But be careful that your cleaning efforts don’t backfire, since many cleaning products can cause allergy-like symptoms for some. “The cleaning product does not trigger an allergy, but it is an irritant,” says Julie McNairn, MD, an allergist and immunologist in private practice in Middletown, Ohio. “And an irritant can cause the same symptoms as an allergy.”
Symptoms of Allergy Irritation
Symptoms of irritation that can be caused by cleaning products include:
SneezingItchy, watery eyesCongestionAsthma attack, wheezingSkin rash
Who Should Clean?
The best way to avoid irritation from cleaning products is to have someone in the household who does not have allergies do the cleaning. Even the act of cleaning, especially doing things like sweeping, can trigger an allergic reaction, because it stirs up dust and other allergens. However, if you suffer from allergies and must do the cleaning in your home, it can help to use products that are less likely to cause allergy symptoms. First, a word or two on what not to use.
Home Cleaning: Products to Avoid
It’s best to avoid using cleaning products that contain harsh, potentially irritating chemicals. Common home cleaning chemical ingredients that can be irritating include:
FormaldehydeAmmoniaSodium lauryl sulphateD-limoneneSodium hypochlorite
These chemicals are found in many cleaning products, including:
Furniture polishDisinfectantsMildew removersDish detergentsDish soapsLaundry detergentsFabric softenersAll-purpose cleanersDrain, oven, and glass cleaners
Learn to read labels and stay away from cleaning agents that have these ingredients.
Products to Use for Home Cleaning
For allergy sufferers, the best types of cleaning products are those that are non-toxic. “Green” cleaning products can be better for those with allergies, but read the labels carefully, as some of these products still contain irritating substances. “The bottom line is that baking soda and vinegar can get just about anything cleaned, in different concentrations for different uses,” says McNairn. “You can use white vinegar and baking soda almost anywhere, really, and it doesn’t have that ‘off’ odor that a lot of cleaning supplies have.” But, warns McNairn, “You should never mix bleach with vinegar or bleach with ammonia.” McNairn suggests:
Vinegar and salt for a surface cleanerBaking soda and water to clean baby bottlesBaking soda on carpeting to remove scents or odorsOlive oil or lemon juice with vegetable oil for furniture careVentilation, cinnamon and cloves, or steeped tea for air freshening
Tips to Reduce Allergens at Home
There is no need to obsess about home cleaning, since there is really no way to completely eliminate allergens in your home, McNairn says. That said, allergy sufferers can benefit from regular home cleaning to reduce indoor allergens, including molds, pollen, pet dander, dust mites, and cockroach droppings. Here are cleaning tasks you may want to add to your regular routine:
Reducing dust-collecting clutterRegularly vacuuming carpeted floors with a double-bag or HEPA filter vacuumRegularly washing blankets and throw rugsWashing all bed linens in hot water every weekKeeping counter surfaces clean and dryNot leaving food around, and storing food in sealed containers
Taking a few simple steps to keep dust to a minimum, preventing molds from growing, and controlling cockroaches and other pests may help minimize your allergy symptoms.
