Your eyes feel like they’re on fire, your core is copping a serious workout from sneezing and you’ve hit the bottom of yet another box of tissues. Sound familiar? With 1 in 3 Australians suffering from allergies, it’s likely it does. Overcoming allergies can feel like a constant battle that you’re never going to beat. Moving to a dust-free planet isn’t an option and neither is living inside a bubble, so there must be a realistic way to surpass the sniffles.
Whether you’re a longtime allergy sufferer, an asthmatic or you’re prone to eczema flare ups, it’s important to maintain a home atmosphere that isn’t contributing to your uncomfortable and sometimes dangerous symptoms. It’s easy to blame the cat, the change in weather or the pollen producing plants in the backyard for provoking allergies, however we can often contribute ourselves to the conditions with the use of toxic household products and cleaners.
Most people are unaware of the allergens found in most household products. You might think you’re staying on top of dust and mould in your home, however certain ingredients in household cleaners could be releasing allergens into the atmosphere.
If your home is clean but your allergies are constant, the products you’re using could be part of the problem. Let’s take a look at the allergy and asthma triggers, products that could be at fault and the best replacements and cleaning methods.
Allergy triggers in the home
Dust
Dust is unavoidable in most homes, and while it’s visible on bench tops, shelves and other surfaces, it can build up quickly in carpets and on furniture.
Mould
Mould spores love damp, humid environments. They’re a pest to get rid of permanently and could be hiding in hard-to-reach places. You could have mould on your carpet without even knowing - read our article to find out how to avoid it!
Pollen
We can’t stay angry at nature, but the intricate events happening in our gardens could be causing you grief.
Pets
It’s not them, it’s us… But don't be too quick to ban them from the house!
Products you need to rethink
Laundry detergents
Some laundry detergents contain formaldehyde, which can trigger allergies and asthma.
Fabric softeners & antibacterial cleaners
Quarternary Ammonium Compounds (QUATS) are found in these products and long term exposure is known to worsen asthma symptoms.
Glass cleaners
The ammonia present in glass cleaners is a powerful irritant for asthma sufferers.
Air fresheners
If you think they’re cleansing the air, you are mistaken! The toxins in air fresheners release a nerve-ending agent that can have damaging effects on your nasal passages. They can also be a nasty skin irritant.
Allergy friendly products
Non toxic fabric protectors
Protect your furniture, carpets, rugs and bedding from dust, dirt and mould build-up with a non toxic, water based fabric protector (read more about the ingredients). The invisible, breathable coating allows dust and other triggers to be easily wiped from fabrics, and prevents dust mites and mould spores from nestling their way deep into the fabric’s fibres. Our fabric protector spray is also odour free, so you don’t have to worry about triggering allergies when using the product in your home.
Vinegar
Mix a solution of equal parts water and vinegar to create an allergy-friendly window and glass cleaner. It will remove films and smudges, and won’t expose your senses to harmful ammonia. Vinegar is also the best mould remover!
Microfibre cloths
Not only are they reusable, but they’re far more effective at capturing dust particles, rather than spreading them into the air.
Essential oils
Dilute your favourite essential oils in a spray bottle and purify the air in your home with natural freshness. Lavender and peppermint oil are great choices for allergy sufferers.
Overall, we recommend opting for eco-friendly carpet and furniture fabric protection, natural cleaning alternatives and ditching any products containing toxins or allergens.
Take care of your home and your family by making smart choices when it comes to household cleaning products. Share your best tips for overcoming allergies with us on Instagram!