Hacks for Your Life Vol. II

//1// Create no-show socks in a pinch! 

//2// Microwaving lemons and other fruits can double the juice you get from them. 

//3// Make cleaning your refrigerator quicker by using Saran Wrap Press and Seal.

//4// Adding a small amount of 7 Up to the water in your flower vase can help the blooms last longer.

//5// Create double clothes hangers with can tabs.

//6// Use WD40 to remove gum from the bottom of shoes.

//7// Use peppermint oil to keep spiders away.

//8// Put a dryer sheet over the bristles of your comb or brush to help with static.

//9// Use fresh lemon and baking soda to help get rid of blackheads and clogged pores.

//10// Create a Fall fragrance for your home using only natural ingredients. 

//11// Transfer your store bought berries from their plastic containers into glass mason jars or other glass jars to keep them fresher longer. 

//12// Make your own ice pack for lunch boxes or coolers that doesn't drip when it melts.

Make sure to check out Hacks for Your Life Vol. I!

Recent Amazon Purchases

I'm obsessed with Amazon. I have Prime and the credit card so I buy whatever I can whenever I can from Amazon with the perks of getting 5% cash back and 2-day shipping. Using Amazon also saves me from having to run errands after work. I love getting the packages delivered right to my door! 

Let's talk about some of my recent Amazon purchases.

I've been gearing up for the damp, cold temperatures of Fall and Winter. I replaced an old space heater with the GiveBest Portable Electric Space Heater. This little baby does not disappoint! It heats up small areas (such as my bathroom and bedroom) very, very quickly. I use this for a little extra heat in those areas on cold mornings. I also get piece of mind as it comes with tip-over protection shut off. I also purchased the PROALLE Electric Heated Foot Warmer. I have poor circulation so no matter the time of year my feet, and especially my toes, are so cold I often can't feel them. It's really unpleasant and uncomfortable. So far, I'm really happy with this product! It has an auto-shut off after two hours so I can use it at night in bed, I can use it as a heating pad for other areas of my body, and it came in my favorite color - purple! 

I have been buying the Solimo Body Wash from Amazon for a while now. The one I buy is for sensitive skin, but it's still very thick and creamy. The main reason I buy it is because you can't beat the price!

These Fruit of the Loom No Show Socks were a great find! They are really breathable, but offer tons of padding and support. They're prefect for a long day on my feet.

My hair is long and thin, but full so it always tangles. I lovingly refer to it as a 'rat's nest.' Not using detangler after the shower is not an option. I've tried a few different products, but most recently purchased amika The Wizard detangling primer because my stylist recommends it. It works and smells amazing! 

I like to use a mesh pouf shower ball with my body wash. With these, you need to remember that they can start to harbor a lot of bacteria and germs really quickly. This four-pack from Amazon is priced really well so that I can use and replace them ALL.THE.TIME.

This summer we found a lake within a park that has kayak, canoe, and paddle boat rentals and they allow you to take your pet! Scout really doesn't know how to swim so I was able to find him a well made, affordable doggie life vest from HAOCOO on Amazon. He looks super cute in it too!

Just like your mesh poufs, makeup sponges should be changed regularly and often. I found a set by BEAKEY that offered 3 sponges of different shapes, plus a kabuki brush for only $9.99. Winning!

What are you purchasing from Amazon?

My Skin Care Routine

Over the last year I've been working with the dermatologist I work for on a personalized skin care regimen that it best for me. As we started putting together a plan I gave her my top three concerns: 1. adult acne, 2. sensitive skin, 3. aging (I turned 36 this month). Through trial and error we came up with a routine that works for me!

AM

//1// Cetaphil Gentle Foaming Cleanser

//2// Aczone 7.5% gel. Aczone is a prescription topical acne medication that works well on inflammation.

//3// Vanicream Moisturizing Lotion

//4// Beauty Pie Ultralight Daily SPF 30 Broad Spectrum Sunscreen. Sunscreen is a must every day even if I'm not going to working inside all day. This product is a great primer for makeup too!

//6// Vanicream Lip Protectant/Sunscreen SPF 30

//7// Spironolactone 50mg-100mg. Spironolactone is a prescription medication on the market that can be used for many different things, including as a non-antibiotic oral acne medication. I usually stick with 50mg daily unless I'm having a noticeable flare. With flares I'll take 100mg for 1-2 weeks or until it's under control. 

