Migraine

Well, I've discovered a new trigger. Actually, it's not that new, it's just that I wasn't willing to accept it sooner because it made me feel so fragile. I've finally admitted to myself that cleaning products can trigger a Migraine for me.

I thought it was only Scrubbing Bubbles, because normally when I clean, I clean the entire house. But, one Saturday I was feeling great and so I decided it was time for some deep cleaning. I had finished the bathroom and my bedroom and DH asked if I could spend time with him instead of cleaning, so, of course, I did. I woke up with a Migraine the next day and blamed it on the Scrubbing Bubbles' fumes.

The day before yesterday, I did the same thing minus the Scrubbing Bubbles and still ended up with a Migraine a few hours later. I only used a small amount of Windex, Lysol Scrubbing Wipes and Pledge Wipes and it still triggered a Migraine.

I joked with DH that I'm going to have to wear a painter's mask in order to clean but the more I think about it, the more it actually seems like a good idea. So, I'm going to pick up a mask tomorrow and give it a shot.

What a way to weasel out of cleaning huh?

I am right there with you! Bleach kills me. I buy cleaners without it, but sometimes, you just need to use it. That's when I tell DH to handle it.

Even today - they guys who put the smelly things in our bathrooms here were talking about changing the scent. Apple Cinnamin was what they wanted to go with. I told the guy not to even put a new smell in there and to remove the old one. It is so strong, I dread having to go to the bathroom! I can't stand strong smells of any kind. Seeing as I'm the only girl here, I'm the only one using the girls room, so I got my way.....for once.

Aha! Maybe spraying down my tub/shower with the Method Daily Shower Spray is what sent me over the edge last evening? The "ylang-ylang scent" in that stuff is pretty strong, and I don't use it often.

Rebecca, The Island Mama

Cleaning products have been a known trigger for me for awhile.

Vinegar and water mixed is a great cleaner and doesn't bother my senses. I often use vinegar and baking soda for the toliets and showerhead. There are a number of "recipes" that are easy to find and may make a difference.

When bleach is needed I also call in DH to handle the job.

Hey ladies,
I use the cleaning products called Seventh Generation. They have some scents but are natural like fruits and such. I'm really sensitive and even some that are natural bother me so I can appreciate what everyone else is saying. I had to give up the ones with chemicals long ago. Gave me migraines big time!! I think it's the chemicals as well as the fragrances!!!

I have to share with ya'll a story that makes me laugh now. It didn't when it happened cause it made me so sick, but now I can look back and go;"I cannot believe she did that!!!"

My sister in law is such a clean freak, she cleans like everyday and puts a Glade plug-in IN every room. And one time when I was invited over AFTER she knew I had migraines that were triggered by smells, she had put different smell Glade plug-ins all over the house. "A different smell in each room". I almost passed out when I walked in the front door. Needless to say I had to immediately turn around and leave.

Next time they had a get together, my brother called me several days before and said, "The Glade-plug-ins are gone for good".
Some people!!!
parisbabe
Pam

I recently discovered vinegar and baking soda as cleaning agents. They are FABULOUS!! Really. Love, love, love them. If lemon juice doesn't bother you, add a few drops of that to some baking soda and water and there ya go.....clean something.

Or better yet, look online for homemade cleaning produts. It will blow your mind... bad choice of words I know!

Yep, lemon juice over here! We also like Green Works products...they have softly scented cleaners, and some that aren't scented. But then, it could be the chemicals themselves.

Just vacuuming can trigger a migraine for me. I usually do wear masks when I clean, if only for my asthma.

UGGGGHHHHH! I HATE Glade Plug-ins with a passion! I especially hate the cinnamon/spice ones. They will trigger me every time. My mom used to put one in the living room. At first, before my migraines went rampant, I simply hated the spice scent, but I tolerated it. Once the migraines hit, though, I couldn't be in the room more than a couple minutes and I'd trigger. My thinking would get all muddled, too, just being around those, even if I didn't get a migraine. Luckily, I have a very understanding mom, and just for me, she ditched the plug-ins completely.

Salt and lemon juice will polish metals. Mild chemical reaction. Doesn't hurt your hands.

Be careful mixing lemon juice and baking soda - you're mixing an acid and a base. Don't mix them straight. (Anybodu else remember "redox reactions" from chemistry class?)

To de-scent a room (onion smell, smoke smell, etc.) - put a cup of ammonia on a counter & leave the room for a while. It will neutralize just about any foul smell, leaving no smell behind.

If you burn rice (or potatoes, I'd imagine), set the pot in a pan of cold water. That stops the smell, and the burnt rice won't stick to the pot.

Easy way to clean cast iron: boil clean water in the skillet or pot for about 5 min. This loosens whatever is in it. You can then scrub lightly to finish the job, rinse, & put away. The cast iron stays seasoned. No soap needed. Never use detergents on cast iron.

Rebecca, The Island Mama

The best "recipe" for cleaning.....getting someone else to do it! LOL

quote:

Originally posted by Liz:
Cleaning products have been a known trigger for me for awhile.

Vinegar and water mixed is a great cleaner and doesn't bother my senses. I often use vinegar and baking soda for the toliets and showerhead. There are a number of "recipes" that are easy to find and may make a difference.

When bleach is needed I also call in DH to handle the job.

Droolie, I hear you on some of those plug ins. I did find one though that I love. It's the Lavender Vanilla one from Glade (I think). It is calming and it seems to chill out the kitty cats as well!

Triggers are so different for everyone, especially the scent ones! Some things just totally take me down, where other things people have mentioned have no affect on me. I can say, the girls bathroom is a much better place for me at work now!

DF has been on cleaning duty since I started this bad cycle a few years ago (basically, the entire time we've lived together...)

I can tolerate some cleaning products just fine. Regular Windex doesn't seem to bother me, but the cheap generics do. I'm okay with the smell of bleach as long as I'm not the one doing the cleaning. DF uses baking soda most frequently for kitchen-related cleaning - that stuff works wonders and doesn't bother me at all.

For the most part I stay away from cleaning products, though, and we often run fans (especially the exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom) when DF is cleaning.

My sentiments bezactly!!!

quote:

Originally posted by Eileen Gray:
The best "recipe" for cleaning.....getting someone else to do it! LOL

Other than greenworks has anyone found anything else that really works well that isn't too harsh on the head? Living in a dorm can be pretty brutal as I feel the need to clean every other day.... Lysol is wayyyy too harsh on the head, but seems to do the trick in getting things clean and i have found that the greenworks can be a little pricey at the shaws that we go to.

quote:

Originally posted by dragondroolHOST:
My sentiments bezactly!!!

quote:

Originally posted by Eileen Gray:
The best "recipe" for cleaning.....getting someone else to do it! LOL

I second!

Best.

I've had a lot of luck with Seventh Generation and Method brand cleaning products. Both have unscented versions, and they're safer for the environment! I also use vinegar for washing the hardwood floors. It works great.