Here’s some really valuable information about going green with your cleaning supplies from the Cleveland Clinic’s Lisanne Newton, MD, of the Center for Pediatric Allergy.
- Just read it! If certain cleaning agents trigger asthma symptoms, there may be a warning on the label.
- Look for a “green” seal of approval. These products are often better for the planet and your health.
- Get clever in the kitchen. Try homemade cleaning solutions made with lemon, vinegar and baking soda.
- Got a nasty mold? If you wipe it out with chlorine bleach (no more than 3/4 cup to a gallon of water), wear a protective mask and skedaddle as soon as you’re done cleaning. Don’t forget to open a window or turn on an exhaust fan too.
- If cleaning is a real trigger for your asthma, swap jobs with someone else. (Got a teen or spouse who hates doing his own laundry?)