- Regularly clean your appliances to reduce the presence of dust and other allergens.
- Reduce exposure to mold by keeping humidity levels at 50 percent or lower.
- Avoid allergens such as pet dander, dust mites and cockroaches.
- Control cigarette smoke in the home, including secondhand smoke from outside.
- Test for radon and install ventilation systems if levels are elevated.
Asthma can be a difficult condition to manage, especially at home. The environment in your living space significantly influences how you breathe and the quality of your health. It’s important to keep your home free from potential asthma triggers such as dust mites, pet dander and mold. Here are five simple tips to help you create an asthma-friendly home and keep your family safe.
1. Keep Your Appliances Clean
Regularly cleaning and dusting the appliances in your home is essential for keeping it asthma-friendly. This is because dust and other allergens tend to accumulate on the surfaces of these devices. To keep your home clean and asthma-friendly, vacuum or dust your appliances regularly using a damp cloth or a HEPA filter vacuum cleaner.
Here are other appliances at your home that will need regular cleaning to avoid asthma triggers:
Oven and Stovetop
Maintaining the hygiene of your oven and stovetop is essential to ensure your home stays asthma-friendly. However, due to the presence of grease and grime, it takes a lot of effort to keep them clean. In these cases, hiring reliable specialist oven cleaners familiar with the best methods for cleaning and sanitizing your appliances is advisable. They will reduce the dust, dirt and grime from your oven and stovetop, leaving them sparkling clean and asthma-friendly.
Refrigerator and Freezer
Your refrigerator and freezer can be a breeding ground for mold, mildew and bacteria if not properly cleaned. To prevent this, regularly remove all food items from the fridge and wipe down shelves with a damp cloth. If you find mold or mildew in your fridge, use a mild cleaner to remove it. Similarly, clean the freezer out periodically and keep it’s interior dry.
Dishwasher
Your dishwasher is another appliance that needs regular cleaning to keep dust and allergens at bay. To clean it, use a soft cloth or sponge to wipe down its interior surfaces — including the rubber seal around the door — and remove food particles from its filter. Cycle with an all-purpose cleaner monthly to keep your dishwasher free from germs and other irritants.
Washing Machine
Your washing machine can be a breeding ground for bacteria if not properly cleaned and maintained. To keep it in top condition, run an empty cycle every month with an all-purpose cleaner or white vinegar to eliminate the buildup of laundry detergent and other substances that can trigger asthma attacks. Make sure to clean out the filter regularly and leave the lid of your washer open between uses to allow for air circulation.
2. Reduce Exposure to Mold
Mold can be especially dangerous for those with asthma, so reducing your exposure is important. To do this, keep the humidity level in your home below 50 percent as much as possible, either with a dehumidifier or air conditioner. Regularly check areas prone to mold growth — like bathrooms and basements — for signs of discoloration or musty smells. If you find any, clean it up with a bleach and water solution.
3. Avoid Allergens
Allergens like pet dander, dust mites and cockroaches can trigger asthma attacks. To reduce exposure to these allergens, keep pets out of bedrooms and avoid carpeting in high-traffic areas. Wash bedding weekly in hot water to eliminate dust mites, and use allergen-proof covers for mattresses and pillows. Regularly wipe down surfaces, vacuum frequently and keep food stored in airtight containers to minimize the presence of cockroaches.
4. Control Cigarette Smoke
Cigarette smoke is a major asthma trigger, so it’s important to avoid smoking inside your home if you or someone you live with has asthma. If that’s not possible, try to keep the smoking confined to one area and ensure it’s well-ventilated. It’s also important to avoid secondhand smoke from other people outside your home, so make sure windows and doors are shut if you can smell smoke inside.
5. Test for Radon
Radon is an invisible, odorless gas that can cause serious health problems, including asthma attacks. It’s important to test your home for radon and take steps to reduce levels if they are elevated. Consider installing a ventilation system and sealing cracks in your foundation or basement walls if the radon levels are high.
In Summary
By following these five simple tips, you can create an asthma-friendly environment in your home and help reduce the risk of triggering asthma attacks. Taking the time to make these changes now can help you keep your home safe and healthy for those with asthma.
