self-care is not just bubble baths and time spent reading in a nook. Those things fall into the self-care category, but there is a lot more you can do for your mental health. To prepare you for a successful January, we’ve outlined a list of self-care ideas you can do before the year ends. Let us know if you engage in them before the New Year!

Enjoy Those Holiday Treats

Yes, you should have your holiday cake, and eat it too! Be mindful about the treats you eat, focusing on thoroughly enjoying the couple that you looked forward to all year. You do not have to completely lose all self-control and abandon dietary restrictions, but you should allow yourself to enjoy the holidays without guilt. There is enough guilt to be had from family!

Get Your Home In Order

Holiday clutter is a real thing, and it only builds on any preexisting mess(es) you had in your home. There is no greater feeling than entering the new year with a clean and tidy home. Although cleaning can feel like a chore, it is actually a form of self-care. Even if the actual cleaning process is not enjoyable, the feeling of a clear space helps to boost your mood. That puts you in a great mental space to start the year off right.

Create A New Year Playlist

Listening to music is beneficial on so many levels. It can lift your spirits, amp you up, bring you down, and turn you inside out. Whether you need to pump yourself up or rest and recharge, music can benefit your situation. We recommend that you create a playlist of songs that get you pumped up and motivated to tackle your New Year’s resolutions.

Gratitude For The Year

It can be beneficial to reflect on the year and write down all the things you are grateful for. There is power in gratitude! Sure, there were most likely moments of negativity, stress, or other low points, but good things and highs also happened. Focus on being grateful and flood your mind with positivity. If this ends up being a practice that you enjoy, consider practicing daily gratitude, during which you write down a couple small things you are grateful for every day. 

Move For The Sake Of Movement

Exercise and self-care go hand in hand because you always tend to feel better when you move your body. You don’t have to push yourself to the point of throwing up; rather, a neighborhood walk, playing with your kids in the park, riding your bike, or jumping rope are all great forms of movement. Move your body because it deserves to move! Dance like nobody’s watching, as they say. Consider taking a new class, such as Zumba or Pilates. Find your groove and carry that motivation into the new year. 

Set Your Goals Or Make A Vision Board

This may not be useful for everyone, but it can be for those who love personal development. Spend a day mapping out your goals, hopes, and dreams before the start of the year. We do not recommend doing this once 2025 arrives. Planning out your goals can be very helpful to your future self. Additionally, nothing says self-care quite like planning out the goals you want to achieve or things to happen in the year to come.

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As a child, your parents tell you to clean your room or take care of other household chores. When you graduate to adulthood, the cleaning doesn’t stop. The only difference is that you don’t have someone bribing you with an allowance to clean your space. If you decide to have kids of your own, you will likely find out that they aren’t so neat. The moral of the story: the cleaning cycle never ends. 

We don’t mean to sound like defeatists, but cleaning is a part of life. If you are a maker of messes, you have to know how to clean up properly. If you clean up after your kids, you may want to consider using natural cleaning products, as the harmful chemicals in commercial products may be dangerous to young ones. You can also reduce your own risk of chemical exposure by switching to all-natural cleaning products that you make yourself. 

Why Make Your Own Natural Cleaner?

First of all, it can be very difficult to create or find an all-purpose and all-natural cleaning spray. Maybe you experiment with a concoction of your own, only to find that it really doesn’t do much. The cleaning power of the all-purpose cleaner in this recipe uses essential oils, borax, vinegar, and castile soap to help remove grime, soap scum, and everyday dirt. 

Making your own cleaner takes less than a minute, and you can save money in the process. It is eco-friendly and free of the toxins found in many conventional household cleaning sprays. Plus, you can customize the surface cleaner by adding different essential oils that work for you. 

Borax

You can incorporate borax into an all-purpose cleaning spray and use it on countertops, appliances, and windows. Some people find that it is highly effective at removing tough stains, dust, and food residue. You can often combine borax with water, shake it up, and pour in a spray bottle for use. In the case of this all-purpose cleaner, you combine it with other ingredients for safe and effective cleaning. If you are weary about using borax, you can always omit it from the recipe. 