PM

//1// Panoxyl 4% Wash. Panoxyl is formulated with 4% benzoyl peroxide to kill acne-causing bacteria, but is still gentle enough that it doesn't irritate my sensitive skin. It can also be used on the chest and back for acne breakouts. If you use this one make sure you use an older towel and pillow case. Benzoyl peroxide will bleach fabrics!

//2// SkinMedica Lytera 2.0 Pigment Correcting Serum. This product can be used twice daily, but I only use it once daily due to my sensitive skin. It helps correct the appearance of hyperpigmentation and prevents the appearance of new spots while visibly balancing the appearance of your skin tone (great for melasma and sun damage).

//3// Vanicream Moisturizing Lotion or Cream. If I feel my skin is extra thirsty I'll switch from the lotion to the heavier cream. I always use the cream to moisturize my body other than my face.

//4// Altreno 0.5% lotion. This is a prescription Retin-A product that not only helps with acne, but also fine lines, wrinkles, and brown spots and rough spots caused by sun damage.

//5// Beauty Pie Super Moisture Lip Balm

The key to any skin care routine is that it has to be personal. What works for one person may not work for another. For me, it was getting my acne under control and being kind to my skin by using gentle products (such as the Vanicream line). What does your skin care routine look like?

Easy Ways to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

Line-dry clothing.

The dryer is one of the top energy consuming appliances in your home. Save on energy by line-drying your clothing. One dryer load uses five times more electricity than one washer load. That's also the equivalent of turning on 225 light bulbs for an hour.

Use plant based cleaning products and detergents.

Cleaning products with planted based ingredients are usually safer for the environment. Look for items with the blue and green EPA Safer Choice label.

Switch to reusable bags.

Eliminate plastic and paper grocery bags by taking your own reusable bags (like the ones featured in this post) to the store. You can eliminate the use of single-use plastic sandwich bags by switching to sturdier, washable, reusable silicon bags. Both ideas will reduce the amount of waste in landfills. 

Upgrade your light bulbs.

Incandescent light bulbs do not use electricity efficiently and add money to your monthly bill. They also give off excess heat increasing your home cooling costs. Energy Star qualified light bulbs like CFLs and LEDs are more efficient and last six times as long.

Buy clothing secondhand.

The best way to be sustainable about clothing is to reuse it. The production process to make garments is energy and water heavy. Check out your local consignment shops or scroll through ThredUp or Poshmark.

Eat local and organic. 

It's estimated that 13% of US greenhouse gas emissions result from the production and transport of food. Eating local and organic in-season produce from your city or the surrounding area can help reduce the carbon footprint created by foods being shipped in from elsewhere. Organic foods often come from smaller farms which are more likely to adopt important soil-care practices.

Turn down the heat.

Turning down the heat by just one degree reduces energy consumption by 8%! Turn the heat even lower overnight and when you aren't home.

The Healing Benefits of Aloe Vera

Use it to soothe minor burns, including sunburns. Spread a layer of pure gel extracted from the inside of an aloe vera leaf over the burned skin to help relieve the pain and inflammation. Aloe gel is 99.5% water making it very moisturizing!

Use it to fight acne. The aloe plant had antibacterial properties. Use pure aloe vera and apply it generously to your face in place of your cleanser. It boosts the blood flow in your skin helping to kill off harmful bacteria. You can also use to it spot treat breakouts! Leave the aloe on over night and wash it off in the morning. It will help reduce redness and irritation. The aloe gel from the aloe plant also contains salicylic acid, an exfoliant used in many man-made acne remedies that unclogs pores and acts as an anti-inflammatory on acne-producing oil glands.

Try eating the raw aloe vera gel straight from the plant. The gel may help help inhibit fungi, bacteria, and viruses, and could help reduce inflammation in the body. Do not eat aloe beauty gels or lotions. Learn more about eating aloe vera before you go for it!

It may improve oral hygiene. Studies have shown that aloe is effective in killing the plaque-producing bacterium Streptococcus mutans in the mouth and well as the yeast Candida albicans. Swishing and spitting 100% aloe juice can help reduce the plaque build up and help treat canker sores.

Always remember - it's best to stick to the gel right from the plant or a product that is 100% aloe vera gel (such as Fruit of the Earth Aloe Vera 100% Gel).

