Spring Cleaning Do’s & Don’ts

April means allergy season and spring cleaning for millions of Americans each year. With irritants and germs in the air, on your hands, and throughout your home, take some time to deep clean for better eye health and a stronger immune system, while practicing social distancing. We’ve collected some of our favorite spring cleaning do’s and don’ts. Remember, our staff and doctors are still here for you! Do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or if you are experiencing an urgent eye problem. 

Do’s

Clean your glasses.
When’s the last time you disinfected your eyewear? Sunglasses, eyeglasses, reading glasses, and safety goggles can all gather bacteria and allergens over time. To keep them clean, wash them with dish soap and warm water—including the frames and lenses—to cut back on harmful bacteria near your eyes.

Clean your hands frequently.
Think about all the surfaces you touch: your computer, your phone, your counters, doorknobs, or products on grocery store shelves. The average person touches their face more than 16 times an hour, exposing themselves to all those germs they’ve come into contact with. To fight off bacteria, limit touching your face, don’t touch your eyes, and wash your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds.

Clean makeup tools.
Makeup brushes and applicators can harbor bacteria. Wash your eyeshadow brushes frequently, replace products that come into contact with your eyes regularly (mascara, eyeliner, etc.), and throw out any expired products. In addition, NEVER share makeup with friends or family members to avoid potentially serious infections.

Clean the air.
With allergy season underway, clean out airborne allergens by purchasing an indoor air purifier. Not only will this help you feel better, but it can also help you limit how often you touch your face by cutting back on symptoms like itchy eyes and sneezing.

Don’ts

Don’t ignore cleaning hazards.
After cleaning with chemical products, do not touch your eyes. Wash your hands after cleaning and keep chemicals away from children—toddlers account for more chemical eye injuries than working-aged adults.

Don’t be afraid to call for help.
If you get a chemical in your eyes, immediately flush it out with water and contact emergency medical support. It’s always better to be safe than sorry!

By following these tips for spring cleaning, you’ll keep your eyes healthy and your immune system strong. So, take advantage of your time at home and catch up on your deep cleaning. Want more information, tips, news, and updates? Follow us on Facebook (@ColumbusLaserCenter) and Instagram (@ColumbusLaser).