Sensitive Choice - Give asthma a spring clean

Give asthma a spring clean

"For some people, cleaning chemicals, particularly in confined spaces, or dusting can actually trigger an asthma attack - so, if you, or someone in your family, have asthma, clean with caution," warned National Asthma Council Australia CEO, Kristine Whorlow.

To help make spring cleaning easier on the lungs, the National Asthma Council Australia has recently approved a selection of cleaning products as part of its Sensitive Choice register of products and services that may be better choices for people with asthma and allergies.

Carpet lovers will be pleased to learn that the Britex DIY Carpet Steam Cleaning System, which can be hired from supermarkets and Bunnings, will give a deep down clean that can help remove dust mites and allergens from most types of carpet, rugs and upholstery.

Despite the myths associated with carpets and allergy triggers, studies have actually revealed that a properly maintained carpet can have a positive effect on indoor air quality by reducing the amount of dust in the air.

According to Britex, proper carpet maintenance should include weekly vacuuming and steam cleaning twice a year.

For a thorough seasonal spruce up, the Britex Steam Cleaning System can also be used to clean mattresses and lounge suites.

And, for those spring cleaning chores that need some real elbow grease, there's now a chemical free alternative available.

Green Works is the only cleaning range accepted onto the Sensitive Choice register by the National Asthma Council Australia.

The range, which includes a multi purpose cleaner, bathroom cleaner, glass and surface cleaner and a floor cleaner, is made with 99 per cent plant and mineral-based ingredients. The formula is biodegradable but tough enough to tackle challenging clean ups, without harsh chemical fumes.

"There's no better time to brush away the winter cobwebs and let a little sunshine in," said Kristine Whorlow.

"But, remember when doing the spring clean it is important to pay just as much attention to how you clean, as to what you clean."

Spring cleaning tips from the National Asthma Council Australia:

If cleaning chemical fumes get up your nose, look for chemical-free alternatives and natural ingredients.
Make sure mattresses and pillows are encased in mite-proof covers. Your pharmacist can advise on this.
Wash bedclothes weekly in hot water (over 55°). Shake and air pillows and quilts in the sun weekly.
Remove soft furry toys and soft furnishings, if possible. Soft toys can be placed in the freezer overnight to kill dust mites.
When you are cleaning, wear a mask and dust with a damp or electrostatic cloth on any hard surface.
Carpets need to be vacuumed at least once a week - however, vacuuming initially stirs up the air and for the next 20 minutes or so there will be more dust allergen floating around. If you have asthma, it is a good idea to ask someone else to do the vacuuming and wait for 20 minutes before re-entering the room.

For further information, or to arrange an interview with a National Asthma Council Australia spokesperson, please contact:

Kelly Ward
Ward Communications Pty Ltd
Tel: 03 9744 1855
Mob: 0407 860 834
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