All of this warm weather we have had kind of gives us all a little “spring fever.” Springtime has always been a good time to clean out the clutter accumulated during the cold winter months. Although our winter has been relatively mild this year, we can still benefit from some cleaning safety tips.

First, let’s “clear the air.” Did you know the air inside your house is likely to be up to five times more polluted than the air you breathe outside? Here are some tips for clearing the air inside your home.

Keep moisture down. Regularly check roofs and foundations for evidence of leaks or moisture intrusion.

Mold and mildew love moisture and can really aggravate allergies and asthma. Use toxin-free moth repellants such as cedar chips in your closets. Remove all plastic from dry cleaning before hanging it in the closet.

New furniture made with particleboard or fiberboard and floor coverings and adhesives may emit volative organic compounds. These compounds, inhaled in high enough quantities, may cause eye, throat and nose irritation, headaches and even kidney or central nervous system damage.

To help limit exposure, leave windows open and run a fan for 48 hours after installing new floor covering or if new furniture has been delivered. Routinely crack a window open when the temperature and weather permit. Run exhaust fans for 20 minutes after showering. This helps keep mold spores from growing in exhaust fans. Move large pieces of furniture away from outside walls for better air circulation.

Nearly 60 percent of household dust comes from tracked-in soil and airborne particles from outside. To keep dust to a minimum: wipe down pets before letting them into the house; wipe shoes on outdoor mats; and leave coats and shoes by the door. Eliminate other impurities by changing air conditioner and heating unit filters regularly.

“Germ Alert!” Twelve percent of surfaces in the home that look clean are actually crawling with germs.

Doorknobs, light switches, refrigerator door handles, telephones and remote controls are high offenders. Give them extra attention with disinfectant wipes or sprays. Always wipe kitchen counters with an antibacterial wipe or spray after food preparations. Place cutting boards in the dishwasher or clean with Clorox sprays.

A healthier bathroom contributes to a healthier family. When toothbrushes touch each other in holders, they swap bacteria. Make sure your holder spreads them apart. Change to a new toothbrush every month or two. Always get a new toothbrush after being sick. Rinse the brush thoroughly after each use.

Plastic shower liners and curtains may contain plastics and chemicals that have potential hormone-disrupting effects, in addition to the fact that they tear easily! Use a fabric liner and curtain when possible. They can be washed in the washing machine and shed mold more easily than plastic.

Some traditional toilet-bowl cleaners may contain odor-killing chemicals that may be potential carcinogens. Try healthier environmentally safe cleaners. Studies have found that each flush of the toilet emits a bacteria-filled mist that can travel several feet. Encourage your family to put the lid down when flushing.

I would be remiss if we did not talk about the importance of hand hygiene. Washing your hands remains the No. 1 preventative measure in the spread of bacteria. There is no extra benefit to using antibacterial soaps if proper scrubbing and length of hand hygiene is used. Soap hands and scrubbing while saying your ABCs or singing “Happy Birthday” should be sufficient. The use of the antibacterial wipes or hand-sanitizing agents located in shopping cart areas is a great opportunity to prevent acquiring bacteria. Have a safe and healthy spring.

Billie Whitfield, RN, CIC, is the infection preventionist at Vidant Beaufort Hospital.