Tea Time: 6 Types of Teas and their Benefits

One of my coworkers is hooked on tea. Her drinking it all day long inspired me to cut out some cups of coffee. It's hard to get bored with tea because of the seemingly endless options, and it's got great health benefits too! 

Cute tea stuff...

Bathroom Upgrade on a Budget

Bathroom renovation not in the budget? Simple upgrades and updates can make a bathroom look brand new, and you'll stay in budget too!

Hang a new mirror. Changing a mirror can completely change the look of a room. Change out an ornate, highly designed mirror with a scaled back, minimal design or vise versa.

Switch out the hardware. New hardware for cabinets or drawers can show off your personality or tie the room together.

Paint the walls or the cabinets. A fresh coat of paint can really revitalize a room. It's also a cost effective option that can completely change the theme and feel of a room.

Install a new shower head. Update your bathroom with a new shower head. Switch the old one out for something brand new such as a high pressure shower head,  a dual shower head, or a rain shower head.

Replace the decor. Replacing the towels, rugs, trash cans, and/or bath mats is the easiest way to transform a bathroom. Use new colors, patterns, and textures to change up the space.

Change out the faucet. There are so many options to upgrade the vanity and sink. Choose from different finishes and handles to match your design style.

Add something living.  If space allows, add a vase of flowers, bamboo plant, or leafy, green plant. This adds relaxation and the spa feel!

Simple Ways to Fight Breakouts Overnight

Since I started working for a dermatologist I've learned so much important information that not only help my patients, but also have helped in my personal struggle with acne. I loved seeing the improvement after making a few simple changes to my nightly routine!

Don't skip your bedtime skin care routine. Consistency is key. Make sure you keep your routine of washing with a gentle cleanser, moisturizing, and applying any prescription or over the counter acne medications you are using. Cetaphil Gentle Foaming Cleanser is my favorite and try CeraVe Moisturizing Facial Moisturizing Lotion PM.

Use of humidifier at night for dry skin. Many acne medications and washes can leave your face dried out. Running a humidifier overnight in your room will help maintain better moisture levels in the air and help reduce skin dryness. I use the Miroco Ultrasonic Cool Humidifier in my bedroom.

Get 8 hours of sleep. The skin uses this time to repair itself.

Sleep on your back. Sleeping on your side can not only increase wrinkles, but the friction can increase the number of clogged pores on the sides of your face.

Sleep on a clean, silk pillowcase. Pillowcases and sheets should be laundered and changed weekly, but if you have oily skin or are prone to breakouts changing your pillowcase 2-3 times per week can be beneficial. Your pillowcase is full of sebum, bacteria, oil, and residue from your hair and makeup products. Silk is less likely to harbor bacteria. Check out Bedsure's satin pillowcases. Sold in a 2 pack!

Four Energy Giving Foods

I lack serious energy on Mondays and instead of turning to iced coffees and energy drinks, I've been trying to incorporate food that are naturally energy giving.

//1// Fortified Orange Juice

Fortified orange juice contains Vitamin D which is important for immunity and energy. Getting enough Vitamin D during the day might help you sleep better at night, and good night's sleep is key to feeling perky throughout the day!

//2// Bulgur Wheat

Carbohydrates are the body's main source of energy, but you need to pick the right ones! Bulgar wheat is a whole-grain, high fiber carb that gets digested more slowly than low-fiber carbohydrates. That means energy is released over time and you feel energized longer. Bulger wheat is great on salads, mixed with vegetables, or as an alternative to rice!

//3// Shellfish

Oysters, clams, and mussels are a top source of iron. Iron helps transport oxygen around your body which is important for fighting fatigue. Lobster and shrimp are yummy too, but have less iron!

//4// Almonds

We often aren't getting enough magnesium! Not having enough magnesium can make even the simplest tasks really tough. A half of a cup of almonds gives you 1/3 of the daily intake of magnesium we need!

Beat the Back-to-School Sniffles

Back to school means back to germs for you and your kids! Classrooms at school and daycare can be incubators for germs and viruses.

Wash your hands frequently. Scrub with warm water and soap for at least 15 seconds. Hand washing is the number one way to prevent the spread of germs and illness. Keep hand santizer with at least 70% alcohol with you for when you can't get to the sink,

Don't touch your face. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. Viruses that cause colds enter your system this way!

