Building on the overview of various types of triggers of asthma, this section focuses on steps that can be taken to reduce asthma triggers in your home environment.
Safely Cleaning Your Home
Cleaning can aggravate asthma symptoms for some people. This may be due to harsh chemicals used in some cleaning products and dust that is disturbed during the cleaning process.
- Clean while your child with asthma is out of the house to reduce exposure to triggers.
- Clean visible mold or mildew with a bleach solution.
- Wash shower curtains and bathroom tiles with mold-killing products which can be purchased from a hardware store, grocery or drug store (e.g., Target), or online (like Amazon).
- Use a damp cloth to dust furniture instead of dry dusting.
- Regularly clean ceiling fans and air conditioning vents.
- Clean dust using a damp rag or mop, rather than a broom, to avoid spreading dust around.
- Use furniture polish to help reduce dust.
- Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to help control the dust that vacuuming stirs up.
- Vacuum and clean furniture frequently.
- Use cleaners that have no smell and are not in spray form. Many products have received a “green” seal of approval and are easier on the environment. One alternative is to create and use your own cleaning solutions.
Recommended Cleaning Solution
Mix 2 cups vinegar, 2 cups very hot water, 1/2 cup salt and 2 cups borax. Apply solution to area and allow it to sit for 30 minutes. Apply the solution again, scrubbing with a soft bristled brush and rinse well with plain water.
American Academy of Asthma, Allergy, and Immunology
Minimizing Dust
If your child has asthma and is allergic to dust mites, exposure to them can trigger an asthma episode. Some suggestions on how to cut down on the amount of dust in your home include:
- Avoid wall-to-wall carpet and try to use wood or other hard flooring. If there is carpet, select short pile or loop carpet that is nylon and solution dyed.
- Avoid turning on the fan before your child goes to bed. Fans can spread dust, dust mites, pollen, and other allergens in the room.
- If possible, replace slatted blinds or cloth curtains with pull-down shades as they will not collect as much dust.
- If you can, get rid of fabric or upholstered furniture. Wood, leather, and vinyl are better.
- Put doors on any open shelving units.
- Cover your child’s pillowcases, mattress, and box spring with hypoallergenic covers that keep dust mites and other allergens out. Wash bedding at 130 degrees Fahrenheit or higher to kill dust mites.
- Have no, or limit, indoor plants as mold can grow in plant soil.
Reducing Exposure to Mold
- Keep the house dry.
- Run a dehumidifier (machine that dries out the air) in the basement or other damp areas where mold tends to grow.
- Get rid of house plants, which may have mold in their soil.
- Replace or wash moldy shower curtains.
- Do not leave wet clothes in the washing machine, where mold can quickly grow.
- Fix any leaks or seepage at home, indoors and outside.
- Use exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom.
- Clean dehumidifiers and humidifiers every week.
Managing Pets
- Ideally, children with asthma should not have family pets.
- Consider getting cold-blooded pets, such as fish, which are safer for children with asthma.
- If there are pets with hair or dander in the home, it is recommended to:
- Keep pets outside of your child’s bedroom.
- Bathe your pet every week.
- Allow your child to play with your pet but avoid hugging or kissing it.
- Ensure people in your home wash their hands after touching your pet.
Other Ways to Keep Your Home Asthma-Safe
- Do not allow smoking or vaping in your home, even when your child is not there.
- Keep an air purifier in your child’s room.
- Avoid wood fires in the fireplace or wood stove.
- Hot-wash soft toys every week.
- Avoid scented candles or room fresheners.
- Run the air conditioning, especially on days when the pollen or mold count is high outdoors, or when there are ozone or pollution warnings.
- Do not leave open food or dirty dishes lying around your kitchen. Keep counters clean to lower the chance of cockroaches and other pests.
- Keep garbage containers closed and wash recyclables before putting them in the bin.
