⚠️ Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. The information presented is based on scientific studies but each situation is unique. Always consult a healthcare professional before changing your habits or using natural remedies, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, on medication, or have a chronic condition.
Introduction: The day I realized my house was making me sick
My son Théo was diagnosed with asthma at 6 years old. For 3 years, I believed that seizures were inevitable. Ventolin still in the bag, waking up at night, limited sport…
Until the day we moved.
New apartment, same habits. But in 2 months, the crises decreased by 70%. I didn’t understand right away.
Then we returned to the old accommodation to collect some things. I cleaned as before: multi-surface spray, bleach in the toilets, “fresh air” deodorizer.
Théo had a seizure within the hour.
The click.
Our old apartment was saturated with chemical residue accumulated over years. Our way of cleaning made his asthma worse with each cleaning.
Today, Théo is 12 years old. He has not had a seizure in 18 months. We did not change the underlying treatment. We just changed the way we clean and live at home.
Here’s everything I learned.
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Why the air in your home makes asthma worse
Figures that make you think
According to the Indoor Air Quality Observatory (OQAI):
Asthma triggers in your home
| Category | Triggers | Main sources |
| Chemical | VOCs, formaldehyde, ammonia | Household products, air fresheners, paints |
| Organic | Mites, mold, pet dander | Bedding, carpets, wet rooms |
| Particles | Fine dust, fumes | Cooking, candles, incense |
| Irritants | Synthetic perfumes, chlorine | Detergents, sprays, bleach |
What the science says
A study published in the European Respiratory Journal (2019) followed 3,500 asthmatics for 10 years. Conclusions:
“The first prescription for an asthmatic should be the sanitation of their indoor environment, even before medications. » – Professor Isabella Annesi-Maesano, respiratory epidemiologist, INSERM
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10 natural solutions for healthy indoor air
1. Ditch the sprays: switch to microfiber
The problem with sprays: Each spray releases millions of micro-droplets containing VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds). These particles remain in suspension and are inhaled for hours.
The solution: High-performance microfibers clean effectively with water alone. No spray = no chemical particles in the air.
My choice after 5 years of testing: The H2O at Home microfibers are the most effective I have found. Their patented technology captures 99% of bacteria and dust without any chemicals.
Result for Théo: Zero crises during cleaning since we adopted this method. Before, I had to send him outside while I cleaned.
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2. Eliminate air fresheners (all of them!)
The truth about “air purifiers”: They don’t purify anything. They mask odors by adding chemical molecules to the air.
What to ban:
Truly natural alternatives:
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3. Chase away mites naturally
The number 1 enemy of asthmatics: Dust mites and especially their droppings are the first trigger of allergic asthma. They love the warmth and humidity of our bedding.
Natural anti-mite protocol:
Mattresses and pillows:
1. Sprinkle with baking soda
2. Leave to act for 2-4 hours
3. Vacuum with a HEPA vacuum
4. Treat with steam (100°C kills mites instantly)
Frequency: Bicarbonate 1x/week, steam 1x/month
Sheets:
Useful investment: Certified anti-mite covers for mattresses and pillows.
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4. Invest in a HEPA vacuum
Why it’s non-negotiable: A classic vacuum cleaner rejects fine particles (including allergens) into the air. You suck…and you disperse the problem.
Selection criteria:
Maintenance: Change the filter according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. A saturated filter loses its effectiveness.
Budget: Allow 150-300€ for a reliable model. It’s a health investment.
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5. Control humidity
The problem: Too humid air encourages dust mites and mold. Too dry, it irritates the bronchi.
Objective: 40-60% relative humidity
Natural solutions:
Areas to watch: Bathroom (after shower), kitchen (during cooking), drying laundry (avoid indoors).
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6. Clean floors without chemicals
Floors concentrate allergens: Dust, mites, pollen brought in from outside, product residues, etc.
Protocol for asthmatics:
1. Vacuum (HEPA vacuum) – 2-3x/week
2. Wash (damp microfiber + water) – 1x/week minimum
My method: I use the H2O at Home microfiber mop for daily washing. No bucket, no product, just the dampened microfiber. The floor is clean and dry in 5 minutes.
Mistakes to avoid:
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7. Treat the bathroom against mold
Mold = major trigger: Mold spores are powerful allergens that cause or worsen asthma.
