Cleaning for Asthma Sufferers

Safe Cleaning for Asthma Sufferers

Cleaning with non-toxic cleaners is a great way to both clean your home and manage asthma. Here are some suggestions for cleaning and decreasing asthma triggers. These recipes are easy, inexpensive, and non-polluting.

Mold & Mildew Cleaner

 Lemon juice and salt or white vinegar and salt mixed into a paste and then scrub the mold infected areas. Dry areas when finished.

Tips:

-When showering or bathing, turn on the bathroom fan and allow it to run for 15 minutes or longer. If the bathroom does not have a fan, open a window for 15 minutes or longer.

-Replace or wash moldy shower curtains.

-Fix leaky plumbing and remove unwanted sources of water.

Window & Mirror Cleaner

Vinegar, water, liquid laundry detergent. Use organic detergent if possible.

Pour ¼ cup of vinegar into a 16 ounce spray bottle and fill to the top with water. To prevent streaking, add 3-4 drops of detergent into the spray bottle. Mix well, spray on the surface, and scrub with a cloth diaper, lint free rag, or sheet of newspaper.

Pest Control

1 quart of water

1 crushed garlic clove

1 minced onion

1 tblsp ground cayenne pepper

1 tblsp liquid laundry detergent

Mix the water and food ingredients. Let it stand for 1 hour, strain, and add the liquid soap. Pour the mixture into spray bottle and spray it around house for pest control.

Tips:

-Avoid saving boxes, paper bags, or newspapers in piles.

-Do not leave open food or dirty dishes lying around your home.

-Keep counters clean of crumbs and spills

-Keep garbage containers closed

-Rinse recyclables before putting them in a bin

-Avoid using pesticides. Use traps or baits instead.

Oven Cleaner

Baking soda

Water

Scouring pad

Mix 1 cup of baking soda with enough water to make a paste. Apply paste to interior oven surfaces and let stand for at least 30-45 minutes. Use a scouring pad to scrub soiled areas and use a harder object such as a bread knife, for larger food deposits.

Do not use this cleaner on self-cleaning ovens.

Stain Remover

Borax

Water

Mix ¼ cup of borax with 2 cups of water. Use a sponge or cloth to dab the solution on the stain. Let it dry. Use another clean cloth moistened with water to scrub the stained area.

Tub, Toilet, & Sink Cleaner

Baking Soda

Liquid Castile Soap

Sprinkle baking soda onto porcelain surfaces. Squeeze a couple of drops of soap onto the surfaces. Scrub with a damp rag. Rinse well to avoid leaving a hazy film.

Drain Cleaner

Baking Soda

Vinegar

Boiling Water

Pour ¼ cup of baking soda down the drain first, followed by ½ cup of vinegar. Let the drain bubble for 3-5 minutes. Finally pour about a quart of boiling water down the drain. Repeat the process if the drain is still clogged.

A drain snake or a plunger can be used as a non-chemical method to unclog the drain.

Dusting & Polishing

Olive Oil or Almond Oil

Use a soft fabric with a few drops of oil for polishing surfaces.

Tips

-Organize toys and clothes in clean plastic trash bags or bins

-Wash stuffed animals in hot water and dry them on a high heat setting. Sealing toys in a plastic bag and placing them in the freezer overnight or for at least 5 hours also kills dust mites.

-Wash all bedding in hot water and dry on a high heat setting every few weeks.

-Vacuum and dust with a damp cloth at least once a week, preferably with a heap vacuum.

-Take off shoes before entering the house to cut down on contaminants that can be spread through the house.

Fresh Air

Throw out harsh chemical cleaners and scented household cleaners.

Use mild, unscented detergents for clothes and unscented fabric softeners.

Stop using air fresheners and deodorizers.

Do not smoke cigarettes in the home.

That completes this post, I hope you can incorporate some or all of these tips into keep your home clean and healthy for yourself and your family.  Please know that these cleaning tips and recipes are for everyone, not just asthma sufferers.

Bright Blessings,

Kat

TheOrganicBrew.com