Spring Cleaning and Chronic Lung Disease

The cleanliness of your home is a major factor in determining indoor air quality and maintaining good air quality is crucial to helping avoid COPD episodes and flare-ups. Here are some tips that can help you prepare for “spring cleaning” and maybe make it easier to accomplish.

To minimize indoor air pollutants:

  • Stick to a no-smoking policy in your home.

  • Use powerful kitchen ventilation to minimize nitrogen dioxide and food particles.

  • Regularly clean surfaces, furniture, and linens to minimize pet dander.

  • Trade carpets for hardwood floors whenever possible.

  • Always turn on the bathroom fan to reduce humidity.

Cleaning tips:

  • Make sure you are taking your controlling respiratory medications every day.

  • Everyone has a mask these days. Using one while cleaning couldn’t hurt.

  • Put all your cleaning products in one place such as a pail that you can easily carry from room to room.

  • Don’t overdo. Clean whatever you can and when need a rest, take one. The rest of the stuff will still be there tomorrow.

  • Keep your windows open for ventilation while cleaning.

  • Use non-toxic cleaners that don’t have a strong scent. Try this mixture: 1 tsp. liquid soap, one tsp. baking soda and one-quart warm water

  • Use a damp cloth for dusting and spray water on the bottom of a broom to prevent dust and animal hairs from just spreading around the room.

  • While cleaning, check for water leaks that can cause bacterial and mold growth such as in your shower area or basement a clean filter.

  • Have a professional clean your air ducts.

  • If you choose to hire a cleaning service, make sure to ask what type of cleaning products they use. They may cause more harm than good and might save you time but could cost you a trip to the ER.

  • While cleaning, check for water leaks that can cause bacterial and mold growth such as in your shower area or basement.

While it may not be a pleasant task, hopefully these tips will make your next cleaning day a little easier to manage.

For more information, visit Breathe Pennsylvania at www.breathepa.org.