It occurred to me the other day that the space heater I use to heat my workout room didn’t seem to be making much of a difference. Or was it that the walls of my house had suddenly become less insulated? Or maybe it was just that it was colder outside than it had been in the days prior? No; that wasn’t right. (Why do our minds seem to arrive at the dumbest possible conclusions?)

Eventually, I landed back on the heater, thinking that its performance was certainly the cause of non-sauna-esque temperature. But why? Then it dawned on me: the filter. Of course! Of course it was the filter! I mean, when was the last time I had cleaned it? Never?

So I followed my hunch and unplugged the small appliance before plugging in the vacuum cleaner (FTR, tiny space heaters use the MOST possible electricity, and when combined with most any other appliance will almost certainly cause a short.).

Image credit: unknown

The filter was–you guessed it!–not filtering a damn particle of air. (Particle? Molecule? Alas, I spent all my time in Chemistry flirting with the two boys who sat behind me.) So I vacuumed the bunnies out of that baby, and wouldn’t you know, space heater’s once again working like a condensed solar beam.

That episode reminded me: there are plenty of other filters and fans and air vents in this house–I bet those are clogged as shit, too!

A mini vacuuming rampage commenced, neck craning was endured, a small bit of dust fell in one eyeball, but at the end of the day it was like the more free-flowing air, the merrier.

This is an important bulletin, people! This is about the air we breathe! The fans we rely upon to absorb the poop smells and keep mold and mildew at bay!

Now that we got that whole backstory out of the way, we can get down to the last quarter of this post, a.k.a. the actually pertinent content.

Image credit: In The Fields

This weekend’s Spring Clean-It

Clear the air filters and vents in your life. This might included, but is not limited to:

– Space heater filters

-Blades of ceiling and table fans you’re going to be using in a matter of weeks (??!)

-Bathroom fans

-Vents

-The filter on your hairdryer

If it circulates air, your job is to ensure the pathways are cleared.

Image credit: BHG via The Sister Sophisticate 

First, give everything a good vacuum. (As mentioned in last week’s task, this vacuum is my recommended favorite for jobs like this.) Next, if possible (and applicable) unscrew your air vents or fan covers and wash with warm, soapy water. Dry by hand, or by laying out a towel, and then replace. And then, you know, breathe easy.

P.S. My girl Sarah of Simply Real Health just launched her once yearly Simply Real Life Program, a six week online course centered around having a healthier, more balanced relationship with food. Homey knows her stuff, walks her walk, and is the most incredible, non-judgmental real food teacher. She’s taught me so much, and continues to inspire me. If you’re remotely interested in her program, don’t wait! Registration closes this coming Monday.