03/07/2015
New studies reveal that carpets are actually an ally to allergy sufferers
A series of new studies1 reveal that carpets and upholstery actually help indoor air quality by acting like giant filters to absorb dirt, allergens and bacteria. Contrary to common belief, carpets, area rugs and soft furnishings can trap allergens resulting in fewer particles escaping into the air provided they are effectively cleaned. After vigorous testing it was found that Chem-Dry removes 98.1% of allergens from carpets and upholstery and when the cleaning process was combined with their sanitizer, Chem-Dry was also found to remove an average of 89% of airborne bacteria in the home. The specific common household allergens tested were cat and dog dander along with dust mite allergens.
The number of people with allergies and intolerance’s in Ireland is increasing. 470,000 people in Ireland have asthma and Ireland has the fourth highest prevalence of asthma in the world according to the Asthma Association of Ireland. 1 in every 10 adults and 1 in every 5 children suffer from asthma. 25% of the Irish population now suffers from some form of allergy and at least 10% of children and young adults have more than one allergic disorder. Every year, 1 in 10 people in Ireland experience the discomfort of hay fever and with the pollen count at an all time high in 2015; this is a critical time for asthma and allergy sufferers
For many parents of toddlers or young children, it may be easy to miss the signs of nasal allergies. These include runny and itchy nose, congestion, frequent sneezing, chronic cough, red, watery eyes, mouth breathing while sleeping, exhaustion due to poor sleep, dark rings under the eyes (allergic “shiners”) and symptoms that last longer than two weeks. Nasal allergies can actually be more than just a nuisance. The constant congestion can lead to frequent sinus and ear infections. If a child has too many ear infections, he or she might not be able to hear well which can lead to developmental delays.
Children are often allergic to the same things as adults, such as dust mites, pet dander and pollen. The key to treating allergies in children is pinpointing the trigger. Do the symptoms change at different times of the year or when out of day care for a few days or away from home or pets? Once you determine the cause, controlling your child’s environment can be very beneficial.
Top tips to help relieve children’s allergy symptoms are as follows:
1. Get rid of stuffed animals, or wash them regularly in hot water. Stuffed animals can be a haven for dust mites and other allergens.
2. Cover your child’s mattress with a dust mite-proof cover. Wash bedding every week in hot water with an extra rinse cycle.
3. Professionally clean carpets and heavy drapes. They trap dust and allergens and need to be cleaned to stay effective. Chem-Dry has been tested and proven to remove 98.1% of allergens from carpets and upholstery and 89% of airborne bacteria in the home.
4. Reduce your use of chemical cleaners with strong scents.
5. Don’t allow smoking in the house.
6. Keep pets out of your child’s bedroom or playroom.
7. Stay Hydrated. All that sneezing and blowing can leave a child parched. Keep a water bottle full and close to hand and encourage your children to keep sipping.
8. When itchy eyes are driving your kid crazy, try a cold compress, which may help reduce the itch and soreness.
9. Spice It Up. If your kids will eat spicy foods, a dish made with cayenne pepper, hot ginger, fenugreek, onions, or garlic may help thin mucus and clear nasal passages
10. Use Top Tissues. When kids’ allergies are at their peak, tender noses can get sore pretty fast. Look for tissues with lotion or aloe.
Founded in 1977, Chem-Dry is the world’s leading carpet and upholstery cleaning service with a network of more than 3500 units in 47 countries serving over 100,000 homes a day worldwide. Its green certified solution and proprietary hot carbonating extraction cleaning process provide a deeper clean, allow surfaces to dry faster and leave homes healthier. Chem-Dry has been ranked as the number one carpet cleaning franchise by Entrepreneur Magazine for 27 consecutive years and has been operating successfully in Ireland since 1989 serving both residential and commercial properties. For more information contact your local operator, www.chemdryprofessional.ie
Editors Notes:
1 The study was commissioned by Chem-Dry, the world’s leading carpet and upholstery cleaning service in a cross section of homes nationally and internationally.
Chem-Dry Professional provides carpet, upholstery and tile & grout cleaning services to the Dublin 1 to 12 postal areas. We provide cleaning of the highest quality with meticulous attention to detail and customer service.
