could cleaning products cause flares/pain?

[Itsme]

I often use comet to clean the tub. Now I'm wondering if this could be a problem. I always rinse the tub as much as possible. Which cleaning product(s) would be best to help prevent flares?

[GriffsMommy]

I don't think that I've ever had a flare from a cleaning product myself. Are you taking baths in the tub after you clean it with the comet or are you more worried about just handling it in general?
I would think if you didn't get your hands clean enough and then void then it's possible some of the comet could get down there when you wipe? I can't clean my bathroom or most of my house myself because I can't stand for any real length of time so I am lucky enough to have teenagers that do all of that for me.
If you're worried about the comet no matter how you think it might be causing you a flare then perhaps you might want to look into getting those green cleaners that are available that are safe for the environment, they should be more safe for your body as well.

[SharonA]

I do want to caution you about something else. Many people say that fumes from chemicals can cause them problems. If you are concerned about this also, try to remember to not close yourself up in a room while using cleaning solutions. If you have to close the door, then open a window.

[Itsme]

I do want to caution you about something else. Many people say that fumes from chemicals can cause them problems. If you are concerned about this also, try to remember to not close yourself up in a room while using cleaning solutions. If you have to close the door, then open a window.

SharonA,
So are you saying fumes cause bladder problems? I know fumes cause allergies and breathing problems for me. I do wear gloves if using any cleaning products. I use Comet or Mr. Clean to clean the tub, but I'm concerned now that even with good rinsing of the tub that residue could still get into the bladder. I don't get to take many baths now because of too much pain trying to clean. White vinegar and baking soda are good cleaners. I have tried any of the "green" cleaners yet.

[Itsme]

I don't think that I've ever had a flare from a cleaning product myself. Are you taking baths in the tub after you clean it with the comet or are you more worried about just handling it in general?
I would think if you didn't get your hands clean enough and then void then it's possible some of the comet could get down there when you wipe? I can't clean my bathroom or most of my house myself because I can't stand for any real length of time so I am lucky enough to have teenagers that do all of that for me.
If you're worried about the comet no matter how you think it might be causing you a flare then perhaps you might want to look into getting those green cleaners that are available that are safe for the environment, they should be more safe for your body as well.




Christine,
I wish I had your teenage daughters here to help. My daughters are grown and I now have three grandchildren (I'm only 48). My husband is good at helping. I'm sure learning a lot from this website. Things I don't think the specialists are even aware of.

Have you tried any of those green cleaners? I just thought they probably have perfumes or scents added too. I'm am very sensitive to perfumes or any fumes as far as it causing breathing problems and allergies.

[stef000]

Yeah i have found they do flare me if not bladder wise(the smell) or my skin down around the urethra gets all irritated.....
so now i just rinse things in the shower now just to avoid irritation since i either get irritated if its not clean or if its too clean.....
thats what i find anyway
i hope your ok
take it easy
:hi:

[justice4j]

Hi,

I am convinced that if I am around certain chemicals just inhaling the odor can set off asthma or IC. I've had flares of both from cleaning the house...
ERRRRR

[GriffsMommy]

No, I have never personally used the green cleaners but I know I just saw a commercial that clorax is now making them so maybe take a look at what's in them and see if they would be a better option for you. Yea, having the teenagers does help, two boys and a girl though. They are actually set to do a top to bottom cleaning of the house this weekend since I'm having a hysterectomy next Thursday and want to start with a clean house if we have any chance of them actually keeping it clean when I won't even be able to get up much for the first few weeks.

[jen48446]

Yes, most products you find in retail stores can cause many, many issues. The manufacturers are improving their products but they're still not as good as they could be.

You're welcome to PM me to e-mail or call me if you have further questions, I have reference materials on this issue:smile tee:angel::cat:

[hdb1982]

