Eczema and Household Cleaning

Eczema is a skin disease that is caused by the body's reaction to various external and internal triggers. External triggers can range from dust to the scented oil in air fresheners, to the various chemicals found in many household cleaners.

For someone living with eczema, or with someone that has eczema, basic chores like dusting and laundry can be difficult when trying to use unscented, mild alternatives to name brand cleaners, laundry detergents, and air fresheners.

Following are four tips and tricks for cleaning without using commercial detergents or cleaners.

1. Laundry

For eczema sufferers, laundry is the most challenging household chore to tackle. Clothing and linens are in direct and constant contact with skin, so irritation is difficult to avoid. Commercial and brand name laundry detergents are heavy on color additives, perfumes, and cleaners. Even sensitive skin and unscented brands can cause irritation.

Two common household items to replace laundry detergent and fabric softeners are baking soda and rubbing alcohol. Baking soda acts as a cleaner and freshener for fabrics, and rubbing alcohol sanitizes and even works as a stain remover. These items will not irritate the skin of someone suffering from eczema since they do not leave harsh chemical or perfume residues on laundered items.

2. Dusting

For furniture and items that can tolerate water, dusting with a rag wetted with water and a mild dish detergent is most effective for removing dust and dirt. A wet rag also helps to capture, rather than disperse dust, so less is deposited into the air where it can cause itching and flare ups for individuals with eczema.

3. Vacuuming

There is no doubt that a good vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter can be the best friend of someone with eczema. Trouble can arise, however, when the person in charge of cleaning uses scented powders or foams to freshen carpets. These powders and foams leave behind a scented residue, and can also leave itchy granules on the carpet if not thoroughly vacuumed.

If pets or just old carpet require freshening while vacuuming, baking soda is the best alternative to scented powders or foams. The freshening power of baking soda, left to sit on carpet for ten to fifteen minutes, is as effective as commercial fresheners, but is all natural, so no heavy perfumes or itchy chemicals remain on the carpet.

4. Freshening the Air

Everyone wants their home to smell good when they come in the door. For some eczema sufferers, however, even the scented oils and perfumes used in candles, potpourri or electrical outlet air fresheners can cause break outs.

To freshen and scent the air in your home, simply make your own potpourri using natural ingredients like fruits and spices. If you or the eczema sufferer in your home is sensitive to particular fruits or spices, be sure to take those irritants into consideration when concocting your homemade brew.

The easiest and most potent homemade potpourri is simply one orange, sliced with the peel left on, and two cinnamon sticks placed in a pan of boiling water. Reduce to a simmer and enjoy the spicy fragrance. Since the ingredients are all natural, they will not cause sensitivity for the eczema sufferer.