For those with lung or respiratory conditions like asthma, cleaning can be even more of a chore than it usually is. Harsh chemicals included in many household cleaners can trigger or exacerbate symptoms of asthma or COPD, which can make cleaning harmful or potentially even dangerous, especially if you live in an older home without great ventilation.
Read on for five safety tips for making sure your cleaning process is safe for you and any lung conditions you may have.
1. Wear a face mask if you clean with chemicals
Chemicals like bleach are found in many household cleaners, especially for the bathroom. While these do a great job of getting rid of germs on high-contact and dirty surfaces liken toilets and sinks, they can also be dangerous to breathe in, especially if you're cleaning an area without a window or proper ventilation. To ensure you aren't breathing in potentially toxic fumes, grab a face mask (or bandana) before you start cleaning, and use an air purifier when needed.
2. De-clutter and dust frequently
Don't save spring cleaning for once a year — make it a habit to clear out any knick-knacks or items gathering dust on your shelves once a month, especially if you're highly sensitive to dust mites. Small items on bookcases or shelves can gather dust frequently, so ensure you're regularly cleaning and dusting these areas to keep dust from triggering any lung conditions.
3. Opt for scent-free cleaning products
Clean linen, forest breeze, and tropical escape-scented products may provide a quick solution for a bedroom with dirty laundry or a kitchen laden with cooking smells, but scented products can also cause headaches or exacerbate symptoms of asthma and COPD. These scents can cause shortness of breath, worsened asthma, or dizziness, so it's best to steer clear of scented cleaning products and use unscented ones, or make your own to ensure you aren't worsening any of your lung conditions.
4. Clean in well-ventilated areas
When possible, it's important to clean in well-ventilated areas with decent airflow — especially if you're cleaning with chemicals. If available, open doors and windows to ensure ventilation and control airflow out of the room you're cleaning. If windows or doors aren't an option, turn on or bring in a fan.
5. Prevent mold growth
Especially for those with moderate to severe asthma, mold can make breathing much harder. To control mold and moisture levels in your home, spritz straight vinegar onto your walls and let air dry, as vinegar helps to control the growth and spread of mold spores. To keep mold from getting bad in the first place, it's advised to invest in a dehumidifier and keep fans on when cooking or showering.
For more deep cleaning tips and ways to create your own lung-safe cleaning products, check out the below visual from Absestos.com.