Essential Oils

First of all, not all essential oils are created equal. There are many essential oils out there, but a lot of them are not pure essential oils. That means that other ingredients are added, so you won’t get the maximum benefits. When making a cleaning product, make sure to add your essential oils last to the spray bottle. Oils and water don’t mix well, so make sure to give your bottle a good shake prior to use. 

Washing Soda

Washing soda is different from baking soda. Baking soda is usually used alongside detergent to help get rid of stains or foul odors. It is usually gentler than washing soda, so it is not as efficacious. Washing soda is like a more amped-up version of baking soda that does a better job of removing stains and brightening colors when doing laundry. If used in excessive amounts and too frequently, though, it can be harsh on certain materials, specifically fabrics. 

Natural All-Purpose Cleaner

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon borax
• 1 teaspoon castile soap
• 1/2 teaspoon washing soda (not baking soda)
• 4 drops lemon essential oil
• 4 drops lavender essential oil
• 10 drops orange essential oil
• 2 cups distilled water

Instructions:

• Place the borax, castile soap, washing soda, and essential oils in an amber glass spray bottle.
• Pour in the distilled water until the glass is nearly full. Make sure to leave room for the sprayer to slide into the bottle. 
• Screw on the lid, shake well, and use as needed. It is great for bathrooms, kitchen, or even on toys.

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Baking is a relaxing experience for many people. There is an enjoyment to the precision required to make a perfectly fluffy cake, chewy gooey cookies, or airy loaf of bread. Everything is wonderful until it comes time to clean the pan or tray in which you baked your goods. The cleanup process usually involves a lot of soaking and scrubbing. We can say for a fact that nobody likes that part. 

What do you do to minimize the dishes you have to do? If you are like most, you either use aluminum foil (not the healthiest choice) or silicone trays or mats. You can use silicone bakeware to easily remove gummy items, lotion bars, household staples, or cupcakes and muffins. The use of silicone molds may spark this question: Is it safe? Well, that truly depends, but we aim to answer it in this article.

What Is Silicone?

Before we get into cooking with silicone, it’s integral to understand the difference between silicon, silica, and silicone. Although these substances are related, they are not the same. Here’s a quick overview:

• Silicon: This is a natural element, meaning it cannot break down into smaller particles without splitting atoms. After oxygen, silicon is the second most abundant particle on the earth. It is used in many industries, including solar energy, construction, and electronics. Silicon Valley, anyone?
• Silica: This compound is made of silicon and oxygen. Silica is a primary component of the Earth’s crust and is naturally occurring in nature. It shows up in ceramics, abrasives, and glass manufacturing. You can also find silica in the human body, with some research indicating potential health benefits. 
• Silicone: You can create silicone, a synthetic polymer, by adding carbon or oxygen to silicon. It exists as a liquid, gel, or solid and is commonly used in the medical field. It exists in medical devices, including pacemakers, joint replacements, and implants. It is considered safe for these uses, and is very common in cooking utensils and bakeware. 

Is Cooking With Silicone Safe?

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), food-grade silicone is safe and approved for use in a variety of kitchen products. Food-grade silicone has been tested and certified by the FDA to be safe for contact with food. Food-grade silicone is a popular material for kitchenware. It is made from polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), which is a synthetic polymer. It has a superior ability to withstand heat, it is non-stick, and it is dishwasher- and microwave-safe. Popular silicone bakeware items include cupcake liners, food storage containers, ice cube trays, baking molds, and reusable straws.

Benefits Of Silicone Bakeware

Silicone bakeware items are sturdy, convenient, and last a lot longer when made with silicone rubber. These molds can go straight from the oven to the freezer, or vice versa, without affecting their integrity. They have a higher resistance to high heat and are safe for human health, even after extensive use. Continue reading for more benefits. 

Easy-to-Clean

Silicone bake mats, molds, and other products are usually easy to clean. They are highly flexible, which makes it easy to get things in and out of them, allowing for easier cleanup. Silicone bakeware tends to be dishwasher-safe, but you can easily wash the items by hand. It has a smooth surface and tends to resist stains, so it won’t retain odors. 

