Your Cleaning Products Might Be the Cause of Your Allergies
A clean home is a haven for people with allergies and respiratory issues. But what if the very products you use to maintain that clean home only serve to trigger those health problems?
An allergy to cleaning products can be troublesome — especially if you don’t know what you’re reacting to. We asked cleaning pros to give us their best advice on what to look for — and what to avoid — when shopping for cleaning products that are tough on dirt but gentle on users.
Six Ingredients to Avoid if You’ve Got Allergies
It bears noting that if you have ever experienced a severe allergic reaction, you should confirm with a medical professional any ingredients to be avoided. That said, these six are common culprits found in cleaning products that those with allergies or any sensitivities should avoid.
Fragrances
This ingredient is “really a bad word” according to Sarah Mitchell, owner and founder of Eco Mama Green House Cleaning. “You want to stay away from them,” she says, noting they can cause respiratory issues and skin irritation. In addition to cleaning products, air fresheners and fabric softeners are often loaded with fragrance. Some are easy enough to avoid, although read labels carefully; Mitchell says even products labeled earth- or eco-friendly can contain fragrance.
Even if you don’t consider yourself allergic, some fragrance additives are strong enough to cause headaches. If you can relate but still love the scent of lavender, eucalyptus, or other common household scents, consider purchasing smaller-sized bottles of cleaning products to test them first.
Ammonia
“Ammonia is found in a lot of glass cleaners and polishing agents and can also cause respiratory issues and irritate the skin, eyes, and nose,” says Mitchell. Look for products that tout ammonia-free formulas instead.
Chlorine
Chlorine is another harsh chemical that you should try to avoid in your cleaning products, says Mitchell. On its own, it can irritate the mucous membranes and cause respiratory problems, but it could be deadly if you mix it with other products that contain bleach or ammonia. Note: You should never mix any chemical-based cleaning products.
Bleach
Bleach is often a main ingredient in disinfectants and whitening agents, but it’s a harsh cleanser with toxic fumes. It’s known to irritate the lungs and eyes as well as trigger asthma symptoms, says Mitchell. You might already prefer to avoid this powerful cleanser for gentler options, but it’s an absolute no-go if you’ve got respiratory issues or skin sensitivities.
Even if you’ve got a clean bill of health, you should always use it in a ventilated area and protect your skin with gloves, goggles, and a mask. “In fact, if you touch [bleach], it irritates your skin right away,” says Mónica Taher, vice president of business development at Avanti Green Eco Cleaning.
Formaldehyde
You might know it as the smelly ingredient in nail polish, but formaldehyde is a preservative found in many cleaning products — even the natural ones, according to Mitchell. It’s known to cause watery eyes, skin irritations, and respiratory issues.
Sulfates
Most detergents contain chemicals called sulfates, but people with allergies or sensitivities should avoid them and look for gentler formulas. “If you’re washing your clothes with products that contain sulfates, imagine what it does to your skin,” says Taher.
Best Practices to Avoid Cleaning-Triggered Allergic Reactions
Your safety is paramount to a clean house. Follow these best cleaning practices to avoid triggering allergic reactions.
Degrease with vinegar and baking soda.
Both cleaning pros agree a paste made from this duo is safe yet powerful — especially as a degreasing agent. “These products are fantastic, and they don’t trigger allergies or irritate your skin, so they’re a great substitute for other cleaning products,” Taher says.
Clean with castile soap.
Mitchell is a fan of castile soap, which comes in liquid form. “It’s made from plant oils without harsh chemicals you’ll find in a lot of other cleaning products — even natural ones,” she says.
Dust with microfiber cloths.
This might be all you need to capture dust and dirt. “A lot of people think they need to use a polishing agent with toxic chemicals, but a microfiber cloth is a great way to clean almost anything, and you don’t have to put a thing on it,” says Mitchell.
Use a steam cleaner.
Mitchell likes using a steam cleaner because the high temperature sanitizes surfaces naturally, while the special attachments help you clean hard-to-reach spots. They’re especially good for counters, floors, bathtubs, and grout, she says. Just be cautious when using a steam cleaner, as the heat from the steam can hurt you.
Choose essential oils over chemicals.
Both cleaning pros tout the benefits of essential oils. Mitchell’s company has even developed a cleaning product called Lavender Mint Bliss. “It’s an all-purpose cleaner made with natural soaps and plant-based surfactants, as well as pure distilled essential oils,” she explains. “We use medical-grade, not store-bought, essential oils with incredible disinfecting properties to really get surfaces clean and sterilized.”
Ventilate the cleaning area.
“Proper ventilation is a must,” says Taher. “Use whatever product you want, but open the windows when cleaning with ammonia or bleach.” No window? Keep that door open, then leave the room as soon as possible to avoid inhaling fumes.
Wear protective gear.
Gloves are “absolutely essential” if you’re using chemical-based products to avoid skin irritation, according to Taher. She also recommends using masks.
Vacuum often.
Lastly, vacuum regularly. “The more often you do that, the cleaner your place will be, especially if you use a HEPA filter vacuum that minimizes dust and the buildup of allergens,” says Taher.
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