Natural prevention:
Cleaning existing mold:
1. Pure white vinegar sprayed on the area
2. Leave to act for 1 hour
3. Scrub with H2O microfiber or brush
4. Ventilate well during and after
Important: NEVER use bleach. It does not kill mold in depth and emits chlorine gas which is very irritating to the bronchi.
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8. Create a sanctuary room
The objective: Make the room (where you spend 8 hours/night) a minimal space for allergens.
Optimal layout:
Cleaning:
Temperature: 18-19°C. An overheated room encourages dust mites.
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9. Master the kitchen (high risk area)
Why the kitchen is critical: Cooking fumes, vapors, suspended fats… The kitchen is often the most polluted room.
Solutions:
Natural cleaning:
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10. Embrace “less is more”
Anti-asthma minimalism: Fewer objects = fewer surfaces to dust = fewer accumulated allergens.
Concrete actions:
My minimalist household kit:
| Product | Usage | Replace |
| H2O at Home Microfibers | All | 5-6 different sprays |
| White vinegar | Limestone, disinfection | Descalers, toilet cleaners |
| Bicarbonate | Deodorizer, mild abrasive | Air fresheners, scouring powders |
| Black soap | Soils, grease | Chemical degreasers |
| HEPA vacuum cleaner | Floors, textiles | Classic broom |
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Weekly planning for a healthy home
| Day | Task | Duration | Material |
| Monday | Room dust (wet microfiber) | 15 mins | Microfiber |
| Tuesday | HEPA floor vacuuming | 20 mins | HEPA vacuum cleaner |
| Wednesday | Bathroom cleaning | 15 mins | Microfiber + vinegar |
| Thursday | Floor cleaning (microfiber) | 20 mins | Microfiber broom |
| Friday | Living room dust | 15 mins | Microfiber |
| Saturday | Change of sheets 60°C | 30 mins | Washing machine |
| Sunday | Prolonged ventilation + rest | 30 mins | – |
Monthly: Bicarbonate/steam mattress treatment + vacuum cleaner filter cleaning
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Comparison table: Impact of products on asthma
| Product | Asthma risk | Natural alternative | Efficiency |
| Multi-surface spray | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very High | Microfiber + water | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Bleach | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very High | Vinegar / steam | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Air freshener | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very High | Aeration / bicarbonate | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Scented laundry detergent | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ High | Fragrance-free laundry detergent | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Window cleaner | ⭐⭐⭐ Average | Microfiber windows + water | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| WC product | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ High | Vinegar + bicarbonate | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
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FAQ: Asthma and indoor air
Is cleaning with water alone really effective?
Yes, with quality microfibers. Studies show that high-performance microfibers eliminate 99% of bacteria mechanically, without chemical disinfectants. It’s even more effective than many chemicals.
My child has asthma, can I look after animals?
It’s complicated. Dander (dead skin) and saliva from animals are powerful allergens. If the animal is already there, strict measures (not in the bedroom, daily brushing outside, HEPA vacuuming) can help. Consult an allergist to assess sensitization.
Are air purifiers useful?
Yes, provided you choose a model with a HEPA filter (non-ionizing, not ozone-generating). They reduce suspended particles but do not replace ventilation and regular cleaning.
Can I use essential oils?
With great caution. EOs emit natural but potentially irritating VOCs. If you have asthma, avoid broadcasting. Some people tolerate a few drops in the washing water (lavender, tea tree), but test carefully.
How long before you see an improvement?
Most patients see improvement in 2-6 weeks after environmental sanitation. Residual VOCs gradually dissipate, and reduced exposure to allergens allows the respiratory system to recover.
Is carpet compatible with asthma?
Difficult. Carpet accumulates dust, mites and allergens in its fibers. The ideal is a smooth floor (parquet, linoleum, tiles). If you can’t change, vacuum at least 3x/week with a HEPA vacuum and do professional steam cleaning annually.
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Conclusion: Your home can become your best medicine
Asthma is not just a disease of the lungs. It is an environmental disease.
What Théo’s story taught me:
My advice? Start by eliminating the sprays. This is the change that has the most impact. Replace them with quality microfibers and water.
In 5 years of this method, Théo went from several attacks per month to zero attacks for 18 months. Without change of treatment. Just by changing the way we live at home.
Your home can be your friend, not your enemy.
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💰 Calculate your savings!
Did you know that natural cleaning can save you €190/year while improving your health?
Sources
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*Article written by Maélis T., mother of an asthmatic child, 5 years of experience in a healthy indoor environment. Last updated: December 2024.*
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