Scents
Disinfect
Another cleaner that’s easy on the eyes and nose? Vinegar. “It’s a great disinfectant,” Reichert says. “It actually kills 98 percent of bacteria.” As previously mentioned, if you don't like the scent of vinegar, just add an essential oil to remove the sharp smell.
Ventilate
If you do continue to use cleaners that have strong scents, make sure you’re not in a tightly enclosed area without ventilation. “The key is not to let the odors become too concentrated,” says Dr. Gital Patel, a doctor certified in pediatric and adult allergy and immunology. “Always open the window or run an exhaust fan.”
Dust
If you’re not careful, dusting can simply mean sending particles from surfaces into the air—which will have your kids sneezing. “When your kids have allergies, you really want to avoid airborne allergens,” Reichert says. “The less chemicals you use, the better. The best way to dust is to spritz a microfiber cloth with water.” Simple and cost-efficient.
Glass Surfaces
Halt: Despite all you know, you don’t need Windex to clean glass tabletops or windows. “There are some great cleaning tools that don't even use chemicals, but a fine woven microfiber cloth will clean glass without any cleaning products or paper towels at all,” says Reichert.
Steam Clean
You don’t need chemical-based cleaners to thoroughly clean your wood and tile, either. “I love steam cleaners,” says Reichert. “They are great for cleaning hard floors, and kill all the germs without any harsh chemicals.” A good steam cleaner is worth the investment, since you'll be able to use it year after year.
MORE: Allergy-Proof Your Home
Vacuuming
It might seem natural to vacuum the floors and pick up dust so your kids won’t be crawling in it … but this may backfire. “Vacuuming can actually be bad for allergies,” says Patel.” The allergens themselves are so tiny, they can go right through the filter to be expelled out of the vacuum's exhaust and dispersed in the air.” The fix? Look for a vacuum with a HEPA (“high efficiency particulate air”) filter, which will catch most allergens before they get released into your home.