Use alcohol-based wipes. When someone in the house is sick, wipe high-touch items such as phones, light switches, doorknobs, and remotes with an alcohol-based wipe. Teachers - this goes for high touch items in the classroom too!

Don't crank the heat. As Fall and Winter approach, it's tempting to crank the thermostat. Dry air can dry out the protective mucous layer in your nose that keeps germs out.

Get a good night's sleep. There is growing evidence of a link between sleep and a healthy immune system. A study out of Carnegie Mellon University showed that those who slept less than 7 hours were nearly three times more likely to come down with colds than those who got 8 or more hours of sleep per night.

Protect Yourself from Pollen

Pollen is one of the most common triggers of seasonal allergies. Every spring (summer and fall too!) plants release tiny pollen grains to fertilize other plants of the same species. Pollens that cause allergic reactions come from trees, weeds, and grasses. Be prepared to protect yourself from pollen!

Use appliances with a HEPA filter. Using HEPA filters can trap pollen and may help bring allergy relief! Air purifiers and vacuums with a HEPA filter can help with both indoor and outdoor allergens.

Start a nasal spray. Nasal sprays often work faster than allergy pills and help combat symptoms such as sneezing, runny, stuffy, or itchy nose, and itchy, watery eyes. Nasal sprays work by blocking certain natural substances that cause allergy symptoms. Sprays such as Flonase, Rhinocort, and Nasacort are now available over the counter!

Turn on the air conditioning. Air conditioning can drastically reduce and even eliminate in door allergies, but make sure to practice routine maintenance of the system! A well-maintained air conditioning system can prevent allergens from circulating in the home and keep symptoms at bay.

Conquer Closet Chaos

We can't all have the closet of our dreams, but we can have our closets organized they way we've dreamed! Simple additions and subtracts along with helpful tips can help maximize space for a beautiful closet no matter what the size!

Add extra storage. Create more storage by placing a free standing drawer unit in the closet. These units sturdy and not only offer more space with the drawers, but also with their solid tops. 

Use wasted wall space. Attach a towel bar and hooks to unused wall space in the closet to create a personalized display for your scarves, belts, hats, and other accessories.

Stagger shoes. You can fit more shoes on a closet shelf if you store each pair in opposite directions. Face one shoe toe to the front and it's mate's heel to the front.

Spend of self dividers. Shelf dividers are a handy organizing tool that keep items separate while also preventing piles from toppling over, allowing you to stack items higher.

Hang bags on the door. Adding hooks to the inside of the closet door will offer space for your entire purse, bag, and tote collection. It also allows you to see what you have and makes picking a purse for your outfit much easier!

Label. Storage bins and baskets are a great way to organize a closet, but labeling is key! It's easy for bins to become crammed and jammed with unrelated items. Avoid this by creating a cute label for each bin or basket.

Smart Moves for Your Heart

Lay off the salt. According to a study by the CDC 89% of Americans consume more sodium than they should. This is a huge factor in high blood pressure and, in turn, heart disease and stroke.

Stop smoking. Smoking not only damages the lungs but is also damaging the heart and blood vessels. Smoking is the number one controllable factor in heart disease. Stay away from second hand smoke too!

Manage stress. A Penn State study revealed those who had more stress and anxiety had a lower heart rate variability which is a risk factor heart disease. Talk to a therapist or a good friend, do something you enjoy, and take steps to eliminate the things that stress you out!

Exercise. Aerobic exercise (or cardio) is good for your heart health. It's one of the the most effective tools for strengthening the heart muscle, keeping your weight under control, and helps to prevent high cholesterol, high blood sugar, and high blood pressure that can lead to heart attack or stroke.

Eat fruits and vegetables. Eating five serving of fruits and vegetables a day to boost your heart health. Make a conscious effort to include fruits and vegetables in your daily meals.  Try having a fruit and vegetable with each meal and also snack on them in between meals.

Keep up on oral hygiene. According to the Cleveland Clinic, research suggests that bacteria that cause gum disease can also raise your risks of heart disease. There's no downside to taking good care of your teeth and gums! Brush and floss twice daily and visit your dentist every 6 months.

