Cleaning Tips to Ease Allergies and Asthma

For people who suffer from asthma and allergies, it’s important to clean your house regularly, to reduce the elements that can trigger an attack. It’s a simple solution, but can go a long way toward minimizing your symptoms. Try these tips at home:

• Use exhaust fans when you can. Turn on your kitchen fan whenever you cook to keep the air clear and whisk fumes and any smoke away. In the bathroom, turn on the fan whenever taking a bath or shower to help clear steam and reduce the conditions that create mildew. 

• To limit mold, clean kitchen and bathroom surfaces every week. Check for leaks frequently, especially under sinks and behind the toilet and refrigerator. To clean mold safely, wear a face mask and wash surfaces with a mixture of ¾ of a cup of chlorine bleach diluted in 1 gallon of water.

• Use dust-mite proof covers on all bedding, including your mattress, box spring and pillows. Wash your sheets, pillowcases and blankets weekly.

• If you have carpets, be sure to use a vacuum with a HEPA filter, which cuts down on dust and particles in the air.

• In the spring, keep windows closed and use air conditioning when possible. Be sure to clean around window air conditioners regularly to remove any condensation and eliminate mold.

Get support managing asthma
If you have asthma, you can access tools to help you manage your condition with our Asthma Management Resources. For example, you can track your medication and inhaler use with our Asthma Tracker, or refill your inhaler prescription conveniently online. Learn more now.