Blog

Allergy Cleaning

I am passionate about the reasoning behind SleepHaven and the cleaning industry as my introduction to the world of allergens was very personal. My son James was diagnosed with severe eczema and asthma attributable to dust mites and other dust-related allergies when he was young. In an aide to assist James and determined not to rely on drugs I spent months and months finding out more and more about what allergic reaction is triggered by, and more importantly, how they can be prevented. This is how SleepHaven started and how I entered the world of Allergy Cleaning. 

Initially, I imported a mattress cleaning machine from Australia so I could treat his mattress, pillows, duvet, and carpet in relation to dust mites and the associated allergens. I was astounded by the difference it made to James’s breathing and the improvement in his skin, mum and dad were also grateful as we could now get a good nights sleep! James is now 16 and 6ft 2′ and grown out of his asthma but still has occasional problems with eczema to his hands.

REDUCING THE NUMBER OF DUST MITE ALLERGENS IN YOUR HOME

Dust mites thrive in the warm, humid conditions found in modern houses. Improvements in the way homes are insulated, including double glazing, have reduced air circulation and ventilation. This has made our homes a good environment for house dust mites to thrive. This is why Allergy Cleaning is so important.

Dust mites are present in homes regardless of cleanliness. In fact, a dusty house may be relatively free of mites if the atmosphere is not conducive to their habitation; in other words, if it is not warm enough or moist enough for them to live.

Dust mites need high humidity levels because they do not drink, but absorb water from the air. When the relative humidity falls below 50 percent, the mites gradually dry out and are killed. This is why humid conditions suit the dust mite so well.

The allergen that triggers the immune system and causes allergic problems is found mainly in the faeces of the house dust mites. These droppings are very dry, they fragment easily and the fine particles disperse into the air.

Unfortunately, it is impossible to keep your home permanently clear of the mites and their droppings. However, the following will help to reduce their number greatly, which will ease any allergic symptoms.

• Use dust-tight (mite proof) covers for mattresses, duvets, and pillows. These can be left in place for several months. The usual covers and cases can be put on top of the special covers, but should be washed every 1-2 weeks at 60°C. However, on their own, such covers are not likely to be effective.

Professional Mattress Cleaning is recommended every 12 months. If you’re an allergy sufferer then we recommend every 6 months. See our Mattress Cleaning Video below to find out more!

• Wet-dust furniture every week.

• Vacuum your carpets, upholstery and mattresses regularly. Use a vacuum cleaner with a good HEPA filter (this prevents small particles from coming out through the vacuum exhaust). Domestic steam carpet cleaners have little effect on dust mite populations and resulting allergens. However, professional deep cleaning can kill the mites and stop the droppings from causing allergic problems.

• Regularly ventilate the bedroom (open the door and a window for a while on most days).

• Keep soft toys to a minimum. Put them in the freezer, in a plastic bag, for 24 hours now and again. This kills any mites on them. If the toys are washable, wash them at 60°C after putting them in the freezer.

• Try to keep humidity low (for example, do not dry your washing on the radiators).

• Let bedding air after use (that is, fold back duvet or blankets to allow sheets to air, and sweat to evaporate).

If you’re interested in Allergy Cleaning or any of our cleaning services you can visit our YouTube Channel for further tips and advice.

Share this post