Have sex. Sexual activity may help lower your blood pressure and risk of heart disease. Research published in the American Journal of Cardiology shows that a lower frequency of sexual activity is associated with higher rates of cardiovascular disease.

Drink tea. Brew up green or black tea! Drinking one to three cups of tea per day can help lower your risk of heart problems. It's linked to lower rates of angina and heart attacks.

Four Ways Love Improves Your Health

Love reduces stress. Falling in love floods the brain with dopamine, which heightens focus, energy, and optimism, and dopamine counteracts the stress hormone, cortisol. Non-verbal touching, verbal expressions of affection, and supportive affection can all help to reduce stress.

Love helps you sleep better.  A recent study of women found that those in stable relationship fell asleep faster and woke up less frequently than single women. Sleep is crucial to good health as it's the body's time to rebuild and cleanse.

Love decreases inflammation and provides pain relief. Feelings of love and inclusion suppressed the production of cytokines in the body. Feelings of love can influence your brain in a way that you experience reduced sensitivity to pain much like opiod pain relievers that trigger your brain's reward center.

Love improves self esteem. Research shows that feeling loved enhances our self-image and how we valve ourselves. With great self-worth we naturally engage in better behaviors such as sharing our love more freely with others.

5 Drinks for Better Health

//1// Green Tea

Green tea contains L-theanine an amino acid that can help increase the frequency of alpha waves to the brain which are linked to feelings of relaxation. The catechins in green tea may inhibit the growth of bacteria and some viruses. This can lower the risk of infections that cause cavities and bad breath thus improving overall dental health.

//2//  Black Coffee

Drinking coffee is linked with a lower risk of Alzheimer's, heart disease, and some cancers. It has potent antioxidants thought to help prevent cell damage. It also contain Vitamins B2, B3, B5, potassium, and magnesium.

//3// Tart Cherry Juice

Research has suggested that drinking tart cherry juice in the morning and before you go to bed can help you sleep longer and more soundly. Cherries are rich in melatonin, the hormone that tells your body when it's time to sleep.

//4// Coconut Water

Coconut water helps re-hydrate your body.It has electrolytes like sodium, phosphorus, calcium, and potassium. The naturally occurring sugar in coconut water helps replenish glycogen refueling tired muscles.

//5// Low Fat Milk

One cup delivers 100 units of Vitamin D. A Vitamin D deficiency can cause frequent illness, fatigue and tiredness, bone and back pain, depression, bone loss, hair loss, depression, and muscle pain. Vitamin D may help with weight loss and decrease the risk of Type II diabetes.

Hacks for Your Life

Give yourself a break and save some time this year with the following life hacks.

//1// Remove set in carpet stains with an iron.

//2// Learn how to remove a splinter easily.

//3// Use chalk to remove grease stains from clothes.

//4// Learn how to easily remove shells from hard boiled eggs.

//5// Make applying nail polish much smoother.

//6// Bake soft, fluffy cookies.

//7// Use crayons in the event of a power outage.

//8// Remove furniture dents from the carpet with ice tubes.

//9// Get rid of water rings from tables with olive oil and salt.

//10// Remove sticker glue from any surface.

//11// Make your own pizza dough with only two ingredients.

//12// Use tea bags in smelly shoes. 

Five Big Wins in Global Healthcare in 2018

//1// Australia eliminated rubella. Australia joined a group of more than 30 countries who have successfully eliminated the vaccine-preventable disease rubella. 

//2// Public breastfeeding became legal in all 50 US states. The United States has helped to de-stigmatize breastfeeding passing a law making it legal to breastfeed publicly around the country.

//3// Paraguay officially eliminated malaria. As of June 2018, the country of Paraguay had no reported cases of malaria in five years. The World Health Organization was able to classify the country as malaria-free.

//4// The development of a new rotavirus vaccine was approved. In January 2018, vaccine manufacturer Bharat Biotech announced that the World Health Organization had approved the development of a new rotavirus vaccine (called ROTAVAC) which only costs $1 per dose. Rotavirus and other diarrheal viruses are the second leading causes of death in children under 5 years old around the world.

//5// Canadian researchers found  way to make all blood types compatible. The Center for Disease Control reports that research at the University of British Columbia found a way to convert all types of blood to the universal O-negative in 2018. O-negative blood can be given to people with Type A, B, AB, and O thus why it's call the "universal donor."

