Sun Lite for March 24, 2003

Monday, March 24, 2003 | 8:48 a.m.

Spring into action

The first official weekend of spring has come and gone. We suppose you wasted no time in breaking out the mop, bucket and enough chemicals to make Hans Blix take notice, and tackled your annual cleaning chores. Yea, right.

But why procrastinate when spring cleaning can provide such a high (and we aren't talking about cleanser fumes)? According to the bubbly experts at the Soap and Detergent Association in Washington, D.C., a tidy abode makes its dwellers feel "happy, satisfied, comfortable and healthy." The nonprofit association for who else? soap and detergent manufacturers recently sponsored a survey of 1,000 men and women, which revealed 78 percent of Americans had plans to spring clean this year.

What did respondents say they like most about their clean casas? For 37 percent of them, it's that clean smell. Thirty-one percent of germ-phobes can sleep better knowing that the dirt went bye-bye. For 14 percent, it's looking dust-free, while 11 percent enjoy taking care of their stuff. Not sure how or where to start scrubbing? The SDA offers some tips on its website, cleaning101.com. Among them:

No bones about it

Since we're discussing safety, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons in Des Plaines, Ill., reminds all would-be spring cleaners not to fly in the face of safety this season. You wouldn't run a marathon without first stretching your muscles. Don't subject your body to the rigors of cleaning or gardening, for that matter before doing a few warm-up exercises.

Hate to sound like a broken record, but ... always lift items with your leg muscles, and not your back. The proper technique: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and tighten your stomach muscles as you bend at the knees.

Good news: Vacuuming can be bad for your back. Bad news: There are ways to avoid it the strain, not the machine. Don't make small strokes with the vacuum. Instead, push and pull it forward and back in a long line.

Best face forward

Maybe it's not only your home that's starving for some TLC Attention: Clean up needed on Aisle You!

Dethroned Miss America-turned-actress-turned-pop star Vanessa Williams has teamed with Procter & Gamble makers of Crest toothpaste, among hundreds of other products to offer "her own tried-and-true advice" for spring cleaning yourself.

Here's a shocker: Williams recommends using Crest, as well as flossing daily, to care for that "natural beauty accessory," your smile. She also recommends setting aside up to 30 minutes each day for relaxation via a walk or a hot bath.

While you're at it, drink more energy-boosting water. Can't chug the recommended eight glasses per day? Make it easier on yourself toting a water bottle and refilling it throughout the day. Sip from it to help keep from feeling sluggish.

Come up with a "spring beauty plan." Dedicate one month to shaping up your hair. Another month, pay attention to your toes by getting a pedicure. Then get off your behind and start exercising again. We wonder, could "motivational speaker" be the next addition to Williams' resume?