The sun is shining, the birds are singing, and you can now see all the dust and dirt that have accumulated during the winter. Time for spring cleaning; but, you are allergic to dust and/or have other respiratory problems. The best way to deal with dust allergies and other spring cleaning respiratory problems is to avoid the cause of the problem; but, NOT cleaning your home is really not an option.

Here are some tips that will help you get your house clean and dust free without any irritating chemicals.

1) Dusting - use old socks or mittens. Slip them over your hands and start dusting. They will pick up the dust without getting it all up in the air where you will breathe it in. Just toss them in the wash and let the washing machine wash away the accumulated dust. If the dust is starting to "rise", simply use a squirt bottle with plain water and spray it on the dusty area first. Use one covered hand to wipe the "damp" dust up and the other to "dry" the area. For high places that need dusting, slip the socks or mittens over a broom or mop handle.

2) Cleaning and killing germs without harsh chemicals is simple - use white vinegar. Pour it on, wipe it on with a sponge or spray froma spray bottle. White vinegar leaves no residue, kills bacteria, and the odor quickly dissipates. It removes soap scum, lime and calcium deposits quickly and easily. It can be used on fabrics It is also safe for glass, tile, and most kitchen surfaces.

3) If you need a "scouring powder" use plain baking soda or add water and use the resulting paste. Won't scratch surfaces or irritate your allergies, but it does get things clean and you can rinse the item off with vinegar to kill bacteria.

4) Cleaning toilet bowls is a snap with alka seltzer. Plop, plop, fizz, fizz; oh how clean it is! Just drop a couple in the toilet bowl, wait till the fizzing stops, brush and flush and you're done. Denture cleaners, like Efferdent or Polident, work the same way.

5) Toss curtains and other linens in the wash and don't worry about removing things like curtain hangers. If they are plastic or metal, they will not harm your washer and your washer won't hurt them. If they are metal be sure they have had time to cool before pulling them out of the dryer and rehanging them. Remember, the less time you spend in contact with them before they get cleaned the better it is for your allergies.

These simple tips will help you with your spring cleaning without aggravating your allergies and other respiratory problems.

Learn more about this author, Ginger Kazay.
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