Living with allergies is not always easy for the sufferer as allergies and the caution to be taken usually puts some sort of restriction on the patient. To prevent an allergic reaction, the best way is to avoid triggers. Knowing your triggers and doing your best to avoid them is key in order not to let your allergies affect your quality of life.
As someone with allergies, you cannot be too careful even around common household cleaning materials. Many people are not aware that allergic reactions can lead to death in severe cases so taking caution is a better alternative. Knowing what products to use is highly essential for you.
When it comes to cleaning sprays, these are the most dangerous to those with severe allergies. Why? It is because they contain some chemicals that irritate a person with allergies. When using a cleaning product, check if they contain below chemicals because they may be harmful to you (if you have allergies):
- BLEACH: If you are suffering from allergies and they are severe, then bleach is a cleaning agent that may be toxic to you. A lot of clean sprays may contain bleach. You have to be careful to read labels carefully to avoid causing yourself harm.
Direct skin contact with bleach can cause severe burns and the fumes that emit from bleach can lead to irritation especially to someone with a respiratory problem. Bleach can cause an increased risk of some types of asthma. Caution should be taken when using cleaning spray that contains bleach or totally avoids it.
Also, take caution to see that you do not mix bleach with any chemical that contains ammonia because this is very dangerous.
- AMMONIA: Cleaning sprays that contain ammonia are as harmful as bleach. Ammonium hydroxide(Ammonia) is very common in a lot of household cleaning products and sprays. This is because of its disinfectant properties and its toughness on greasy and oily surfaces. In very high concentrations, Ammonia is very harmful and toxic.
It may not cause a lot of problems if it is in small quantities. You can say it is extremely hazardous in large quantities. Ammonia when it comes in contact with the eyes or skin can cause severe burns and permanent eye damage.
The fumes also produced by ammonia can be very irritating, and can trigger asthma and rhinitis allergic reactions. So it is advisable for people with allergies and allergic asthma to avoid cleaning with ammonia containing products.
- FORMALDEHYDE: This is another chemical that people with severe allergies should watch out for in cleaning sprays. This is common in many cleaning products but many of these products don’t contain formaldehyde in large quantities.
However, formaldehyde in a small amount can still cause a reaction. The fumes from formaldehyde (like that of ammonia) have been known to cause eye and lung irritation even skin allergies. Formaldehyde is carcinogenic (has the potential to cause cancer).
There are so many chemicals that are as harmful as the ones listed above. As someone suffering from severe allergies, it’s your duty to check the content of the cleaning products you use in order not to cause harm to yourself.
Cleaning and disinfection is an important part of the life of someone with allergies as dirt, dust and rubbish may be a trigger. However, in the bid to clean up, you may be using harmful products that may be worsening your case.
Research and study or even recommendation from a doctor can help you discover less toxic cleaning sprays that you can use.
Knowing your triggers will also help you in choosing the right cleaning sprays. Always seek medical attention if your allergies get triggered by a cleaning Spray and are cautious when purchasing your products.
What Cleaning Agents Can A Person With Severe Allergies Use?
For people with severe allergies that can be easily triggered, it is advisable to use Eco-friendly cleaning agents that do not contain harmful chemicals. Using more natural cleaning agents is advisable because they are not as harmful as chemicals.
Most of these cleaning agents or products are made from things you can get at home or at the supermarket. Here are some natural cleaning agents you might like to try:
- Baking Soda: Baking soda is easy to find and buy and works actively on proteins, grease, and animal spills. It is abrasive in texture so it can scour surfaces without leaving unwanted scratch marks.
Do you know that baking soda is also a natural deodorizer? You can switch to using baking soda than commercial scrubbing powders which are more costly. Baking soda has many other uses and I can term it a multipurpose cleaning agent.
- Distilled White Vinegar: This is known to work powerfully on alkaline substances, stopping the growth of mold and removing soap scum. This is because it’s an acid, a mild one. Distilled white vinegar is very good for removing tough stains that come from coffee spills, rust, and tea. It’s preferable to chemical coffee stain removers.
- Hydrogen Peroxide: This is a better alternative to chlorine bleach. It’s less harmful to someone with severe allergies. Hydrogen peroxide is eco-friendly which gives it a plus. It breaks down into harmless after products (oxygen and water).
- Borax:Borax is another good natural cleaning product. If you need something that will be good on stains, you can try out borax. it is very effective when it comes to cleaning oil and grease.
- Essential Oils: Most times, people with severe allergies are usually affected by perfumes. Essential oils like tea tree, lavender, eucalyptus, lemon, and lemongrass are a good replacement for other perfumes and they are sweet-smelling. They also have other uses and benefits. For example, do you know that tea tree oil has antibacterial properties?
These natural cleaning products are effective, easy to find, affordable, and easy to make at home. Making your own cleaning products will help you eliminate the risk of triggering your allergies and also help you achieve your cleanliness goals. There’s no need to go through the risk of using harmful chemicals when there are safer and better cleaning products to use.
Tips On Cleaning For People With Allergies:
As easy as cleaning seems, it can be hazardous for someone suffering from an allergy. Most times while cleaning, sufferers may come in contact with allergens that may trigger their allergic reactions.
However, cleaning is very important and unavoidable as accumulated dirt and dust may harm someone with allergies. Here are some cleaning tips that can help:
- Keep a Cleaning Schedule: Keeping a strict cleaning schedule will help you keep up with eliminating triggers. When it comes to vacuuming, once or twice a week is okay. Make sure you are using a vacuum with a HEPA filter.
A regular vacuum may do a good job but some particles are so small that only a HEPA filter can trap them. Ensure that you do not skip your cleaning schedule so that dirt and allergens don’t pile up.
- Don’t Keep Clutter: Don’t feel comfortable having clutter around. This clutter can hide dust particles and allergens. It is better that you keep your house spacious and airy. Piles of boxes or old clothing should be given out or thrown out.
- Wear Protective Clothing While Cleaning: Do wear a mask when you are cleaning, it is very important. Don’t clean without being properly covered as you can expose yourself to an allergen.
Ensure you also wash your hands or sanitizer when you’re done with cleaning so that you do not contaminate yourself. Clean with the windows open and not in a stuffy room.
- Every Part Of The House Needs Attention: Keep the bathroom clean to avoid the growth of mold. You have to scrub properly and also regularly. Wash the shower curtain often and your towels too. Wash your bedsheets at least weekly preferably in hot water. This will help you to get rid of dust mites. Do this often and regularly.
When it comes to products, go for the natural ones. Avoid using scented cleaners or detergents. It is better to use fragrance-free products or natural essential oils. Don’t air-dry laundry.
Most times, when you leave clothing outside, it will pick up pollen and other allergens. Use a clothes dryer instead because it is more sanitary. For a dusty area, it’s better to use a damp cloth and mop when cleaning because they don’t aid the dispersion of dust particles as a broom would.
The cleaner your home is, the safer it is for you and others suffering from allergies. You can also ask another family member to assist you with some of your chores especially when it comes to dusting.
You cannot be too careful when it comes to your health. Every little effort counts. Even as a pet owner with severe allergies, you have to ensure that your pet is not triggering your allergies.
Allergic reactions can be treated but it is less expensive to avoid triggers. This is why you need to keep researching and learning about your allergies to keep you on the safe path.
