As of: March 28, 2024, 1:34 p.m
By: Jasmina Deshmeh
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With spring comes the motivation for many people to do extensive spring cleaning. How the skin and respiratory tract are protected.
When the temperatures rise and the spring sun shines through the dusty windows, it's time for some spring cleaning. Hygiene within your own four walls is particularly important if you have allergies and asthma, as it can reduce exposure to allergens, for example from house dust. However, it is important to pay attention to compatible cleaning products. Many commercially available cleaners contain substances that can irritate the skin and respiratory tract.
Spring cleaning: The right cleaners for allergies and asthma
It's time for spring cleaning again: if you suffer from allergies or have sensitive skin and respiratory tract, there are a few things you should keep in mind (symbolic image). © Zoonar II/Imago
Many cleaning products contain volatile ingredients, i.e. substances that turn into a gas at room temperature. These are mostly fragrances and solvents. These can reach deep into the respiratory tract and lead to a cough, warns the
German Allergy and Asthma Association (DAAB).
When they come into contact with the skin, they can also trigger contact allergies. Allergy sufferers and asthmatics should therefore avoid scented cleaners and instead use natural alternatives such as vinegar, citric acid, neutral soap or tried-and-tested home remedies. To prevent harmful fumes and tiny particles from entering the air, it is advisable to apply the cleaner to a cloth or sponge instead of spreading it onto surfaces with a spray bottle.
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In addition to solvents and fragrances, disinfectants also have a potentially irritating effect. Since normal household cleaners remove all germs when cleaned thoroughly, disinfectants are
unnecessary in private households,
according to the
Federal Environment Agency (UBA)
and the
Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR)
. They also disrupt the delicate balance of fungal and bacterial strains that are part of the human organism, dry out the skin and pollute the environment.
Spring cleaning: The vacuum cleaner is also important
Other potential allergy triggers in the home include house dust and pollen. Regular vacuuming and wiping as well as changing bed linen and dusting upholstered furniture are therefore important. Especially in spring, when pollen is in high season. To prevent the fine particles from getting into the air, allergy sufferers and asthmatics should use the right vacuum cleaner. According to
DAAB,
devices with good dust retention capabilities are suitable for this purpose. Dust particles are retained by special filters called “HEPA filters” (High Efficiency Particulate Air). If you have allergies, high filter classes (13 or 14) are recommended.
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Spring cleaning: Don't forget to ventilate when cleaning
And asthmatics and allergy sufferers should heed another tip when spring cleaning: adequate and proper ventilation. Cleaning with the windows open allows harmful fumes, residues from household cleaners and dust to escape. However, you should be careful if you have hay fever, as the pollen concentration in the outside air can vary depending on the time of day. According to the
European Foundation for Allergy Research (ECARF),
the pollen concentration in the city is lowest in the morning between 6 a.m. and 8 a.m., while in the countryside it reaches its lowest level between 6 p.m. and midnight.
More tips for spring cleaning:
Prefer foam cleaners or gel cleaners to cleaning products in spray bottles
Instead of using aggressive glass cleaner, clean windows with clear water and a splash of dishwashing liquid
Special anti-dust cloths electrostatically attract the smallest dust particles and prevent them from being stirred up
Do not combine cleaning products: for example, sanitary cleaner with sodium hypochlorite and then an acidic agent. This can produce corrosive chlorine gas, warns the
German Skin and Allergy Aid (DHA).
Wear a respiratory mask if your airways are sensitive
Protect the skin with gloves and good basic care (cream).
This article only contains general information on the respective health topic and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment or medication. It in no way replaces a visit to the doctor. Our editorial team is not allowed to answer individual questions about medical conditions.