Workouts Decoded for Your New Year's Resolution

A new year means resolutions and resolutions often involve getting healthy. The American Heart Association recommends that you do 30 minutes of moderate-intensity cardiovascular activity 5 times per week and at least 25 minutes of vigorous aerobic exercise 3 times per week. There are so many workouts to choose from. Before choosing a workout you should consider where you want to work out, how often, and for how long each time. The most important element of choosing a workout is to find one you enjoy and that you'll stick with.

HIIT 

HIIT, or high-intensity interval training, is a training technique in which you go all out with 100% effort though quick, intense bursts of exercise followed by short, active recovery periods. This type of training gets and keeps your heart rate up and burns more fat in less time.

YOGA 

Yoga has been around for more than 5,000 years. It's a practice that focuses on strengthening and stretching poses with deep breathing and meditation for relaxation. Yoga has been shown to increase strength and flexibility and also has mental and spiritual benefits.

BARRE

Barre classes mix elements of Pilates, dance, yoga, and functional training. Moves are often choreographed to music. Barre classes often incorporate the use of a ballet barre and exercise equipment such as weight balls and small hand weights. Barre workouts were designed to sculpt, slim, and stretch the entire body.

CARDIO KICKBOXING

Cardio kickboxing combines martial arts techniques with fast-paced cardio. It helps build stamina and improve coordination and flexibility. Kickboxing is a great way to burn calories and build lean muscle.

FITNESS BOOT CAMPS

Boot camp workouts are modeled after SEAL and Army training using functional movements such a sprints, sit-up, squats, and push-up. It's a great way to get in shape quickly and meet other fitness-minded individuals in your area.

SPIN CLASSES

Spin classes are an instructor-led high intensity cycling working out, usually lasting 45-60 minutes, which takes place on the stationary bike. The workout uses intervals - times of pedaling hard and times of slowing it down. Spin classes help burn calories, improve cardiovascular health, build lean muscle definition, and strengthen your core.

AND MANY MORE!

CTE & Football

Fall means friends, fun, food go along with football! In the past decade, another thing that has gone along with football is CTE.

CTE stands for Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy. It is a degenerative brain disease most commonly found in athletes and military veterans. It can affect anyone with a history of repetitive brain trauma. With repetitive brain trauma, a protein known as Tau forms clumps that slowly spread throughout the brain killing brain cells.

CTE can only be diagnosed after death through brain tissues analysis. First, we should be aware of those who are risk. Anyone who has suffered repetitive hits to the head are at risk. In modern day this included boxers, MMA fighters, soccer players, ice hockey players, tackle football players, military veterans, and those who are victims of repeated domestic violence.

There are certain risk factors to keep in mind. Those at higher risk for developing CTE are individuals who have had repetitive hits to the head before the age of 12 and the length of the exposure to head impacts.

There is no treatment for CTE, but symptoms can be managed. Symptoms can include impulse control problems, aggression, depression, and paranoid.  As the disease progresses patients may experience memory loss, confusion, impaired judgement, and dementia.

Working with a cognitive behavioral therapist can help patient manage mood symptoms including depression, irritability, and anxiety. Massage, acupuncture, or medication may be helpful for headaches, and memory training exercises can be helpful in continuing daily living despite difficulty with memory.

According to a New York Times report from 2017, a neuropathologist Dr. Ann McKee examined the brains of 112 NFL players. All but one were found to have CTE. Most famously, it was found that Aaron Hernandez suffered from the most severe case of CTE ever found in a person his age. Hernandez was serving a prison sentence for murder at the time of his suicide at age 27.

DIY Mold Remover

Keeping the tracks and doors of my shower clean has always been a battle, and, let's face it... mold loves to grow in moist, warm places. I enlisted some common household products to help me out.

Both distilled white vinegar and hydrogen peroxide are effective alternatives to bleach to kill mold spores in porous and non-porous materials. Hydrogen peroxide is non-toxic and won't leave any toxic residue or fumes. It's also a natural antiviral, anti-fungal, and antibacterial agent.

What You'll Need:

3% hydrogen peroxide

warm water

squirt bottle

What You'll Need to Do:

Mix 1/2 cup of hydrogen peroxide and 1 cup of warm water in the squirt bottle.

Spray on the mold/mildew.

Allow it to sit for 1 hour.

Rinse and wipe clean.