Living with asthma can be a challenge, especially when it comes to keeping your home clean and safe. To reduce the spread of coronavirus (SARS-CoV) and other respiratory illnesses, such as influenza (flu), it is important to clean and disinfect your home in a way that kills viruses and doesn't harm your asthma. Here are some tips and tricks to help you keep your home clean and safe while managing your asthma.
Cover Pillows, Mattresses, and Box Springs
- To reduce allergens in the home, cover pillows, mattresses, and box springs with dust mite-proof covers. Additionally, wash sheets, pillowcases, and blankets weekly in 130° F water.Vacuum Regularly
- Vacuuming carpets weekly with a vacuum that has a HEPA or small particle filter can help reduce dust and other allergens.Choose a vacuum that has an excellent HEPA filter to prevent dust and debris from escaping from the vacuum cleaner itself.
Use Damp Mops
- Using a damp mop instead of sweeping can help prevent more dust and debris from accumulating. Home cleaning recipes with baking soda, vinegar, borax, hydrogen peroxide, or dish soap may be less likely to cause asthma symptoms.Clean Wet Carpets - If carpets have been wet for more than 24 hours, use professional cleaning services to restore them to prevent mold and germs from growing. Alternatively, professional cleaners can reduce irritating allergens by applying a neutralizing spray between regular cleanings.Maintain Air Conditioning Systems - Make sure that the moisture in the air conditioning system is properly drained and that the drip trays are thoroughly cleaned. Regardless of the system you have installed, you must ensure that it is cleaned and maintained on a regular basis. If you have asthma or live with someone who has it, make a plan for how to clean and disinfect your home.Simple soap and warm water can be effective in many cases for general cleaning. But you'll want to use something else to disinfect (kill germs). To prevent asthma symptoms, clean your home regularly and follow these tips for cleaning with asthma.
