These people can range from the chemically-sensitive, people’s whose immune systems work in overdrive and for whom cleaning can create health problems that range from breathing difficulties to hives and rashes to trips to the hospital, to people with illnesses or who have health conditions, such as asthma, COPD, or emphysema.
The irony is that a clean house for people living with these diseases or conditions is very important, yet the products used to clean their homes often leave them feeling worse than before their homes were cleaned. What’s worse is that when cleaning products are used, their vapors are often trapped in the house.
That’s because homes are becoming more energy efficient and “tighter” so the vapors and chemicals don’t escape in the drafts and exchanges of air that older homes had. Consider, too, that for many people – especially those who are ill or have other health-related problems – up to 90% or more of their time may be spent indoors, making indoor air quality an important issue.
Fortunately, there are now a number of methods, cleaning products, and new household appliances specifically made for cleaning in chemically-sensitive environments. Even if you don’t having anyone that suffers from a respiratory illness, such as asthma or COPD, or who has chemical sensitivities, using few cleaning products and finding new ways to clean that reduces the amount of harsh chemicals (many of which are carcinogens) in your home makes good sense.
If you have someone ill in your home or who has another kind of health condition or disease for whom cleaning products would only aggravate the condition, consider using alternative methods of cleaning and some of the new products that are available. And, even if you don’t and just want to improve the air quality in your home and reduce the amount of chemical vapors in your home, you’ll be pleased to know there are ways to keep your house clean simply and easier than you might expect.
The miracle of microfiber. This truly is the workhorse of the new trends in cleaning. It’s especially beneficial to anyone interested in cleaning “clean.” Microfiber cloths, often found in the automotive sections of your local supercenter, are still fairly new to most American consumers, but are quickly becoming an important weapon in the healthy cleaning arsenal.
Interestingly, microfiber is reported to clean with water alone as effectively as a rag with disinfectant, killing approximately 96% of bacteria. Microfiber also has a static charge that will actually attract dust when you are cleaning, making it much better for dusting than ostrich feather dusters that just stir dust around or using a t-shirts that can also release dust back into the air.
Microfiber mops are one of the best things to come along in years. They pick up everything and leave even wood floors sparkling – no mean fete. Dust, hair, pet hair or dander are no match for microfiber mops.
Steam cleaners. These cleaners can be carried around the house to steam clean upholstery, floors, anywhere you want the extra power of steam cleaning. Because they don’t use chemicals, there’s nothing to irritate skin or lungs. Steam cleaners are especially good for set-in stains and disinfecting.
Cleaning products. Arm & Hammer baking soda is one of the best cleaning products and also one of the mildest. Consider switching from scouring powders with bleaches and other harsh chemicals to plain baking soda. Arm & Hammer now sells baking soda in a convenient shaker bottle just for cleaning uses.
Other “green” products that can be used include Seventh Generation, a brand of non-toxic cleaning products that Target now carries. If you go to their website, www.seventhgeneration.com, you can download a 51-page booklet that explains all about some of the toxic chemicals we are living with in our homes.
Consider giving your home – and your lungs and skin – a rest from harsh chemicals. Over time, you will improve your indoor air quality, and maybe even your health. It’s something you may want to consider if you have someone in your home with special health needs – or you just want a healthier home. Either way, everyone wins with a clean house and air that’s clean and fresh.
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Kathryn Weber is the publisher of the Everydayclean.com Calender -- the calendar that helps you end the power struggle with your house. Keeping a clean home is about knowing what to clean when. Virtually everything that needs to be cleaned is on this calendar in a year-round cleaning schedule that helps you keep your house clean easier and faster. Click here for more information.