It’s essential to maintain a clean home for various reasons, but the cleaning supplies traditionally used can occasionally be dangerous, particularly for seniors. Conventional cleaning products may contain harsh chemicals, potent perfumes, and hazardous compounds that can irritate skin, cause allergic reactions, or increase respiratory problems. Selecting healthy, environmentally friendly cleaning products is crucial for seniors to ensure their overall health and well-being.
Additionally, many seniors aging in place can benefit from senior home care services, which assist them with daily cleaning tasks. Working together, senior home care providers and seniors can determine what products work best and ensure a cleaner and safer environment.
The Impact of Dangerous Chemicals
Chemicals like ammonia and bleach are commonly found in traditional cleaning products. Unfortunately, those ingredients can irritate the skin, eyes, and lungs. Seniors who already have respiratory diseases like COPD or asthma may be more susceptible to their negative effects. Additionally, some cleaning products release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air, which can exacerbate headaches, fatigue, and dizziness as well as lower the quality of indoor air.
The impact becomes even greater for seniors with limited mobility, who may find it more difficult to leave a place where fumes are building up quickly, increasing the risk of exposure. Instead, senior home care providers can help seniors choose eco-friendly, fragrance-free, and non-toxic products that help reduce these possible risks.
Healthy Substitutes for Cleaning Products
Senior home care professionals can help seniors look for healthy substitutes for cleaning products, such as the ones listed below:
Vinegar and Baking Soda
These everyday ingredients can be effective cleaning agents without any of the risks noted above. Because vinegar is inherently acidic, it works well to clean floors, counters, and windows. It can also remove stubborn stains, soap scum, and even deodorize carpets when combined with baking soda.
Castile Soap
Castile soap is a multipurpose, biodegradable cleaning solution that is made from vegetable oils like coconut or olive oil. It works well as a laundry detergent, floor cleaner, and dishwashing solution. Its all-natural recipe makes it mild on the skin and safe for the environment, which makes it an excellent choice for seniors.
Essential Oil-Based Cleaners
Because essential oils have nice aromas and antibacterial qualities, many natural cleaning brands incorporate them into their products. Examples of these oils are tea tree, lavender, and lemon. Compared to synthetic scents, which may include dangerous ingredients, these oils are far safer. However, if a senior has allergies, they should use essential oils with caution, as certain oils can still cause allergic responses.
Hypoallergenic and Fragrance-Free Options
Selecting hypoallergenic and fragrance-free products is essential for seniors who have asthma or are sensitive to smells. Non-toxic cleaning products can be found from many brands and are made to reduce exposure to irritants and allergies. Additionally, these products have the same cleaning power as those that include harsh chemicals. Knowing this makes them an even easier choice.
Steam Cleaning
Steam cleaning sanitizes surfaces like tile, countertops, and even upholstery without the use of chemicals. Seniors who are worried about the quality of their indoor air should consider steam cleaners as a great alternative because they can eliminate germs and bacteria with just water and heat, producing no toxic emissions or residues in the process. However, if seniors choose to try steam cleaning, loved ones or senior home care providers need to monitor their use to ensure their safety.
Senior home care can help seniors maintain a clean and fresh house without running the danger of hazardous chemical exposure by adopting healthier cleaning products into their routine.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Senior Home Care in Carrboro, NC, please contact the caring staff at Affordable Family Care.
Serving Raleigh, Greensboro, and the surrounding areas in North Carolina. Call today at (919) 676-1070
Sources:
- https://www.mollymaid.com/practically-spotless/2022/january/house-cleaning-tips-for-seniors-and-loved-ones/
- https://recyclecoach.com/blog/10-non-chemical-cleaners-for-a-more-sustainable-home
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