HOW TO SPRING CLEAN YOUR HOUSE FOR ECZEMA

A clean home and environment is very important for those who have eczema and allergies. A clean and allergen free environment give skin a chance to recover. Among the possible irritants in the home are dust, mites, animal mites, animal dander, cigarette smoke, pollen and others. Although you may think your home is clean enough, the cleaning products used and many other factors can also cause allergies.

Here are some important things to consider when cleaning your home for eczema and allergies:

1. Cleaning Products

Certain cleaning products can also cause allergies. Choose a cleaning product that does not use strong chemicals, produce strong odors or volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Also, be careful with the "natural, green or  plant-based" labels, since natural compounds such as lemon, coconut, or essential oil extracts such as tea tree oil can also be allergens. Also, avoid cleaning products that contain anti-bacterial compounds.

2. Dust mites

Dust mites can cause irritation, cough, rash and difficulty in breathing for those who are allergic to it. These microscopic pests or dust mites need to be contained. You can use the approved dust mites cover to protect your mattresses and pillows. Wash bed sheets at least once a week with hot water to kill the mites and eggs.

3. Pet Dander

Cat, dog, hamster as well as urine, saliva, sweat and dander (dead cells) from our pets can also cause allergies to those with eczema and asthma as well. Avoid your pets from sleeping or entering the bedroom or house. You may need to prepare separate spaces for the animals outdoors and to ensure that the surrounding area is cleaned in a proper manner.

4. Carpets

The best way is to remove carpets or rugs that can collect dust and mites and replace them with vinyl or washable rugs. Use a damp cloth to clean or wipe dust or dry dirt at home. Sweeping the dust may only move the dust around or cause the dust to float in the air and environment. Use a AAFA approved vacuum that has a high efficiency filter (HEPA filter) to filter smoke, pet dander, dust and dust mites. Also, choose a vacuum that requires minimum exposure to particulates that are inhaled when emptying the canister or vacuum bag. Make sure the home is vacuumed every week and clean all other home areas like the window slit, the back of the closet, and the spots rarely cleaned once a month. Wear gloves and face masks while cleaning the house.

5. Cockroaches and Mice

Mites and dander of mice and cockroaches can also be the trigger for asthma and allergies. The use of pesticides to kill mice and cockroaches may be more dangerous for those with asthma and allergies. If you have pests, find an experienced pest control company and discuss with them about the exposure to the chemicals used as well.

6. Fungus

Fungus can also trigger allergies. Fungus can grow well in damp and moist areas of the house. Look for cleaning products that can kill and prevent fungi.

7. Kids toys

For children with allergies, avoid purchasing soft toys where dust, mites and fungi can gather or grow. If there are such toys, put the toy in the refrigerator for 24 hours, then rinse with cold water to remove the dust mites and eggs, and thoroughly dry them under the sun. Do this every month. The toy can also be washed with hot water and dried in the sun for at least 2 hours regularly.

I hope all the information in this post helps. Happy cleaning!

By :

Prof. Dr. Lai Oi Ming

Department of Bioprocess Technology