I do housekeeping for a living so I have a few ideas on this subject. For tubs I use a mr.clean magic eraser to scrub away the soap scum then take a "green" antibacterial spray and spray it down, let it soak a minute, then rinse. I dont do this myself b/c the cleaning stuff doesn't bother me but I am not sure about the home owners so I do it in the homes I clean. It works very well. I keep a magic eraser in my bathtub and I find if I do a quick wipe down after every other bath/shower I don't have to scrub to hard. If you think the smell is bothering you you can wear a mask. If you don't have an exhaust fan you can get a desk fan and put it in the window facing out to suck out the fumes. I always spray everything down, shut the door, let it soak for about 15 minutes and come back and wipe/rinse everything. It makes it easier because the soaking helps you not need to scrub as hard and I don't have to be in the room the entire time breathing in the fumes. Clorox is making a multi surface andtibacterial spray that does not have a strong odor. I think it comes in orange citrus and lemon. You can use it on toilets, counters, appliances, doors, sinks, tubs, showers. They also have a thing called a scrub buster. It it mechanical and looks like a huge lint roller but instead of sticky tape it has tiny little rubber fingers. It has a round barrel about 4 inches around. Kinda hard to explain how it looks. My mom loves hers. YOu just turn it on and the barrel rotates and the little fingers scrub soap scum and mildew for you. If you are trying to scrub mildew from tile grout you can clean it with something antibacterial then there is something called grout paint/protector you can wipe in the grout tunnel then it wipes clean from the tile. Makes it look brand new and it has some type of chemical in it that eats the underlying mildew. I can't remember the exact name but they have it at lowes. I use a lot of comet and scrubbing bubbles. I have found they are hard on my hands, pledge furniture polish as well. I switched to pledge multi surface, works on wood, plastic, metal, stainless steel, mirrors glass and countertops as well and doesnt bother my hands plus you dont have to carry around so many rags. It really makes me have a lot less cleaning supplies in my car. Sometimes I have to resort to the oldfaithfuls. Softscrub works good on flat top stoves, just a small dab and a little water and spread it on and buff it out. If you have a glass shower make sure you use the squeegie(SP) everytime you get out. If anyone else has any ? about cleaning hit me up, it is my speciality and I have books of "home remedies" for cleaning.

[yarnia]

If you wet a washcloth and scrub your shower/bath with a little plain shampoo after/during baths a few times a week you never have to scrub!

I rarely use chemicals because they really bother my allergies. So far, we're surviving ;)

[BrittanysDance]

Chemicals do bother me somewhat, but it really depends on how much. Bleach is a KILLER for me and will set me off both bladder and migraines and my youngest has asthma so I really need to be careful what I use to clean. Most "intense" cleaning is done when he is at school and I can open windows.

I second the shampoo thing for soap scum - also - Lemon Joy Dish soap works TERRIFIC (or Dawn, whatever brand, but it has to be lemon) for busting through soap scum without even really scrubbing with much effort.

I also found that those Clorox Toilet Wands work GREAT for cleaning the tub! You dont have to bend down at all and WOW do they bust through the grime (and smell pretty good too), not too much bleach in those either. If you start with the tub, you can move to the sink and then finally the toilet by adding Soft Scrub and no more aching back bending down and you only go through ONE Scrubby! :woohoo:

On days that I dont fully "scrub down" my bathroom and kitchen, I use Clorox Scented Wipes - those things are LIFESAVERS! Especially if you have guests that suddenly stop by and you dont have time to clean your bathroom. Just grab a wipe and go go go! :smile tee Smells like you just cleaned it and looks great too! Great for the floor too (tile, linoleum, etc) because it disinfects.

[Sally939]

I clean my tub with dish washing soap like joy. The builder chipped the tub and had the chip filled certain cleaners turn the chip filler colors. So I need to stay away form anything with bleach in it. I do clean my tub often but the joy works great for me. I have also used the mr clean sponge. It has no sponge and works great on a dirty tub. It did turn my chip filler colors though.

[LolaDoggie]

I don't know if they do or not. But, I decided not to chance it. I've changed my cleaning products to the kinds professional janitors use. I get them at the professional supplier. I know they don't irritate my allergies and whatnot. I had noticed IBS flares when I cleaned and that stopped. They do a good job too. It's more money. I'm a cheapskate otherwise, but what can you do? It's worth it to me to not be sick.

You could try home made cleaners. You could try the "greener" alternative cleaners. I mean...it's worth a try.

[Kara29]

Sometimes it's just trial and error. It may be helpful to write down when you get a flare and what chemicals or even foods you ingested that day. A journal is a great thing to help you and your Doctors in trying to figure out a treatment plan for you.

Kara

[Itsme]

Thanks to all of you for the replies and comments. I had changed internet providers and hadn't looked at the posts recently.
I will definitely try some of the ideas. As far as fumes, I never realized they could trigger IC flares. I was concerned about chemical residue left in the tub that would seep through the skin. A few of you mentioned lemon Joy dish soap. I know drinking lemon causes flares, so glad to hear the dish soap works.

[mary124]

Cleaners don't bother me-- I'm lucky though as the main bathroom I usually let my youngest son clean it- he's been cleaning it since he was 14 (he is now 19-- my husband sat him down when I was going to have my heart surgery and told both of my kids that they needed to do the housework--but some how only one took on the job and he still helps me! even working full time. I do however, clean my bathroom, I really don't clean my tub - its a gardentub- as I don't take a bath all that much but when I do I usually just rinse it out with comet spray or Mr. clean.