Non-Stick

Silicone bakeware is usually more non-stick than traditional bakeware. That is highly convenient for muffin cups and cake pans. The natural non-stick properties mean that you don’t need to oil or grease before use, although a little oil never hurts. By not using excess grease or oil, you can reduce the amount of added fats in baking. 

Reusable

It is very easy to use parchment paper or aluminum foil when baking, especially if you are trying to save yourself excess cleaning. Silicone is very durable and can withstand repeated use. It is also resistant to fading, cracking, and peeling. People tend to choose silicone for these reasons, as it is a more eco-friendly alternative to foil, cupcake liners, and more.

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Brushing your hair every day can help optimize growth potential. The brushing action helps to evenly distribute sebum across hair strands, instead of just leaving it on the scalp. That helps to naturally detangle the hair, while simultaneously flattening hair to keep it looking shiny and healthy. If you do not want your hair to look unkempt, brittle, or unhealthy, there are certain brushing tips to keep in mind. From changing the way you brush to changing the brush itself, the following brushing tips should help promote healthier hair. 

Always Brush From The Bottom To The Top

The common hair brushing technique is to start at the top of your scalp and brush all the way down to the bottom (tips) of your hair. When you work your way up the length of your hair, you actually smooth it out a lot more than brushing it the traditional way. When you brush your hair, make sure to either use a serum or detangling spray. Attempting to detangle your hair from the roots will put undue stress on your strands and contribute to breakage. 

Clean Your Hair Brush Every Other Week

One of the hair brush’s jobs is to redistribute all of the natural oils on your scalp where your roots are to the rest of your hair. If your hair brush contains residue from bacteria, grime, and hair products, it can do more damage than good. Experts encourage you to clean your hair brush every other week, or more frequently, if your hair is long. Don’t know if your hair brush needs a good wash? Look at the tips of the bristles and see if products form on them. Before washing your hair brush, make sure to pull out all existing hair. Next, wash it with regular shampoo and rinse thoroughly. Dry the hair brush in the sun to prevent bacterial growth. 

Get A Cushioned Brush If Your Hair Is Fine

If you have fine, fragile, or delicate hair, please understand that your hair requires more care than normal hair does. Avoid hair brushes with metal-tipped or pokey bristles because they can damage your scalp or tear your hair. If you have delicate hair, choose a hair brush that has balled or rounded tips. Need to check the quality of your hair brush? Run it over the inside of your hands to see how aggressive it is. 

Brush Your Hair Before You Shampoo It

How is this even possible? Well, it may not be possible for certain hair types, particularly curly or very thick hair. If you can brush your hair before you shampoo it, though, you can help loosen product buildup or dirt on the scalp. That can make the shampooing process more effective, as it can wash away the dirt and buildup. Additionally, this process can help you avoid product or dirt getting stuck in knots or tangles. 

Replace Your Brush Often

Cleaning your brush is great for hair hygiene, but you also have to get a new hair brush from time to time. It can be hard to bid farewell to a beloved brush, but, like most things in life, a brush has an expiration date. When you notice that the bristles fray and start falling off, get your wallet out and buy a new brush. A higher quality hair brush should last for two to three years before you have to toss it out and repeat the cycle again. 

Choose The Right Brush To Prevent Static

Finding the right brush for your hair can prove difficult at times. Once you find the right brush, you’ll be able to save lots of time and money when you need new ones in the future. The shape, size, and type matters, but so does the cushion, bristles, and other features. Does your hair get charged up when you brush it? Consider using a brush that has negative ions. Choose a brush that has boar, wood, metal, or other natural bristles, and avoid using brushes with plastic bristles. 

Don’t Over-brush Your Hair

Brushing is not a process that you rush. As much as you would like to get it over with, brushing is an action that requires care and attention. Brushing wet hair, even though it is easy to detangle, can cause it to break more easily. Avoid over-brushing as much as possible to minimize the stress you put on your hair. Use a wide-toothed comb or a hair brush that has natural, flexible bristles when you brush your hair, and glide it slowly through your hair without too much force.

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Do you have lemons and hate chemicals and artificial fragrances? If that describes you then it’s time to start making your own non-toxic household cleaning spray. The beauty of the cleaning spray recipe in this article is that it only contains two ingredients: lemons and distilled white vinegar. If you don’t have lemons but have an abundance of limes or oranges, feel free to use them instead. Any citrus fruit will do!

