Cleaning to Control - Allergies and Asthma
We all know that a clean house is hard work, but we all reap the rewards of a healthy home.
The Environmental Protection Agency and its Science Advisory Board have consistently ranked indoor air pollution among the top five environmental risks to public health. According to the College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, 50% of all illnesses are caused by or aggravated by polluted indoor air, mainly from the HOME!
In the UK, over four million people (the majority of them children) suffer with respiratory allergies aggravated by indoor bio-pollution. Over 2,500 people die each year from asthma, and the number of sufferers is growing. Millions more suffer from allergen related symptoms including: headaches, running eyes, sore throats, itching and nausea.
If you or a member of your family has allergies or asthma, you already know that many things can bring on, or “trigger”, an asthma flare or episode.
Some things that most people would associate with allergy attacks - like smoking, traffic pollution, dust etc - are often not the cause of the attack.
The most common cause of allergy attacks is an allergen found in the House Dust Mite. This is the biggest cause of asthma in both the home and the workplace!
When children play and crawl on the floor, they can breathe in allergens. Keep carpets, furniture and curtains as clean and dust free as possible and all soft furnishings should be professionally cleaned on a regular basis.
Cleaning frequency is based on the number of people in the home, the number of pets, smokers and the amount of outside dust and pollution.
The use of a low quality vacuum cleaner can throw into the air some of the allergens trapped in your ‘filters’ - your carpets and upholstery. Use a vacuum that has a HEPA (99.7% efficient) filter and/or exhaust filter; or use a special bag that holds allergens inside the bag.
Vacuum at least once a week and more often if the weather conditions or activity within the home results in a lot of dirt. Empty the bag when it’s half full (or throw it away if it’s disposable).
An upright vacuum or a canister with a powered head is best for carpet. A canister vacuum without a powered nozzle is fine for cleaning upholstery, curtains, blinds and light dusting.
Carpets that have been damp or wet for more than 24 hours should be removed or professionally cleaned and restored as mould and germs thrive in these conditions.
Carpet Cleaning – Is it money well spent?
Many people think that carpet cleaning, above normal vacuuming, is not a necessary part of a household’s annual cleaning.
Carpet cleaning can help remove dust mite, pollens, pollution, dirt and animal dander, but can also make your house work easier.
Cleaning routines are made easier when carpets are cleaned professionally. Dirt, pollens, and dust mites that are removed from your carpets are no longer airborne and transferring to your furniture and upholstery.
Having your carpets cleaned professionally can be costly, but with a reputable, professional company your carpet will be healthy and look like new and come with a guarantee you can hold onto.
Cleaning your carpets yourself can save a lot of money – if you know what you are doing. However, be warned, if you do choose to do it yourself do a little research before getting started on chemicals and carpet cleaning machines, as it could result in damaged carpets.
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