Spring has officially sprung, but just as April showers bring May flowers, these warmer months also herald the start of peak allergy season. If you are someone who has asthma or suffers from allergies, you know firsthand how important it is to keep your home dust- and pollen-free. However, if you aren't selective enough with your cleaning products, your good intentions of regular home cleanings may unintentionally introduce allergens and chemicals back into your space, potentially making asthma and allergy symptoms worse.
In honor of National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month this May, Amy Cadora, Chief Brand and Mission Officer and home cleaning expert at Norwex, is offering three expert tips for reducing allergens in your home without the use of harmful and irritating chemicals. Known for banning over 2,700 harmful chemicals from their product lines, Norwex offers a plethora of better-for-you products with cleaner formulations to help you tackle your deep clean this spring.
1. Dust, Dust, We Must!
No one loves to dust, but it's important to remove it from your living spaces. Besides being unsightly, dust can actually contain up to 45 harmful chemicals, including phthalates and flame retardants that can potentially trigger asthma symptoms.
Instead of reaching for a traditional cleaning spray, Cadora suggests opting for a dust-grabbing microfiber tool like the Norwex Dusting Mitt. This handy microfiber dusting mitt makes quick work of cleaning and keeps surfaces dust-free longer than typical chemical-laden dusting sprays, all without harmful or irritating chemicals. The mitt is also machine-washable, offering a more sustainable alternative to disposable cleaning wipes.
For harder-to-reach areas like fan blades and elevated air vents, use a microfiber wand like the EnviroWand. The tool features extra-fine, statically charged microfiber on one side to grab dust, pet hair and other small particles, and a layer of plush microfiber on the other side to pick up dust and keep it from resettling.
Pro tip: Attach the wand to a Norwex mop handle for extra length, making it easier to regularly clean those hard-to-reach areas.
2. Keeping Laundry Clean and Allergy Free
When you wash your laundry, you're not just removing dirt and odors from clothing. You're also washing out pollutants and pollen that easily attach to fabrics and can trigger allergies and asthma.
Because of this, it's important to be selective when choosing a detergent. To thoroughly remove grime and allergens without adding skin irritants and other potential triggers, make sure to use a safe and effective laundry detergent free of harsh chemicals.
Cadora advises choosing a formulation like Norwex's PowerZyme Laundry Detergent. This highly concentrated, enzyme-based powder eliminates stains and odors and dissolves grease and grime to get laundry super clean and fresh smelling. Like other Norwex laundry detergents, it's powerful and free from potential irritants like chlorine bleach, phthalates, parabens, ammonia and more.
Pro tip: It's not just the detergent that matters in reducing irritants on your skin but also the way you dry clothes. Dryer sheets may seem like a safe choice, but they can also contain skin-irritating chemicals and fragrances, so Cadora would suggest switching to natural wool laundry balls like these Fluff and Tumble Dryer Balls. Dryer balls deliver static- and wrinkle-free laundry without introducing irritants and softening agents to clothes. They can also reduce drying time by separating and creating space between your clothes to allow for better air flow while naturally softening the fabric.
3. Creating a Better, Cleaner Sleep Space
Your bedroom should be a sanctuary - a space for rest, recovery and relaxation. But for many, it can also be a hidden hot spot for allergens that disrupt sleep and affect overall well-being. From pet dander to pollen, understanding the common allergens that can be found in your bedroom is the first step toward creating a healthier, better sleep routine.
If your furry friends share your bed, you're likely sharing more than snuggles. Pet dander can easily settle into bedding and mattresses, meaning you need to regularly clean these soft fabrics. Cadora recommends grabbing Norwex's Mattress Cleaner, which uses a unique, enzyme-powered formula designed to help remove organic material and allergens like body oils, pet dander, dust mite feces and other contaminants from pillows, comforters, pet bedding, fluffy toys and fabric furniture.