Citrus season runs from late fall to late winter, so you may have a lot of oranges, lemons, tangerines, limes, or grapefruits on hand. This is especially true if you have citrus trees in your yard or neighborhood. Do you have friendly neighbors who leave boxes of wonderful citrus fruits outside their house for the neighborhood to take? Those are the best people! The point we are trying to make is that you will most likely have a lot of citrus scraps if you have a lot of citrus. Instead of throwing them in the trash or compost (more ideal than the trash), save them and make your own cleaning spray. 

Vinegar For Cleaning

It is important to note that vinegar is not a powerful disinfectant. It has some disinfectant properties, but it is nowhere near as effective as bleach or other commercial disinfectant products. This is why it is important to decide if you want to clean or disinfect. If you want to disinfect surfaces (kill most bacteria), you may want to use a classic disinfectant spray or cleanser that specifically kills germs. 

Distilled white vinegar can be an effective household cleaner on certain surfaces. It is an inexpensive, easy-to-obtain product that is about 5% acetic acid, which works to break down the structure of certain stains, oils, films, or bacteria. That same acidic quality can harm certain surfaces, such as hard wood floors, aluminum, cast iron, waxed wood, or natural stone. Vinegar can be a highly effective cleaner for glass, refrigerator shelves/drawers, or removing water stains from showers. Just make sure to do the research on whether the surface you want to clean will or won’t be harmed by vinegar. 

Gather Your Lemon Rinds

In order to make the cleaning spray in this article, you have to gather lemon rinds (or other citrus rinds) in a large glass container. Ideally, you should use a half-gallon mason jar, but a small pitcher or a few smaller jars will also work. A great time to make this cleaning spray is after you make freshly-squeezed lemonade, pesto, or similar recipe involving lots of citrus. If it is going to take you more than a week to collect all your rinds, add a little white vinegar to the jar by day six or seven. Pour enough to submerge the citrus rinds in order to prevent molding. 

Once you have a good amount of citrus rinds in the jar (doesn’t have to be completely full), pour the white vinegar into the container to submerge the rinds completely. You can add some fresh herbs for increased aromatherapy, if you so desire. Let the rinds soak for at least one week, and up to three weeks. You can let the container sit out at room temperature, but make sure to give it a shake every few days to mix things up. 

Lemon Vinegar Cleaning Spray

Equipment:

• Large glass jar (or other container for steeping)
• Spray bottle
• Fine mesh strainer/cheesecloth

Ingredients:

• Lemon rinds or citrus rinds (enough to fill the jar)
• Distilled white vinegar 
• Optional: fresh aromatic herbs (such as lavender, rosemary, or thyme)

Instructions:

• Collect your lemon or citrus rinds and stow them inside a large glass container. If you cannot collect all the rinds at one time, store the jar in the fridge as you continue to collect them. Should you need longer than a week, freeze the jar. 
• Once your jar is nearly full of citrus rinds, pour distilled white vinegar into the jar to completely submerge the rinds. Feel free to add a handful of fresh herbs at this time before you screw on the lid. 
• Allow the citrus rinds to soak in the jar of vinegar at room temperature for at least one week, and up to three weeks. Give the jar a shake every few days.
• Strain the citrus rinds after the soaking period, removing as many rind chunks as possible to avoid clogging the spray bottle. 
• Pour the strained liquid into a spray bottle and use when ready. It’s great for laminate kitchen counters, stainless steel appliances, showers, sinks, inside the fridge, or other durable surfaces.

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It’s no secret that a lot of people struggle to fall asleep, or stay asleep. According to the American Sleep Apnea Association, about 50 to 70 million Americans have sleep disorders. One in three adults do not get the recommended amount of uninterrupted sleep they need nightly to optimize their health.In 2022, only 32% of Americans reported very good or excellent sleep. 

If you have difficulty with sleep, be it falling asleep or staying asleep, you have to fix the problem. Easier said than done, right? Sleep is a fundamental part of your overall health and well-being, and insufficient sleep can negatively affect your health. That is why many sleep experts recommend establishing a healthy nighttime routine. Give yourself an hour or more to relax before you actually go to bed. Wrap up your tasks around eight o’clock at night and take time for yourself. 

