I have recently joined the exciting world of people with asthma and allergies. I discovered I was doing everything wrong in my bedroom, with the books, the stuffed animals, the various dust-collectors… Today, I spent most of the day either cleaning the bedroom or converting more of my plants to hydroculture (which is supposed to be allergy-free.) My headboard, nightstand, and the top of my bookcase are now clean and uncluttered.
It will take a lot more work, though, because I committed the common mistake of using the bedroom as a bit of a storage area. (And I have no excuse– we do have a basement!) The stuffed animals and Barbie dolls are in clear plastic boxes. At some point, I will likely decide to give some away, since I can’t really display them and they won’t do anyone any good in boxes.
I also covered our pillows with allergy covers.
While I was surfing around looking for information about how to clean for allergies, I found yet another reminder to stop hoarding old clothes. If you’re not using them and laundering them, then they’re just sitting around gathering allergens. Time for another Goodwill run.
Jean
December 27th, 2008 at 12:37 pmAnother thing to look at: What cleaners are you using?
I’ve found I can’t use anything with ammonia (goodbye, Windex, except for the ammonia-free formulation) or bleach, and anything with scent added can be problematic.
Nor-wex cloths are great for cleaning, and you can use them with just water. (I don’t sell Nor-wex, but I use them.)
Vinegar, baking soda, and other such cleaners require a bit more elbow grease but don’t affect my lungs.
Hope this helps!
Mayne
January 10th, 2009 at 6:07 pmThe two things that will help the most towards cleaning to get rid of allergens are the use of rubbing alcohol and the use of hydrogen peroxide. All of those “allergy cleaners” that you see in the store contain simple rubbing alcohol to kill the dust mites. Hydrogen peroxide can be used in place of bleach. Both of these items decompose rapidly (alcohol vaporizes, hydrogen peroxide decomposes into water and oxygen gas).
Good luck! If anyone would like to know how I was able to go from the use of three inhalers per day to only needing an occasional inhalation, please let me know. I don’t want to bore everyone, but I’m willing to share what I have learned. :^)
Jean
January 10th, 2009 at 9:32 pmGreat ideas, Mayne! I need to look into using hydrogen peroxide. I have used rubbing alcohol in the past, but I have a problem–the ants that periodically invade our house LOVE the stuff. Right now it’s not ant season, but they’ll be back as soon as the weather warms. I think putting peppermint essential oil in the alcohol was enough to keep them away, but I don’t remember exactly. I’ve been using vinegar for the past few months, but it’s just a mild disinfectant.
Katrina
February 9th, 2009 at 6:49 pmHi I would be interested in hearing more Mayne! I have terrible allergies! My email is colinkatrina at hotmail dot com
Katrina
Terrig
April 12th, 2009 at 7:11 amAllergy help. Dust mites can cause problems, even those without allergy problems. Dust mites live in anthing soft. Allergy covers for pillows can stop them from going in or out, but doesn’t kill them now. Even washing isnt guaranteed to kill them unless water is hot enough. I know for myself, I have no idea how hot my washer washes a hot load. But do many and costs soar. A better way is to put all clean (vacuumed or washed depending upon item), into ziplocks, or trash bags twist tied. Put into freezer overnight, or a couple of days for very large items. (I use the deep freeze in garage. This works for pillows, sheets stuffed animals, even couch cushions. This is an especially good trick for persons who have been plagued with a bout of lice, which any kid can unsuspectingly deliver to you. (Most people dont know lice actually prefer clean kids because they can get to the scalp to eat easier.) At any rate, love the site, have picked up other tips. Happy cleaning, (I hope.) From one messie to others.
bigtunelover
July 14th, 2009 at 1:51 pmI think I am starting to have issues with allergies. I would appreciate any additional advice you have Mayne! Katrina, if Mayne already replied to you and you can forward that would be great. My email is bigtunelover at hotmail dot com
Thanks so much!
Great site by the way!!
Vivian
August 7th, 2009 at 6:52 pmCould I please get more information about reducing allergens and dealing with asthma? Please email me at momsavingmoney@yahoo.com. Thanks much!
Vivian