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Spring-cleaning strategies to reduce triggers for allergies and asthma
Spring cleaning is now in full bloom – and it's a particularly important rite for anyone who suffers from asthma. In the U.S., that number is more than 22 million, and nearly six million of them are children.
Asthma attacks are triggered by tiny airborne particles called allergens. These allergens lurk in dust mites, animal dander, cockroaches and their droppings, mold and mildew and pollen. Good cleaning practices can reduce the amount of allergens in the home. Nancy Bock, Vice President of Education at The Soap and Detergent Association, shares some allergen-reducing cleaning strategies.
Move It Out
The more stuff you have around, including piles of mail, stacks of paper grocery bags and a cache of newspapers, the more places there are for dust and its allergens to accumulate – and for mold, mildew and cockroaches to live and grow. Clean them out. Then take a hard look at the other things you own. Recycling old belongings and collectables or donating them to charity will cut down on dust throughout the house, which makes cleaning easier.
Put It Away
Items that are out of sight are less likely to become magnets for dust and mold.
- Keep small items, like CDs, tapes, DVDs, books, figurines and stuffed animals in enclosed storage containers, drawers or closed cabinets.
- Develop a system for handling the build-up of mail. Open the mail over the wastebasket or recycle bin so the unwanted stuff doesn't linger in the house.
- If you hold newspapers and magazines for recycling, keep them in a closed container or store them in the garage.
Dust It Off
The goal is to reduce dust, not distribute it into the air. If the person doing the cleaning suffers from asthma, he or she should keep the house well-ventilated while cleaning or ask someone else to vacuum while he or she is out of the room. Be aware that dust particles can remain in the air for up to two hours.
- Choose a dusting product or a special cloth that attracts dust.
- Use an upright vacuum or a canister style with a power nozzle. They pick up two to six times as much dust from a rug as canisters without a power nozzle.
Change It Out
Spring cleaning is a good time to make some changes in your home that'll lessen the influence of allergens.
- Special dust mite-proof covers, sometimes called "allergy impermeable" covers, will help keep dust from going through pillows and mattresses. Wipe covers with a damp cloth every week.
- Exchange heavy draperies for lightweight, washable curtains.
- Replace open-shelf storage with drawers and closed cabinets.
SDA has useful cleaning tips for households with family members who suffer from asthma or allergies. Check out Cleaning to Control Allergies and Asthma online at www.cleaning101.com/health/NewAllergies/. A Spanish-language version is also available at www.cleaning101.com/health/allergias.
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