In this post, we will detail some helpful tips that can calm the mind and body before bed. Take some quality “me time” at night because you can’t care for others if you don’t care for yourself. You don’t have to do everything on this list, but a lot of people find many portions of this routine very helpful.

Watch Your Favorite Show

There is a lot of evidence that indicates a problem with screen time before bed. Going from your computer, to the TV, and then to your phone as you get into bed is not what this tip is about. Most people have busy schedules, so allot one hour, or thereabouts, to watch an episode of whatever you are watching. That could be your favorite show or some funny YouTube videos. It is 100% acceptable to spend time on other things that work, chores, or schoolwork. You can easily get lost in your priorities, but don’t forget that your health is also a priority. Just make sure to turn off screens about an hour before bedtime. 

Plan Your Day

Not to add another item to your to-do list, but this can be a great thing to add to your nighttime self-care routine. Plan out your next day in order to get a better visual of what you need to do. Once you write your list, separate your hard priorities, soft priorities, and non-urgent tasks. Do you like to accomplish tasks in blocks of time? Place the priorities in your planner and choose time frames, during which you can complete them. Add your most difficult tasks to the start of your day because your brain will be fresh, so you can knock them out in a breeze. 

A Break Is Encouraged

It is perfectly acceptable to take a break. In fact, you deserve a break! You have probably been sucked into the work vortex, being pulled every which way to complete tasks with quick turn-around deadlines. When you have a moment to yourself, taking a break to rest can feel unproductive, but this relaxation time is often necessary for your overall health. After a long day of racing around town or a stressful day in the office, put yourself first in the evening. Your self-care nighttime routine is the break you deserve.

Hone Your Skin Care Routine

It’s easy to just skip your skin care routine after a long day. The energy levels are low and the effort to care for your skin just isn’t there. Don’t be that person! Your skin needs love, too! Going through your nightly skin care routine can help prevent breakouts, which can often result from stress, overeating, or lack of skin cleansing. This routine doesn’t have to be a 15-step process, just so you know. You can use a simple cleanser, moisturizer, and eye cream as your primary products. Just make sure they are high quality and as natural as can be. 

Read A Good Book

A lot of people want to read, but they can’t find the time. Reading in the morning is not feasible and you definitely don’t want to read during your lunch break. Why not incorporate reading into your nighttime self-care routine? Reading can help you unwind and may even help lull you to sleep after a solid 30-40 minutes. This is a great thing to do in place of watching TV right before bed. If reading an actual book proves difficult, consider listening to an audiobook. This is a great option, but just make sure you aren’t playing games on your phone while you listen to the book. Lie in bed and let the writing take you places. 

Tidy Up Just A Little

A 10-minute tidy-up can go a long way in relaxing your mind before bed. You don’t have to worry about a cluttered room or mess if you spend a small amount of time cleaning up at night. Nobody wants to wake up to a sink full of dishes or a pile of clothes that you didn’t put away. Waking up to a task like this can bring your mood down in the morning because it makes it seem like you have more things to do than there really are. Don’t let yourself start out in a slump! Set a timer on your phone for 10 minutes and clean up as much as you can during this time. A huge mess can seem intimidating, but you’ll be surprised to see how much you can tackle in just 10 minutes!

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Why are colds, flus, and other respiratory illnesses more common in colder months? People tend to stay indoors, which allows viruses to pass more easily from one person to another. The cold, dry air outside and warm indoor air with poor circulation may weaken the body’s resistance to these viruses.

You may strive to create a germ-free household, but this can prove difficult. That’s why health experts recommend that you set up a disinfecting routine. First, though, you have to understand the difference between cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines these terms as follows:

• Cleaning: A process that involves scrubbing a surface with water and soap, which helps remove most, not all, germs and grime from the surface. 
• Sanitizing: A process that uses a diluted bleach solution or sanitizing spray to remove germs from surfaces or objects. Always clean before you sanitize. 
• Disinfecting: A process that uses chemicals or a stronger bleach solution to clear the majority of germs from surfaces or objects. Again, always clean before you disinfect. 

