Allergies
Any suggestions on cleaning supplies that won't effect breathing? I have tried many that say allergy free,natural etc and still get burning eyes tight chest and cough.has anyone found something that doesn't? Thanks
Hi
, and thanks for your post and question - it's a good one! For many with a COPD diagnosis, selecting cleaning products that have a low impact on one's breathing can be a challenge. You are definitely not alone in that regard.
We actually have an article, published right here on COPD.net, which addresses the COPD-friendly home environment. In view of your concern, I thought you might find it helpful to read. For your convenience, here is a link for reference: https://copd.net/living/friendly-home.
What do you think?
All the best,
Leon L (author / site moderator)I use Baking Soda, Vinegar for so many things from the bathroom to the kitchen. I purchase them in "bulk" size. Now vinegar is starting to bother my breathing a little more, so will be trying lemon juice really soon with the baking soda. Floors (non carpet) I use a steam mop with no additives at all. There is one cleaner I still use for many things too is "Grease Lightening" its a kitchen cleaner and will finishing using the bottle more then likely before having to give that up. Works great on many type things also also. As for the toilet bowl that is covered with a pumice stone and elbow grease, no real scrubbing is needed while using the pumice, but it is using your hand to hold the stone when using. Windows, that is using either 2 microfiber clothes or 2 shimmy clothes (like for car washing) and water, if you can use vinegar that can be helpful here also. Laundry that is a laundry soap that is the "Clear" stuff made with no smells. Fabric softener, don't use instead I use wool dryer balls. Dishes, still good with the Dawn dish soap and Cascade for the dish washer. There is many youtube videos on how to use the baking soda, vinegar and lemon juice for cleaning just so you have an idea. Hope this is a little helpful for you. Thanks I do use baking soda and vinegar for some things but vinegar is starting to bother me too. I may get a steam mop for floors.
If you someday choose on a steam mop my I suggest a brand, Shark. I had my first one for 7 yrs, used only distilled water as suggested and then I bought a new one only because my daughter kept borrowing mine, so she has the older one and I got a new one. Another thing I wished I would have done, if my strength would have allowed it was to purchase one that had a removeable smaller steamer attachment to use say in the tub, sinks or on counter tops etc.... Now I am thinking of getting just that a smaller hand held steamer for those jobs, but alas I am thinking about it and hoping not to have to LOL.
If you run in to smells of shampoos, soaps etc... bothering you, I have found Baby Shampoo/Body wash works fabulous and it does not dry the skin out so bad either. For the under arms, well that one has been tricky still doing a trial and error on that, but so far one from the brand Ivory is ok for now and does work.
Hope other might chime in to give their insight on what is working for them. Please if you get any ideas would you pass them along? Thanks, Best to you and your cleaning !!!
Thanks,I was wondering if baby products will work. Not sure if I could use steam mop,I have enough trouble using a light weight vacuum as I get SOB.
sorry I am back at you again, but duh on me for forgetting until today when I went to use Oxy Clean Powder to clean some old linens my daughter picked up for me. Great for a large group things from clothing to floors they say, guess I will be trying this on other things now that I did a little reading on it today. A lotion I have found that works great for myself and others in the family with hardly any scent to it, Cetaphil, use from face to feet as needed love this stuff, usually goes on sale often at Target and Walgreens and there is always coupons for it, not sure about other stores for the prices are great where I already shop. Ivory, bar soap for body and hand washing this has barely ant scent, been around a long time. Oh if you are having trouble getting say down in to the tub / shower to clean it, I purchased a sponge mop (just like you use on a floor) to give me more air and then it helps with the old bones and joints so getting up and down is not so hard, but you can still apply some elbow grease if needed, works great with the baking soda or even now the Oxy Clean. Of course this mop is kept in that area only for that use, not on the floors. Oh for behind the toilet, that tight hard to reach area and along all the base boards through out the house, I use a swifter 360 duster with the expandable arm. It's light weight, no or little bending required and you are attach your own rag/ wash cloth etc... to it and not always have to buy their throw away dusting thingies. OF course it comes in handy for your normal dusting too LOL.
Off I go! Hope you have a easy day breathing!
