There probably isn’t a single household out there that hasn’t used Raid at least once. We all know that the product can’t harm us if we use it occasionally. But, what about inhaling it overnight?
If you want to know whether it is safe to sleep in the room if you’ve just sprayed Raid, you should continue reading this article. I’ll provide you with all the necessary information about using Raid in your bedroom!
Contents
Is Raid Dangerous to Humans?
Raid is an insecticide, which means that it contains strong ingredients that will help you get rid of insects and bugs. But as human bodies are more resilient than, for example, ants’, we can’t be sure how harmful the product can be for us. That’s where the Safety Data Sheet comes in.
Whenever I’m not sure about the possible negative effects of a product, I always make sure to Google its Safety Data Sheet. Safety Data Sheets list all the harmful effects a product can have. They are not meant for a regular consumer like you and me. But, they will be helpful in case you want to know what can happen to you if you, like in this case, inhale a product for too long.
So, what does the Safety Data Sheet say about Raid? Well, the effects really depend on the type of Raid you’re using. But, in general, Raid contains cypermethrin, which is commonly used in most insecticides. This ingredient can lead to extensive coughing, shortness of breath, and congestion. What’s more, in case you inhale it for a long time, it can cause an asthma attack and even lead to long-term issues with your lungs.
Other ingredients can cause irritation, headache, sneezing, and dizziness, which are all short-term issues. However, in case you’re too sensitive, breathing in some of the ingredients for too long can lead to paralysis in the respiratory system and cardiac arrest. But, keep in mind that those cases are rare.
So, as you can see, there is no such thing as a harmless insecticide. That is why you should be extra careful when using it in your bedroom, or not use it there at all.
Is It Safe to Sleep in the Room After Spraying Raid?
There are different kinds of Raid. You can buy ones that are used for spraying bugs directly without the need to leave them in the room. All you need is to wipe away what’s left of it, and you’re done.
On the other hand, some Raid products have to be left in the room because they’re used for solving the issue in the future. If you’re using this type of product, you’ll need to leave the room until Raid has completely dried out. That usually takes up to two hours. But, you should read the label to make sure that you’re giving it enough time to dry out.
In addition, there are other measures you can take in order to lower the chances of possible health issues. For example, you can open your window or turn on the fans in the bedroom to properly ventilate the area. You can also buy a dehumidifier.
But, you should make sure that Raid has fully dried out before you take these steps.
How to Get Rid of Raid Odor in Your Bedroom
If you don’t have the option to sleep in another room after spraying Raid, you can still use the bedroom if you eliminate the unwanted odor. I have a few suggestions that will help you get rid of the smell, so let’s check them out.
1. Open the Windows
The easiest way to get rid of any unwanted odors is to open the windows. Close the door to the room you sprayed Raid in, and open all the windows in it wide. Leave them like that for 15-20 minutes, and the air should be fresh. However, if the odor lingers, you could leave the windows open for a little longer (up to an hour).
If after an hour you can still smell Raid, don’t worry — I have another solution.
Cross ventilation is the other way to quickly ventilate your home. All you need to do is open multiple windows in different rooms, and leave the doors between those rooms open. Ideally, you should open windows on opposite sides of the house, so the breeze can travel throughout the entire place. In about 15 minutes, the air in the room will be odorless.
2. Turn On the Fans
Another way to remove the smell of Raid is to turn on the fan (or fans). It works better if you have multiple fans, as they will make the air circulate faster.
The best way to get rid of the odor is to place one fan in front of the window, facing outside. Turn it on, and in about 30 minutes the air in the room will change completely. You might think that the fan should face inside the room, but that’s only going to keep the smell inside.
Instead, when the fan is oriented toward the outside, it will draw the smell out and create a vacuum. Just try it — it’s going to work wonders. And if you have multiple fans, this process will be sped up quite a bit.
3. Buy a Dehumidifier
Dehumidifiers have a lot of benefits, and removing bad smells in a room is only one of them. They can also control humidity levels, reduce mold growth, and even help if you have allergies.
If you use a dehumidifier to remove the odors, it will take about 30 minutes to one hour, depending on the size of the room and the dehumidifier’s capacity. But, unlike the other solutions, you could sleep in the room while having the dehumidifier on.
Basically, if the Raid smell isn’t that bad at the start, you can go to bed and have the dehumidifier working overnight. By the time you wake up, you’ll wake up to a fresh-smelling room.
The way it works is by filtering the air in a room — it draws in the warm, damp air and releases a dry and clean one. All the humidity and condensation will be transferred to the storage tank of the device, so you can throw it out later. When the tank fills up, the dehumidifier will simply turn off.
Keep Babies Away From Raid Fumes
Raid can be especially harmful to babies and pets. Thus, you need to ensure that they don’t come in contact with this product. Raid can cause coughing, irritation, and headache. Furthermore, if your baby inhales it for some time, Raid can even damage its central nervous system.
So, you should always keep babies and pets away when you’re spraying Raid. In addition, it’s best that you avoid leaving the residue in the room where they sleep.
My Thoughts on Sleeping in the Bedroom After Spraying Raid
I’ve provided you with all information I could find about the possible negative effects that Raid can cause overnight. As long as you keep pets and babies away from the room, it’s up to you whether you want to risk it or not. However, I advise you not to do it if you can still smell the Raid fumes.
There are great home remedies that will help you get rid of the problem without risking your health. For example, tea tree oil is a great ally for eliminating bugs.
Furthermore, you can always sleep in your living room if you need to spray Raid around your bedroom. So, since there are ways to avoid possible health issues of using Raid, sleeping in the bedroom isn’t necessary.