Before you embark on your cleaning journey, identify the most high-touch surfaces in your home. Doorknobs, light switches, countertops, appliance handles, and faucets require frequent cleaning. It’s best to regularly wipe down countertops and other visibly dirty surfaces. 

Wash Linens And Bedding Regularly

Shedding skin cells and sweat is completely natural, whether you are walking around or sleeping. All that grime can build up on soft surfaces in your home, including your pillows, blankets, and bedsheets. Health experts encourage you to change and wash your sheets weekly to prevent bacterial build-up. When you launder your bedding and bed clothes, you can reduce the presence of dust mites or other allergens that can hide in bedding. Get a second or third set of sheets to swap them out more easily. 

Check And Change Your HVAC Filters

If you have a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system in your home, you have to change filters regularly to keep indoor air clean. Some smart thermostats will even remind you to change your filters, which is very helpful. Thicker air filters tend to last longer and trap more allergens or illness-causing particles. Regarding HVAC filters, most companies recommend the following:

• One-inch thick filters: change every 30-60 days. 
• Two-inch thick filters: change every three months.
• Four-inch thick filters: change every six months. 

Manage Humidity Levels

Humidity levels in the home can affect your risk of contracting a virus. According to a study from 2021, moderate humidity levels between 40-60% may reduce the risk of viral transmission. That helps make viruses less likely to survive in the air. Most home thermostats can detect or display indoor humidity levels. If the humidity level drops below 30%, you may want to invest in a humidifier, especially when cold and flu season is around the corner. Additionally, wash your hands and disinfect surfaces more frequently if humidity levels drop.

Declutter Every Night

Some people feel tremendous anxiety if they go to bed without cleaning up their mess. When you wake ups to a tidy room, bathroom, kitchen, and living room, some of that morning stress may not be there. You don’t have to deep clean your house every night, but a minimal cleaning session can go a long way in preparing your mind and body for bed. Put away loose items, wipe down countertops, do all the dishes (or put them in the dishwasher), and don’t leave cosmetics all over the bathroom counter. If all of that seems stressful, consider rounding everything up in a basket and placing that in one spot as a start. 

Revamp Your Entryway

If you walk into your house and don’t remove your shoes, you are tracking dirt and other germs inside. The entryway, be it grand or small, is a place to shed your outside self before fully entering the home. Maybe you toss your jacket somewhere, fling your shoes, and discard your bag aimlessly. A tidy entryway can minimize clutter and help prevent germs from entering the home. Below, you’ll find a few tips to help keep your entryway clean:

• Take off your shoes once you enter your home.
• Use a basket or other receptacle to collect things that don’t belong in the entryway. Empty it regularly.
• Create a designated spot for outdoor footwear, for example, a shoe rack.
• Organize your cleaning supplies, such as disinfectant spray and wipes, and keep them on a nearby shelf near the entryway.
• Install a light to ensure proper lighting in your entryway. This can make it easier to spot dirt or grime when cleaning.

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There is something to be said about a great cutting board. You probably use it all the time and may even use it as a charcuterie board on special occasions. When you use a wooden cutting board a lot, though, it begins to look dry and dull. It doesn’t retain that shine that sold you on it in the first place. Instead it looks beaten down with various knife cuts from repeated usage. That’s why you have to revive it with a conditioning treatment!

There are butcher block creams available at kitchen stores or online. Typically, the ingredient list is very short, usually consisting of beeswax and food-grade mineral oil. If the ingredient list is that simple, can’t you simply make your own? The answer, in case you were wondering, is yes. If you are already a DIY enthusiast, you may have beeswax and only need to procure food grade mineral oil. You can even buy a cutting board oil at most hardware stores!

How To Clean A Wooden Cutting Board

First off, always hand-wash your wooden cutting board. You don’t need to put your wooden cutting board or utensils in a dishwasher or submerge them in a sink full of soapy water. Both of those cleaning methods can actually warp or crack your wooden items. Remove any food bits with a bench scraper or spatula before placing it under water. If you notice stubborn stains, you can use a slurry of baking soda and water and scrub the mixture into the cutting board with a sponge.

