Can anyone recommend asthma safe cleaning products for the bathroom?

[mjrminor]

Bleach etc gives me a full blown asthma attack, and isn't exactly good for the environment either. Have you found any products that are chemical free and clean well? Thanks.

[EmmaF91 Community Ambassador]

Koh. Koh all the way 😂. One spray does basically everything (although it isn’t antibacterial). It cleans the oven, it cleans the bath, the taps, the toilet, the floor!

I’ve even accidentally inhaled it (cause like an idiot I sprayed it into the oven then stuck my head in immediately afterwards 😅) and no asthma issues!

Hope this helps!

[Js706 in reply to EmmaF91]

You should contact koh and ask them to sponsor you with all this new business they’re getting 😂

[AutumnHedgerow]

Like Emma, I use Koh (maybe even got the idea from her in the first place 😊) and second her recommendation. I also use bicarbonate of soda, and sometimes vinegar. But I have just bought a new Dupray steam cleaner, which is fantastic and which steam cleans everything without any solvent or whatever, even the bathroom. It’s really fab.

[AirIsUnderrated]

Another vote for Koh. A friend recommended it to me and it doesn't trigger me at all.

[mjrminor]

That's a done deal then - just ordered their starter bundle cleaning pack. Thanks everyone!

[EmmaF91 Community Ambassador in reply to mjrminor]

😂 hope it is as good for you as it has been for me! (And everyone else who has tried it!)

[mjrminor in reply to EmmaF91]

Thanks - honestly right now, I'll try anything. But the fact everyone is recommending Koh gives me some hope!

[Hidden]

Just another voice in the choir of recommendations!

From the Koh website...

"Formulated alongside scientists at the University of New South Wales, Koh Universal Cleaner is free from harsh chemicals, fragrances, phosphates and parabens. *It’s allergy friendly, recommended by the National Asthma Council Australia’s Sensitive Choice™ program.* "

I'm i the UK but I imagine the science is the same!

[Lysistrata Administrator Community Ambassador]

I also have Koh as recommended by Emma and it seems very good!

If any concerns virus-wise - ordinary soap/detergent kills COVID and most other viruses as far as I know, so this should be fine for the home without needing to be antibacterial. Presumably antibac cleaner is needed in hospitals etc where you need to be extra careful and deal with a wide range of pathogens, but this seems like it would be enough for the home.

[Starstream]

Hi, can I just ask how bleach affects you, thought I was imagining that it upsets my breathing. Right from being young before I was diagnosed I seemed to get a bad throat after using it but didn't really catch on as it always happened days after so didn't associate.

Now I do avoid it.

What symptoms do you get from it?

Thanks Christine

[mjrminor in reply to Starstream]

Hi Christine, for me it starts with a tight chest, followed by wheezing and coughing and struggling for breath. This can happen within minutes of breathing it in. I find this happens with lots of different chemical based products - to varying degrees. But bleach is definitely one of the worst for me.

[Starstream in reply to mjrminor]

Thank you for your reply

Mine is not like that, it doesn't come on quickly. My flares are a build up of mucus which I cannot clear so eventually have to have steroids. It then clears and I have about 5 weeks before it starts again, very frustrating.

😀

[mjrminor in reply to Starstream]

Just goes to show how asthma can affect us all in different ways. I have to say I've just tried cleaning the bathroom with Koh - and not only does it do a good job of cleaning, I've experienced zero asthma symptoms. Think I've been coverted!

[Highview]

Just stick with the basics, I use soda crystals, citric acid etc. All cleaners are chemicals Koh is just potassium hydroxide in a water solution - a very expensive way of selling it. Anything with a fancy brand name/image is taking a profit from you. I find bleach is OK (use with care, open bathroom window and shut door and leave!) but I only use thin bleach with no colour or scent added.

[strongmouse in reply to Highview]

I tried Koh and unfortunately we live in an area where the chalk / calcium in our water is high and I didn't find the KOH very effective, but it doesn't have an odour.

Soda crystals are good and if you can tolerate vinegar that too works plus citric acid. I can't stand the smell of vinegar in large doses though! Ecover have a range of products and Method, depending what you tolerate.

There are a range of alternative products here too - independent.co.uk/extras/in...

[Skigoddess]

Hi

I’ve just ordered KOH . It cleans well (following instructions)and no odour - even ovens !

[Clairebear35]

Koh and I also use method

[Logo132]

I use method cleaners and I love them as their fragrances are amazing. You can get them in any supermarket. I think they are coconut based. Never set off my asthma as no harsh chemicals.

[AirIsUnderrated in reply to Logo132]

I used to love Method too, but I do find they are a trigger for me now. Love the scents though.

[mjrminor]

Well I've just tried Koh for the first time - and I'm a complete convert - it cleans well and I had zero asthma!

[Emzcat41]

I’ve just bought some method to try and see how they go.

Bleach is awful for me, I’ve used it for years though and cannot find anything in the method range to put down the loo!