Steam cleaning may provide relief for people with allergies to household cleansers, a U.S. allergy-sufferer says.

Mercia Tappings, who runs AllergyBuyersClub.com., threw out her cleansers and now uses steam to clean tiles, counters and even bedclothes.

Steam cleaning  "really was just an answer to my prayers," she said. "When I got the chemicals out of the house, I literally didn't wake up with headaches anymore."

Vapour steam cleaners kill dust mites, mould, germs, spores and bacteria just using water without chemical cleaners, her website said.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said many common household cleansers, disinfectants and aerosol sprays can add to indoor air pollution.

The Health Canada website said it considers mould in houses a potential health hazard. The quality of household air is important because Canadians spend about 90 per cent of their time indoors.

With files from the Associated Press