Scrub the board with a sponge and hot soapy water (a mild dish soap is best). Always wash both sides of the cutting board to prevent uneven drying. Rinse the board and dry with a clean dish towel or paper towel. Stand it upright to prevent residual water from pooling and allow it to air-dry completely. 

How To Condition Your Wooden Cutting Board

Wood naturally dries out after frequent washings, which is why you have to condition it in order to prevent cracking. A properly conditioned cutting board also provides a protective barrier against moisture. That helps to keep the board clean and makes it less prone to warping or cracking. Conditioning your wooden cutting board also reduces the likelihood of staining or absorbing strong odors from certain foods. 

There are several ways to condition a wooden cutting board and if you have a method that works for you, wonderful. Some people prefer specific oils or waxes, so keep using the one you like if you fall into that category. Once you have your conditioner of choice, you want to dip the corner of a rag into the mixture and rub it around the cutting board. You should start to notice an improvement in appearance as you make your way across the cutting board. 

DIY Wooden Cutting Board Conditioning Cream

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon beeswax pellets (or grated beeswax)
• 4 tablespoons food-grade mineral oil

Instructions:

• Combine the beeswax and mineral oil in a small heat-safe glass jar (a measuring cup or pint canning jar will work). Place the jar in a small saucepan filled with a couple inches of water over medium heat. 
• Keep the saucepan on the stove until the beeswax has fully melted. You want the contents in the jar to be completely liquid. 
• Pour the melted mixture into a small jar and allow it to cool at room temperature. It will turn into a gel-like consistency. 
• To use, dip the corner of a rag into the mixture and spread it onto the cutting board, rubbing it gently. Continue until you have completely conditioned the entire board.

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Are your teeth looking a little longer these days? If so, you may need to change some lifestyle habits because your gums may be receding. Receding gums can increase your risk for sensitivity, cavities, and tooth loss. Although gum recession is a gradual problem, you don’t want to let it get out of hand. 

What Are Receding Gums?

Gum recession is a form of gum disease that occurs when the gum tissue pulls away from the teeth. If left untreated, the gums can recede so much so that the roots of the teeth become exposed. That can cause irritation when brushing, eating, or drinking liquids at varying temperatures. 

Gum recession is most common in people over the age of 65, but it can affect people of all ages. You are more likely to develop receding gums if you had braces or other orthodontic treatment, periodontal disease, or use chewing tobacco. Interestingly, brushing your teeth excessively or having a lip or tongue piercing also increases your risk of receding gums. About 88% of people over the age of 65 have gum recession on one or more teeth, and you can learn about more causes below. 

You Have Plaque Or Tartar Buildup

If you don’t brush and floss regularly, your gums can recede. Dentists explain that poor dental hygiene can cause plaque (a film from bacteria and food) and tartar (hardened plaque that causes tooth decay) to build up along the gum lining. Not only can plaque and tartar inflame the gums, but they can also make them more susceptible to recession. If you want to prevent plaque buildup, brush your teeth twice daily for at least two minutes at a time. Floss once a day and consider using an antibacterial mouthwash to encourage optimal oral health.

You Grind Your Teeth

Repeatedly grinding your teeth can put stress on your gums, which can cause inflammation and swelling. Over time, that inflammation can cause gums to recede. Bruxism, the technical term for teeth grinding, can happen to anyone, but it typically results from unmanaged anxiety. Most teeth grinders don’t realize that they do it because they usually grind while asleep. That’s why you may wake up with tooth sensitivity or tight jaw muscles. If you have tooth grinding symptoms, consider talking with your dentist about it. You may need to wear a mouthguard at night or practice relaxation techniques to manage stress. 

You Smoke Or Use Tobacco

Smoking causes discoloration of your teeth, but it also affects your gums, especially if you dip (use chewing tobacco). Tobacco reduces immune function, making it more difficult for your gums to fight off infection. That can lead to gum inflammation and gum recession, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Obviously, the best way to protect your mouth from this is to stop smoking or using chewing tobacco. There are many methods that can help you stop smoking, but if you do use tobacco, please continue to brush and floss regularly. Don’t forget to get regular cleanings from the dentist as well. 

