Cleaning That Makes You Feel Worse: Why Wet Cleaning Works Better

Why cleaning triggers symptoms

Dry sweeping, shaking bedding, and beating the sofa make settled pet dander, mite bodies, and mould spores float back into the air. The amount you breathe in goes up clearly in a short time. This can easily cause repeated sneezing, itchy throat, itchy eyes, watery eyes, and even coughing and chest tightness. For people with allergic conjunctivitis, flying dust also directly irritates the surface of the eye and makes itching and the feeling of something in the eye worse.

A better way to do it

• Use a wet cloth and wet mop first, so dust is carried away instead of swept up
• Use a vacuum cleaner with a high-efficiency filter, and avoid using an ordinary vacuum cleaner that keeps sending dust into the air
• Open a window or use an exhaust fan while cleaning, and wear a mask and eye protection if needed
• Clean high places first, then the floor, to avoid spreading dust again
• After cleaning, wash your face, do nasal saline irrigation, and change your outer clothing

Caring for eyes and nose together

If your eyes itch after cleaning, do not rub them. Rubbing releases more inflammatory mediators, so the more you rub, the more it itches. You can use a cold compress for temporary relief first, then use artificial tears to rinse foreign matter from the surface of the eye. If symptoms keep coming back, or come with clear light sensitivity or more discharge, you should see an eye doctor. If nasal symptoms are obvious, you can make a plan ahead of time under a doctor's guidance.

This article is for public education and for general information only. It is not medical advice. Please follow your doctor's instructions for your specific situation.