Divine Floor Cleaning

Follow the links for more information

http://www.epa.gov/iaq/asthma/dustmites.html

http://lancaster.unl.edu/pest/resources/DustMites311.shtml

The number one allergen in the home environment is dust mite fecal matter. It contains a protein Der p 1 that acts as a trigger to cause allergy symptoms.

For allergy suffers the bedroom is the primary source of dust mite exposure in the home. The bedroom provides the best conditions of warmth, humidity and food for their growth. They are present in mattresses, pillows, blankets, carpets, upholstered furniture, curtains, and similar fabrics.

Most of the mites in our homes are found in our beds (about 60 percent) with the next most populated area the carpets in the bedroom (20 percent) then upholstery (20 percent).

To effectively control dust mite allergens, the mattress needs to be regularly cleaned, about every six months for allergy suffers.

First be vacuumed, ideally with a truckmount so the exhaust is vented outside. If a truckmount is not available, then use a HEPA filter vacuum. After vacuuming, wet clean the top and sides of the mattress. Don’t over wet the fabric, as the customer will need to use the mattress that evening. At this point, a dust mite allergen neutralizer product should be sprayed on the surface.

However, an application of mitacide or pesticide is not recommended for allergy patients, as these materials are poisons and could cause discomfort. It would be best to use a plant-based treatment that doesn’t contain perfumes or VOCs to control the allergens in between hot water extraction cleaning.

Don’t forget the pillows! An old pillow can contain up to 20 percent of its weight in dust mites, their fecal matter and body parts. Every time your head hits the pillow, the pressure acts as a billow blowing the allergens into the bedroom. The pillows can be cleaned and treated with a dust mite-neutralizing product, but replacing the pillow every six months would be the best advice to give your customers.

Next, turn your attention to the carpet in the bedroom. Dust mites feed off the dead skin we shed and are towards the bottom of the food chain, breaking down organic matter.

Clean the carpets in the bedroom using the hot water extraction method. Because of chemical sensitivities, use cleaning agents that are free of perfumes, phosphates, builders, hydrocarbons and solvents for allergy suffers. Apply an anti-allergen neutralizing product to control the allergens between cleanings.

Additionally, clean the upholstery using an extraction method and also treat them with an anti-allergen post-spray.