Asthma: Chlorine Bleach, Mattresses and Recovery

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Since you are clearing out any mold spore collectors from the storage places in your house, might as well get rid of any stray spores that are waiting in the wings.

Chlorine bleach kills mold spores. So while you are at it, wipe the shelves, walls and floor of the closet with water to which you have added chlorine bleach.  Use rubber globes and, if you yourself are the asthma sufferer, a ventilator mask with a filter is a good idea. I have one that I use for almost any task that involves dust or materials that could have a musty odor.

As you make these changes, remember that a sweater that was clean at the end of the winter season, and folded neatly in a drawer, can carry a musty odor by the fall season if you live in a humid area. It may need to be washed for that reason.

Next is to look at the rest of the bedroom—or, in fact, the house--with an eye to anything that could harbor mold. This may seem like a big task but I assure you, from experience, that the effort can pay dividends.

For example, unless you have brand new mattresses in your home, cover the mattress in the bedroom with a zip-up plastic mattress cover so that any musty odor that is there will be encased with the mattress. A new pillow or a plastic cover for the pillow also could help. Some people do not like the effect of plastic under their sheets and pillow case. You can fix that with a cotton cover over the plastic.

Some allergy specialists recommend foregoing carpet inside the home, washing curtains frequently in the affected person´s bedroom--or eliminating them altogether--and taking the bed apart periodically and washing the frame with bleach. And even washing the walls periodically. In short, aim to have surfaces in your home that are easy and quick to clean frequently.

In time you will learn from experience how much of this is required in order to stay healthy and comfortable.  As a child, I suffered for many years from severe asthma. My family had no idea of the tips that are presented here for you. If they had, I would have had a much healthier and happier childhood. My hope is that what you read here will make life better for you or for your own child.

One last thought. Even though these measures may be very effective, change is not always immediate. Asthma involves both inflammation and mucus in the lungs. Once you have removed the offending allergen, it can still take a week or two before you see real improvement because it can take a while for the body to begin to recover.

Stop by tomorrow for more hints and tips for asthma.

©Arlean Kelley 05/25/2009 All rights reserved. Used by permission.

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