Cleaning Tips to Reduce Common Asthma and Allergy Triggers

Common asthma and allergy triggers include dust, dust mites, pet dander, mold and mildew. Scientists have also linked chemicals in traditional cleaning products to asthma and allergies. While there are no cures, there are ways to safeguard your indoor environment against airborne pathogens, VOCs and other irritants that trigger attacks.

With May designated as Asthma and Allergy Month, now is the perfect time to implement a green cleaning routine. These home cleaning tips from the green cleaning experts at Maid Brigade of Central DuPage and Kane Counties will keep you in the breath zone and out of the sneeze zone.

Bedrooms
Vacuum mattresses at least once a month and pillows weekly. Use a HEPA filter closed-canister vacuum to remove 99 percent of particles one micron or greater. Launder linens in 130 degree water or hotter to kill dust mites. And, don’t forget Mother Nature—direct sunlight kills dust mites so when the weather allows, hang blankets out in the sun and leave the bed unmade to let the sun shine in.

Home Office
The home office can be a haven for many toxins including neurotoxins and endocrine disruptors. Wipe down home office computers, copiers, printers, chargers, and surge protectors regularly with a microfiber dusting cloth to eliminate dust and fine particles that can irritate respiratory passages. Choose home office furniture carefully as it is often made of composites, which can omit toxic Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC).

Bathrooms
Moisture helps irritating mold and mildew to grow. Keep your overall home humidity below 45 percent to prevent mold and mildew growth. Use the bathroom exhaust fan when showering or open a window to allow the moisture to escape. Scour the tub and sink at least once a week using a natural scrub paste made from baking soda and water to eliminate fungus friendly soap scum.

For more asthma and allergy green cleaning tips check out the Maid Brigade Asthma and Allergy Green Guide to Relief at www.maidbrigade.com/green-house-cleaning/asthma-and-allergy-green-guide.

For more information about Maid Brigade of Central DuPage and Kane Counties visit http://www.maidbrigade.com/il/west-chicago