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We all know that cleaning the house stirs up dust and dirt that can worsen COPD and its symptoms. Along with these, some cleaning solutions are hazardous for respiratory health, too. This is why a lot of COPD patients shy away from household cleaning. Some COPD patients have someone, like a cleaning lady, help with the house cleaning. However, if you are short on a budget, or if you just have a small space that you think you can clean easily, it may be a good idea to try doing the cleaning if you think you are well enough to do it. Other COPD patients only get a cleaning lady for general or major household cleaning (such as once every 1-2 months) while they themselves maintain the cleanliness of their home every few days.
Though cleaning and tidying the house may look like a humongous challenge for people with COPD, this need not be the case. Here are some tips you can follow to help you keep your home spotless and dirt-free without the dreadful respiratory effects on your health.
Use “green” household cleaning solutions.
A lot of household cleaning solutions contain harmful chemicals like ammonia, bleach and lye that can cause irritation to the lungs. Many COPD patients have experienced increased coughing, lung irritations, and even a burning sensation in their lungs upon inhalation of these household products. Sometimes, even a hint of the smell can cause coughing fits in some patients. This said, such cleaners containing harmful irritants should strictly be banned from the house. Instead, use “green” cleaning solutions, like those that use baking soda, vinegar or other organic cleaners that are labelled environmentally safe. You may also make your own household cleaners using rubbing alcohol, dishwashing soap, and a bit of water. Other cleaning formulas also call for baking soda and white vinegar.
Always wear a mask!
This is a must when doing any household cleaning. Any amount of cleaning is apt to stir up dirt and dust, so to be on the safe side, always, always wear a mask—and not just any mask. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention specify that you have to use a mask with a rating of N95. These masks have been certified by the US National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health and are the safest to use to prevent dust and other irritant particles from being inhaled.
Use a damp cloth.
Many COPD patients report that they are able to clean almost anything in their homes by using a damp cloth. This damp cloth efficiently picks up dust from almost anywhere, thus preventing the dust from flying around. A microfiber cloth dampened with an organic cleaning solution made up of vinegar, water and dishwashing detergent can effectively do the trick. Having more than one damp cloth can make cleaning more convenient so you won’t have to keep on rinsing off the dirt from a single cloth.
No aerosols whatsoever.
Many cleaning solutions also come in the form of aerosols, which seem to be more convenient to spray on during cleaning. Patients who have COPD, however, should not, in any case, use aerosols around the house or elsewhere. Aerosol particles are very tiny, and can easily be inhaled into the lungs, causing irritation and shortness of breath. You also have to inform your family and anyone who frequents your home (such as the cleaning lady or repairmen) that aerosols, as well as other volatile cleaning solvents, are not allowed inside.
Never clean in a closed room.
To help ease up the dirt and some of the smells during cleaning, always air out the room or area you are cleaning. Open the windows and keep the door ajar to help freshen up the area. This also helps make clean air available for you to breathe and allows it to easily circulate through the house.
Aside from these tips, you should also prevent vacuuming, since it can stir up a lot of dust. There are some newer vacuums, however, that have more efficient filtering methods to keep the dust from escaping from the machine. Nevertheless, its always better (and safer!) if you can ask someone to vacuum for you. Stick to damp cloths and organic, unscented household cleaners, and you’ll surely do a great job.
Putting into practice some of these tips can help you keep your home clean, tidy and comfortable to stay in. What’s more, cleaning the home at your own pace can also be beneficial, giving you ample amount of activity throughout the day. After all that cleaning, you’ll surely feel better with the end result, because after all, a clean, dust-free house helps keep away respiratory symptoms, ultimately giving you more health and well-being!
Though cleaning and tidying the house may look like a humongous challenge for people with COPD, this need not be the case. Here are some tips you can follow to help you keep your home spotless and dirt-free without the dreadful respiratory effects on your health.
Use “green” household cleaning solutions.
A lot of household cleaning solutions contain harmful chemicals like ammonia, bleach and lye that can cause irritation to the lungs. Many COPD patients have experienced increased coughing, lung irritations, and even a burning sensation in their lungs upon inhalation of these household products. Sometimes, even a hint of the smell can cause coughing fits in some patients. This said, such cleaners containing harmful irritants should strictly be banned from the house. Instead, use “green” cleaning solutions, like those that use baking soda, vinegar or other organic cleaners that are labelled environmentally safe. You may also make your own household cleaners using rubbing alcohol, dishwashing soap, and a bit of water. Other cleaning formulas also call for baking soda and white vinegar.
Always wear a mask!
This is a must when doing any household cleaning. Any amount of cleaning is apt to stir up dirt and dust, so to be on the safe side, always, always wear a mask—and not just any mask. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention specify that you have to use a mask with a rating of N95. These masks have been certified by the US National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health and are the safest to use to prevent dust and other irritant particles from being inhaled.
Use a damp cloth.
Many COPD patients report that they are able to clean almost anything in their homes by using a damp cloth. This damp cloth efficiently picks up dust from almost anywhere, thus preventing the dust from flying around. A microfiber cloth dampened with an organic cleaning solution made up of vinegar, water and dishwashing detergent can effectively do the trick. Having more than one damp cloth can make cleaning more convenient so you won’t have to keep on rinsing off the dirt from a single cloth.
No aerosols whatsoever.
Many cleaning solutions also come in the form of aerosols, which seem to be more convenient to spray on during cleaning. Patients who have COPD, however, should not, in any case, use aerosols around the house or elsewhere. Aerosol particles are very tiny, and can easily be inhaled into the lungs, causing irritation and shortness of breath. You also have to inform your family and anyone who frequents your home (such as the cleaning lady or repairmen) that aerosols, as well as other volatile cleaning solvents, are not allowed inside.
Never clean in a closed room.
To help ease up the dirt and some of the smells during cleaning, always air out the room or area you are cleaning. Open the windows and keep the door ajar to help freshen up the area. This also helps make clean air available for you to breathe and allows it to easily circulate through the house.
Aside from these tips, you should also prevent vacuuming, since it can stir up a lot of dust. There are some newer vacuums, however, that have more efficient filtering methods to keep the dust from escaping from the machine. Nevertheless, its always better (and safer!) if you can ask someone to vacuum for you. Stick to damp cloths and organic, unscented household cleaners, and you’ll surely do a great job.
Putting into practice some of these tips can help you keep your home clean, tidy and comfortable to stay in. What’s more, cleaning the home at your own pace can also be beneficial, giving you ample amount of activity throughout the day. After all that cleaning, you’ll surely feel better with the end result, because after all, a clean, dust-free house helps keep away respiratory symptoms, ultimately giving you more health and well-being!
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