Your Tongue Or Lip Piercing Is To Blame

This sounds strange, but an oral piercing can actually increase the risk of gum recession over time. The piercing can cause irritation or inflammation that causes the gums to recede. Oral piercings may also cause an injury that damages the teeth or gum tissue. Damaged gum tissue can lead to inflammation and recession. If you have an oral piercing, you have to be extra attentive with your oral care. In addition to brushing and flossing, follow oral piercing cleaning instructions to reduce the risk of infection or gum recession.

You Brush Too Hard

Brushing regularly is a must for optimal oral health, but being overzealous with your brushing can do more harm than good. Aggressive brushing can irritate gum tissue, which causes inflammation that can lead to gum recession over time. If you have sensitive gums, consider getting a soft- or medium-bristle toothbrush to be more gentle on your gums. Always brush your teeth twice per day, but remember to be gentle on your teeth. Use gentle, circular motions with and consider holding your toothbrush differently to reduce intensity. Try to hold the brush with only your thumb, index, and middle fingers. Not only does this give you less leverage, but it may also remind you to go easier on your gums.

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From descaling coffee makers to getting rid of grime and water stains, vinegar is an excellent cleaning agent. Distilled white vinegar is a versatile cleaner in the non-toxic cleaning world, but multi-purpose does not mean it is all-purpose. When it comes to cleaning with vinegar, there are household items that can easily damage if you clean them with vinegar. Additionally, if you mix vinegar with other cleaning agents, especially bleach, the acid in vinegar can create dangerous chemical reactions.

People like vinegar because it is both inexpensive and non-toxic. Even though it is readily available, it is not a one-size-fits-all solution for every cleaning obstacle you face. You don’t want to ruin wood finish or damage your stone countertop. For these reasons, we’ve highlighted seven things that you should never clean with vinegar.

Grout

If you have unsealed or damaged grout, do not clean it with vinegar. Over time, vinegar can wear grout away and cause it to deteriorate. If you have sealed grout, however, you can clean it with vinegar, but you should still use non-acidic cleaners to avoid ruining your grout. 

Cast Iron

Don’t let any cast iron lovers ever see you soak your cast iron pans in vinegar. There is a specific set of rules to follow when it comes to seasoning and cleaning your cast iron pans. The seasoning process slowly builds up a coat of oil that helps keep cast iron non-stick. The reason that you should not use vinegar to clean your cast iron is because it cuts through that film, in addition to reacting with cast iron and causing it to rust.

Hardwood Floors

Tile floors can take a beating, but hardwood floors are a little more sensitive. People have mixed feelings about completely avoiding vinegar on hardwood floors or using a diluted vinegar solution to clean them. Most flooring manufacturers recommend that you do not clean floors with vinegar because the strong acid can eat away at the finish, causing it to dull over time. 

Rubber Gaskets And Hoses

If you repeatedly expose rubber gaskets and hoses to vinegar, they will disintegrate over time. Make sure that you check the manufacturer’s instructions before you clean household appliances with vinegar. Dishwashers, washing machines, and refrigerators may contain rubber that can easily disintegrate when exposed to vinegar. 

Pet Messes

If you have a pet, especially a new one, they will most likely pee or poop in the house. Vinegar is not an ideal cleaning agent for surfaces like mattresses, upholstered furniture, or carpeting. The Humane Society of the United States does not recommend the use of vinegar on pet messes. The reason for this is because the strong chemical odors may encourage your pet to reinforce the urine scent mark in that area. Ideally, use an enzyme-based cleaning agent for pet messes. 

Your Phone Or Tablet

Maybe you are following a recipe and dirty the screen of your phone or tablet. Whatever you do, don’t clean the screen with vinegar. Additionally, if you are making dressing or something that calls for vinegar, avoid splashing vinegar on the screen. The screen has a fingerprint-resistant coating that vinegar can damage. Should you need to clean your screen, use a microfiber cloth dampened with water. 

Natural Stone Surfaces

Marble, granite, and other natural stone surfaces, such as slate, should not be cleaned with vinegar. That means don’t use vinegar on home furnishes like countertops, floors, or shower walls, or household goods like tabletops or serving pieces. The acid in vinegar can etch stone or cause pitting that you cannot undo.

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